Pool Decking Cost in Perth

By the WTD team · Updated June 2026

Pool decking in Perth sits in the same $295–$580/m² band as a standard deck, but poolside brings extra costs the base rate doesn't cover — non-slip boards, compliant fencing, coping and drainage. Here's what a deck around a Perth pool really adds up to.

Perth's climate practically demands a pool, and a deck is what turns the pool area from a wet slab into an outdoor room. But building next to water changes the brief. The boards have to stay grippy when splashed, the structure has to shrug off chlorine and salt, and the whole thing has to fit inside pool-safety rules that don't apply to a normal deck. Those requirements shape both the material choice and the final cost.

What pool decking costs

The per-metre band is the same as any Perth deck — GST included, re-verified against 90+ sources — but poolside decks tend to land toward the middle-to-upper end once the extras below are added.

Why composite dominates around pools

Composite has become the default poolside choice in Perth, and the reasons are practical. It doesn't splinter, so bare feet and kids are safe. It won't rot or warp from constant splashing. Textured, capped boards hold grip when wet. And it shrugs off both chlorine and the salt from a saltwater system without the yearly oiling a timber deck near water would demand. Hardwood still looks superb around a pool, but it greys faster in the constant moisture and asks for more upkeep. If low maintenance in a wet zone is the priority, composite usually earns its place.

The poolside extras that add to the bill

Pool fencing and compliance. This is the big one. Any deck around a pool has to work with WA's pool barrier rules — the fence height, the non-climbable zone, gate self-closing and latching all have to be right, and a deck that changes ground levels can affect compliance. Getting this designed in from the start avoids expensive rework later. Budget for compliant fencing and, if levels change, a barrier inspection.

Non-slip and gap spacing. Poolside boards need adequate gaps for drainage and a surface that stays grippy wet. That can mean specifying a particular board profile or finish, which nudges the material cost.

Coping and the pool edge. Where the deck meets the pool shell, you need coping or a capped edge detail — a separate line item that a plain deck doesn't have.

Drainage and the subframe. Water pooling under a poolside deck is a rot and mosquito problem, so drainage and airflow under the boards matter more here than anywhere. A well-detailed subframe that sheds water is worth paying for.

A realistic poolside budget

Take the per-m² rate for your chosen board, apply it to the deck area, then add the poolside items on top: compliant fencing, coping, and any barrier or drainage works. For a modest wrap around a plunge pool you might stay in the low-to-mid five figures; a full entertaining deck around a larger pool with premium composite, screening and lighting climbs from there. As always, leave a 15–20% buffer — pool surrounds tend to surface site quirks once work starts.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best decking material for around a pool in Perth?

Composite is the most popular poolside choice — it doesn't splinter, resists chlorine and salt, stays grippy when wet with textured boards, and needs almost no maintenance. Hardwood looks great but greys faster and needs more upkeep near constant moisture.

How much does pool decking cost per m² in Perth?

The same base band as any deck — $295–$580/m² for composite, $315–$580/m² for merbau — but poolside builds usually land mid-to-upper range once fencing, coping and drainage are added.

Does a pool deck need to meet fencing rules in WA?

Yes. A deck around a pool has to work with WA's pool barrier requirements — fence height, non-climbable zones and self-closing gates. Changing ground levels can affect compliance, so design the barrier in from the start.

Is composite too hot for a pool deck in Perth?

Darker composite can get hot in full sun, but wet feet and lighter, textured poolside boards mitigate it. Choose a light colour if the deck bakes in afternoon sun, and shade helps considerably.