How much does decking cost in Melbourne?
A new deck in Melbourne is quoted by the square metre, built: treated pine runs $190–$370, merbau $315–$580, spotted gum $370–$630 and composite boards $295–$735. For a typical 25 square metre hardwood deck, the total lands around $12,600. Melbourne has more terraces, townhouses and flats than the country as a whole, with separate houses at 67.8% of dwellings against a national 72.3% (ABS 2021 Census). Decking a terrace courtyard uses less timber than a wide backyard, but access is tighter and the set-up costs do not shrink.
Comparing cities, or after the Australia-wide picture? See the national guide: Decking cost in Australia.
Detailed Pricing — Decking Cost in 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 | $580 | $735 |
| 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) | $190/step | $315 | $420 |
| Deck balustrade / railing (per lm) | $160/lm | $295 | $470 |
| Deck sanding + oiling (per sqm) | $26/sqm | $42 | $63 |
| Old deck demolition + removal | $21/sqm | $37 | $58 |
| Pergola over deck (basic timber or aluminium, about 4 x 4 m to 4 x 6 m) | $5,250total | $8,400 | $15,750 |
| Deck stairs (per flight, installed) | $1,050installed | $2,100 | $4,725 |
| Elevated / high-set deck surcharge (per sqm) | $52/sqm | $105 | $190 |
| Deck re-oil only (clean + 2 coats, no sanding, per sqm) | $16/sqm | $32 | $47 |
| Hardwood deck — blackbutt (per sqm) | $345/sqm | $470 | $650 |
| Composite deck — premium capped / solid-core, Trex class (per sqm) | $470/sqm | $600 | $945 |
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Get Melbourne quotes →Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, October 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Melbourne's Decking Market in 2026
Melbourne's decking market is the second largest in Australia after Sydney, driven by the city's strong renovation culture and the fact that a well-built deck is one of the few outdoor additions that delivers year-round value in Melbourne's variable climate. The key decisions in Melbourne — timber species, composite trade-offs, and weather protection — are shaped by conditions unique to this city.
Melbourne's four-seasons reality demands durability. Unlike Brisbane (where moisture is the main enemy) or Perth (where heat dominates), Melbourne throws everything at your deck: summer UV exceeding 35°C, winter frosts, heavy rain, and rapid temperature changes that cause timber to expand and contract more aggressively than in stable climates. Softwoods like treated pine deteriorate noticeably faster in Melbourne than in drier capitals — expect 8–12 years from treated pine here versus 12–15 in Perth. Hardwoods (spotted gum, blackbutt, merbau) and premium composites are the better long-term investments in Melbourne, where the climate tests every material relentlessly.
Merbau is the Melbourne default — but that's changing. For two decades, merbau has been the go-to decking timber in Melbourne, valued for its rich colour, natural oil content, and competitive pricing. But supply constraints from Indonesian export restrictions and growing environmental concerns have pushed merbau prices up 30% since 2020, closing the gap with Australian hardwoods. Spotted gum and blackbutt are now price-competitive with merbau in Melbourne at $370–$630/sqm installed, against $315–$580 for merbau, and many builders are actively steering clients toward these domestic options. The practical differences are minimal — spotted gum is slightly harder and more stable than merbau, while merbau has a warmer natural colour that many Melbourne homeowners prefer.
Composites are gaining ground fast. Melbourne's growing acceptance of composite decking (brands like Trex, ModWood, and NewTechWood) is driven by the low-maintenance appeal — no annual oiling, no splinters, no greying. In a city where weekends are precious and winter weather makes deck maintenance unpleasant, the set-and-forget value proposition is strong. Composites run $295–$735/sqm installed in Melbourne, versus $315–$580 for merbau hardwood. The 25-year warranties on premium composites make the maths work out close to even when you factor in Melbourne's aggressive 12–18 month hardwood maintenance cycle. The main downside remains heat — dark composites in full sun get uncomfortably hot, though Melbourne's cooler climate makes this less of an issue than in Perth or Brisbane.
Planning permits for elevated decks. In Melbourne every deck needs a building permit, and a deck more than 800mm above natural ground level can also need a planning permit, for example on a residential lot under 300 sq m or a lot with more than one dwelling. Given the sloping blocks common in Melbourne's eastern and bayside suburbs, many decks hit this threshold. The permit process adds $1,500–$3,000 in engineering and application fees and 6–12 weeks to the timeline. Your builder should identify early whether a permit is needed — this is a fundamental project question, not an afterthought. Decks under 800mm on a standard residential lot usually don't need a planning permit unless an overlay applies, but they still need a building permit.
