How much does decking cost in Melbourne?

Detailed Pricing — Melbourne 2026

Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 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 $280–$370/sqm installed, 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 $350–$500/sqm installed in Melbourne, versus $280–$400 for 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. Melbourne's planning regulations require a permit for decks that are more than 800mm above natural ground level. 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 typically fall under exempt development and don't need a 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 planning permits are almost always required. 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 $260–$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 start at $140–$200/sqm — 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, which run $15,000–$30,000 for an integrated outdoor living space.

What Affects Decking Costs in Melbourne

How to Save Money on Decking in Melbourne

Frequently Asked Questions