How much does decking cost in Sydney?
Decking in Sydney costs $205–$400/sqm for treated pine, $345–$630/sqm for merbau hardwood, and $320–$630/sqm for composite decking (all supply and installation). A medium 25 sqm deck costs $9,200–$18,400 depending on the material and complexity.
Detailed Pricing — Sydney 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treated pine deck (per sqm) | $205/sqm | $300 | $400 |
| Hardwood deck — merbau (per sqm) | $345/sqm | $485 | $630 |
| Hardwood deck — spotted gum (per sqm) | $400/sqm | $550 | $690 |
| Composite deck (per sqm) | $320/sqm | $460 | $630 |
| Small deck (15 sqm, hardwood) | $5,750total | $8,600 | $11,500 |
| Medium deck (25 sqm, hardwood) | $9,200total | $13,800 | $18,400 |
| Large deck (40 sqm, hardwood) | $14,950total | $21,850 | $29,900 |
| Deck steps (per step) | $170/step | $290 | $460 |
| Deck balustrade / railing (per lm) | $140/lm | $230 | $400 |
| Deck sanding + oiling (per sqm) | $29/sqm | $46 | $69 |
| Old deck demolition + removal | $23/sqm | $40 | $63 |
| Pergola over deck (basic) | $5,750total | $9,200 | $17,250 |
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Get Sydney quotes →Prices include GST. Based on Sydney metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Sydney’s Decking Market in 2026
Sydney’s outdoor living culture drives one of the busiest decking markets in Australia. From alfresco entertaining areas in the Inner West to pool surrounds across the North Shore and Sutherland Shire, timber and composite decking is a staple of Sydney home improvement. The city’s humid subtropical climate, strong UV, and termite pressure all influence material choice — and Sydney homeowners pay a premium compared to most other Australian cities, with labour rates typically 10–15% above the national average.
The biggest shift in Sydney’s decking market over the past few years is the move toward local hardwoods — particularly spotted gum and blackbutt. These NSW-native species are naturally durable (Class 1 above ground), termite-resistant, and often $50–$100/sqm cheaper than imported merbau because they’re sourced from local mills. Spotted gum in particular has become Sydney’s most popular premium decking timber, with its distinctive grain and warm colour that weathers to a silver-grey if left unoiled.
Composite decking (brands like NewTechWood, Modwood, and CleverDeck) continues to gain market share in Sydney, now accounting for roughly 30–40% of new deck builds. The higher upfront cost ($320–$630/sqm vs $205–$400 for treated pine) is offset by zero maintenance — no annual oiling, no sanding, no staining. For busy Sydney households, the lifetime cost calculation increasingly favours composite.
Council regulations vary across Sydney’s 33 councils. Most require a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Development Application (DA) for decks over 600mm above natural ground level, and heritage overlay areas in the Inner West, North Shore, and Eastern Suburbs may restrict visible structures. Always check with your local council before building.
We’ve compiled pricing from Sydney deck builders, timber suppliers, and trade databases to give you the most accurate picture of decking costs in Sydney for 2026.
How Decking Costs Vary Across Sydney
Eastern Suburbs & Inner City
Typical cost: $280–$650/sqm installed
Bondi, Randwick, Coogee, Paddington, Surry Hills. Premium labour rates and tight site access push costs 15–20% above the Sydney average. Terrace house backyards in Paddington and Surry Hills have narrow rear access — materials often need to be hand-carried through the house, adding $500–$1,500 to the job. Pool decking is common in the Eastern Suburbs, requiring slip-resistant profiles and drainage consideration. Heritage Conservation Areas restrict visible structures — check before building anything visible from the street.
Inner West
Typical cost: $250–$600/sqm installed
Marrickville, Newtown, Balmain, Leichhardt, Dulwich Hill. The Inner West deck market is dominated by rear courtyard and backyard entertaining areas in Victorian and Federation-era terraces. Access is the main cost driver — many properties have no rear lane access, and materials must be delivered through or over the house. Balmain and Rozelle’s steep streets and sandstone-block lots can complicate subframe engineering. Strong heritage controls across the Inner West Council area apply to many properties.
Northern Beaches & North Shore
Typical cost: $260–$640/sqm installed
Manly, Dee Why, Mosman, Neutral Bay, Pymble. Coastal properties on the Northern Beaches need to account for salt air corrosion of metal fixings — stainless steel fasteners are essential within 1km of the coast and add 10–15% to fixing costs. Many North Shore and Beaches properties sit on steep, bush-adjoining blocks requiring elevated decks with substantial substructure (engineered posts, bracing, concrete piers). Bushfire-prone areas around Ku-ring-gai and Pittwater require BAL-rated materials.
Sutherland Shire & South Sydney
Typical cost: $230–$580/sqm installed
Cronulla, Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine, Hurstville. Popular for pool decking and alfresco areas. Parts of the Shire (Engadine, Heathcote, Bundeena) fall within bushfire-prone zones requiring BAL-rated decking. Sandy soils in coastal Shire areas provide good drainage but may need deeper concrete piers for elevated decks. Generally 5–10% more affordable than the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs due to better access and flatter blocks.