How Decking Costs Vary Across Melbourne
Bayside (Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton, Black Rock): Melbourne's premium decking market. Large period homes with established gardens, often on sloping blocks falling toward the bay. Elevated decks with views are the signature build here, running $400–$600/sqm for hardwood with a quality balustrade. Engineering costs are higher due to the structural requirements of elevated designs, and a building permit is always required, with a planning permit also needed where the property has certain overlays, such as a Heritage Overlay. Salt air in these bayside suburbs means marine-grade stainless fixings are recommended within 1km of the coast. The payoff: a well-executed deck in Brighton or Sandringham adds substantial value to already premium property.
Inner north and east (Fitzroy, Richmond, Hawthorn, Kew): Tight blocks and heritage overlays define this market. Many inner-city terraces have tiny rear yards where a small deck (10–15sqm) maximises the usable outdoor space. These compact jobs have a higher per-sqm cost ($350–$500) because the setup and access time is similar to a larger job but spread over fewer square metres. Heritage overlays in Fitzroy and Richmond may restrict visible materials and finishes — check with your local council before committing to a design.
Middle suburbs (Preston, Coburg, Footscray, Box Hill, Nunawading): Melbourne's decking sweet spot. The 1960s–1980s brick veneer homes on standard 600sqm blocks offer good access, flat or gentle slopes, and ample backyard space for generous deck designs. Standard pricing of $315–$380/sqm for hardwood or $350–$450 for composite. The middle suburbs benefit from the highest concentration of deck builders in Melbourne, driving competitive pricing through genuine market competition.
Outer suburbs (Werribee, Tarneit, Craigieburn, Pakenham): Newer homes on flat blocks with good access and modern alfresco areas. Many outer-suburb homes already have builder-grade concrete or paved outdoor areas that homeowners upgrade with timber or composite decking overlays. Overlay builds on existing concrete cost less than a full build — one of the most cost-effective decking options in Melbourne. Full ground-up builds run $220–$340/sqm, benefiting from easy access and minimal site preparation. These suburbs also see strong demand for pergola-and-deck combination builds for an integrated outdoor living space.
What Affects Decking Costs in Melbourne
Boards for a mild climate
Treated pine costs least, typically $275 a square metre, against $440 for merbau, $470 for blackbutt and $505 for spotted gum. Standard composite is $580, and a premium capped board $600. Melbourne's mild temperate climate (NCC zone 6) suits all of them, so upkeep decides.
Bigger deck, better rate
A 40 square metre hardwood deck typically costs $19,950, against $7,900 for 15 square metres: the area grows by a bigger multiple than the price does. Delivery, set-out and the step down to the yard cost much the same at any size, so a small courtyard deck carries more of that overhead on every board.
Permits and the front setback
Schedule 3 of the state's Building Regulations sets out what is exempt from a building permit; a pergola up to 20 square metres and 3.6 m high appears there and a deck does not, so ask a registered building surveyor whether yours needs a permit before work starts. Decks, steps and landings under 800 mm high may reach up to 2.5 m into the front setback; beyond that, council's report and consent is needed. Unroofed decks are left out of the site-coverage count.
Height, stairs and railings
A deck floor that stands over a metre off the ground must have a balustrade, priced at $160–$470 a lineal metre, and a raised deck carries a surcharge of $52–$190 per square metre to cover taller posts and bracing. Each single step costs $190–$420, and a whole staircase $1,050–$4,725.
Rain in every month
Melbourne's rain is spread through the year: each month at the Regional Office averages between 46.8 mm in January and 66.0 mm in October, and summer highs peak at 25.9 °C in January and February (BOM averages). Timber dries slowly in the cool months, so a low courtyard deck needs airflow underneath to stop the joists staying damp.
Who can build it
Victorian builder registration includes a structural landscaping class that covers decks, and registration becomes compulsory above $10,000 of work. A typical medium hardwood deck at $12,600 is past that line. Past $20,000, a domestic job also needs Home Warranty cover, which your builder arranges in your name after the major contract is signed.
Oiling, and clearing the old deck
Timber needs a fresh coat to stay sound: a clean plus two coats, skipping the sander, costs $16–$47 a square metre, while sanding back and oiling costs $26–$63. Composite needs a wash instead. Removing a worn-out deck and its rubbish before the rebuild adds $21–$58 a square metre.
How to Save Money on Decking Cost in Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions — Decking Cost in Melbourne
Our Methodology
These are independent estimates from public cost guides, marketplaces and industry rate data, and no tradesperson can influence them, so always get a few quotes. Last reviewed October 2026. Read our full methodology →