Updated April 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Most decking in Melbourne costs $5,250–$16,800
for a standard 15–25 sqm deck
A small 15 sqm hardwood deck in Melbourne costs $5,250–$10,500. A medium 25 sqm deck runs $8,400–$16,800. Per-sqm rates range from $190/sqm for treated pine to $580/sqm for composite.
+2.7%Decking costs in Melbourne have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Decking Cost in Melbourne
$126
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$63–$158
Emergency Rate
$263–$735
Common Job
$158–$420
Budget $84/hrAverage $126/hrPremium $210/hr
Decking in Melbourne costs $190–$370/sqm for treated pine, $315–$580/sqm for merbau hardwood, and $295–$580/sqm for composite decking (all supply and installation). A medium 25 sqm deck costs $8,400–$16,800 depending on the material and complexity.
Quick answerDecking in Melbourne costs $190–$370 /sqm, with most averaging $275 /sqm. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Melbourne quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Melbourne 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Treated pine deck (per sqm)
$190/sqm
$275
$370
Hardwood deck — merbau (per sqm)
$315/sqm
$440
$580
Hardwood deck — spotted gum (per sqm)
$370/sqm
$505
$630
Composite deck (per sqm)
$295/sqm
$420
$580
Small deck (15 sqm, hardwood)
$5,250total
$7,900
$10,500
Medium deck (25 sqm, hardwood)
$8,400total
$12,600
$16,800
Large deck (40 sqm, hardwood)
$13,650total
$19,950
$27,300
Deck steps (per step)
$160/step
$260
$420
Deck balustrade / railing (per lm)
$125/lm
$210
$370
Deck sanding + oiling (per sqm)
$26/sqm
$42
$63
Old deck demolition + removal
$21/sqm
$37
$58
Pergola over deck (basic)
$5,250total
$8,400
$15,750
Getting quotes for decking work in Melbourne? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
Treated pine ($190–$370/sqm in Melbourne) is cheapest but needs regular oiling. Merbau ($315–$580/sqm) and spotted gum are premium hardwoods. Composite ($295–$580/sqm) is low-maintenance.
Deck size
A small 15 sqm deck in Melbourne costs $5,250–$10,500. Medium 25 sqm is $8,400–$16,800. Large 40 sqm decks run $13,650–$27,300. Larger decks get slightly better per-sqm rates.
Height & subframe
Ground-level decks in Melbourne are simplest. Elevated decks (over 1m) need substantial substructure, posts, and often engineering — increasing costs significantly.
Steps & balustrades
Steps cost $160–$420 per step in Melbourne. Balustrades/railings add $120–$350/lm. These are required by code for any deck over 1m above ground.
Site access & slope
A flat, accessible Melbourne backyard is cheapest. Sloping sites, difficult access, or existing structures to build around all increase labour time and cost.
Maintenance requirements
Hardwood decks need oiling 1–2 times per year (DIY $50–$100, professional $26–$63/sqm in Melbourne). Composite decking needs almost no maintenance — a hose-down is usually sufficient.
How to Save Money on Decking in Melbourne
1
Get quotes from licensed Melbourne deck builders — make sure each quote includes the same timber species and subframe specifications
2
Consider composite decking if low maintenance is a priority — it costs similar to hardwood upfront but saves on annual oiling
3
Check your Melbourne council for permit requirements — decks over a certain height or size may need a building permit
4
Ask about the subframe — a quality subframe (often the biggest cost component) determines how long the deck lasts
5
Factor in ongoing maintenance costs — a hardwood deck in Melbourne costs $200–$500/year to maintain; composite costs almost nothing
6
Ask about drainage under the deck and how the structure connects to your house — waterproofing the connection point is critical
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does decking cost per sqm in Melbourne?
Decking in Melbourne costs $190–$370/sqm for treated pine, $315–$580/sqm for merbau hardwood, and $295–$580/sqm for composite — all supply and installation including subframe.
How much does a 20 sqm deck cost in Melbourne?
A 20 sqm deck in Melbourne costs approximately $5,500–$11,000 depending on timber type, site conditions, and whether steps or balustrades are needed.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
Composite decking ($295–$580/sqm in Melbourne) costs slightly more than merbau but requires virtually no maintenance. Over 10 years, it's often cheaper than hardwood when you factor in oiling costs.
Do I need a permit for a deck?
In most Melbourne councils, decks under a certain height (usually 500mm–1m) and size don't need a permit. Higher or larger decks typically require a building permit. Always check with your local council before starting.
How long does a timber deck last?
Treated pine decks last 15–20 years with regular maintenance. Hardwood (merbau, spotted gum) lasts 25–40+ years. Composite decking lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance.
How long does it take to build a deck in Melbourne?
A standard deck (15–25 sqm) in Melbourne takes 3–7 days to build. Larger or more complex decks with pergolas, steps, and balustrades can take 2–3 weeks.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed April 2026. Read our full methodology →
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