Western & South-Western Sydney
Typical cost: $205–$520/sqm installed
Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden. The most affordable area for decking in Greater Sydney. Predominantly newer homes on flat blocks with good rear access — ideal conditions for a straightforward build. Treated pine is the most popular choice in new estates where budgets are tighter. Western Sydney’s hotter summers (regularly 5–8°C warmer than the coast) make shade structures and pergola integration with decking increasingly popular. Competition among builders keeps rates below the metro average.
What You’ll Actually Pay — Common Sydney Decking Jobs
Here’s what typical decking jobs cost all-in across Sydney in 2026, including materials, labour, subframe, and council fees where applicable.
Ground-level entertaining deck — spotted gum, 20 sqm
$8,000–$14,000 total
The most popular deck build in Sydney’s middle-ring suburbs. Spotted gum decking boards ($280–$450/sqm supply and install), hardwood subframe on concrete piers, and basic finishing (sanding and two coats of decking oil). Ground-level decks (under 600mm) usually don’t need council approval. Spotted gum is naturally Class 1 durable and termite-resistant — it’s sourced from NSW mills and typically $50–$100/sqm cheaper than imported merbau in Sydney. Allow 3–5 days for construction.
Elevated deck with stairs and balustrade — hardwood, 25 sqm
$15,000–$28,000 total
Common on sloping blocks across the North Shore, Sutherland Shire, and Northern Beaches. Includes engineered substructure with steel posts or substantial timber posts set in concrete piers ($3,000–$6,000), hardwood decking ($8,000–$14,000), stairs ($170–$460 per step), and code-compliant balustrades ($120–$350/lm). Decks over 1m above ground require engineering certification and a CDC or DA from your Sydney council. Stainless steel fixings are essential for coastal properties. Allow 1–2 weeks for construction.
Pool surround deck — composite, 30 sqm
$12,000–$22,000 total
Pool decking is one of Sydney’s most common deck jobs. Composite decking ($320–$630/sqm) is ideal around pools — it won’t splinter, doesn’t need oiling, handles chlorine splash without damage, and brands like Modwood and NewTechWood offer slip-resistant profiles specifically designed for pool surrounds. The subframe needs to be aluminium or treated to handle constant moisture exposure. Drainage away from the pool and house is critical — your builder should ensure a slight fall on the deck surface. Fencing compliance around the pool is a separate requirement.
Budget courtyard deck — treated pine, 12 sqm
$3,500–$6,000 total
A practical entry-level option popular in Inner West terraces and apartments with small courtyards. H3-treated pine ($205–$400/sqm) on a simple subframe. Pine is the cheapest timber option but requires oiling 1–2 times per year to prevent greying and surface cracking — skip the maintenance and you’ll be looking at replacement within 10–12 years rather than the 15–20 year potential. In Sydney’s humid climate, ensure adequate ventilation under the deck to prevent moisture buildup and termite risk. H3 treatment is the minimum for above-ground use; H4 is required for any in-ground contact.
Deck restoration — sand, oil, and repair
$1,500–$4,500 total
Sydney’s UV and humidity degrade deck finishes faster than drier climates. A professional restoration includes sanding back to bare timber (removing grey weathering and old oil), replacing any damaged or split boards, tightening fixings, and applying 2–3 coats of quality decking oil. For a typical 20 sqm hardwood deck: sanding ($20–$40/sqm), board replacements ($50–$150 per board), and oiling ($29–$69/sqm). Most Sydney hardwood decks need a full restoration every 3–5 years if you want to maintain the original timber colour. If you’re happy with a silver-grey patina, an annual clean and light oil is sufficient.
What Affects Decking Costs in Sydney
Timber type
Treated pine ($205–$400/sqm in Sydney) is cheapest but needs regular oiling. Merbau ($345–$630/sqm) and spotted gum are premium hardwoods. Composite ($320–$630/sqm) is low-maintenance.
Deck size
A small 15 sqm deck in Sydney costs $5,750–$11,500. Medium 25 sqm is $9,200–$18,400. Large 40 sqm decks run $14,950–$29,900. Larger decks get slightly better per-sqm rates.
Height & subframe
Ground-level decks in Sydney are simplest. Elevated decks (over 1m) need substantial substructure, posts, and often engineering — increasing costs significantly.
Steps & balustrades
Steps cost $170–$460 per step in Sydney. Balustrades/railings add $120–$350/lm. These are required by code for any deck over 1m above ground.
Site access & slope
A flat, accessible Sydney 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 $29–$69/sqm in Sydney). Composite decking needs almost no maintenance — a hose-down is usually sufficient.
How to Save Money on Decking in Sydney
Frequently Asked Questions
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 price guides are produced independently. Pricing is compiled from public quotes, industry rate guides, and marketplace data, and no tradesperson can influence a published figure. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed July 2026. Read our full methodology →