How much does decking cost in Townsville?
Decking in Townsville costs $195–$380/sqm for treated pine, $325–$595/sqm for merbau hardwood, and $300–$595/sqm for composite decking (all supply and installation). A medium 25 sqm deck costs $8,650–$17,300 depending on the material and complexity.
Common decking jobs in Townsville include: Hardwood deck — merbau (per sqm): $325–$595 /sqm · Hardwood deck — spotted gum (per sqm): $380–$650 /sqm · Composite deck (per sqm): $300–$595 /sqm. All prices include GST and are based on Townsville metro rates, March 2026.
Prices vary by up to 30% depending on job complexity, your suburb within Townsville, and the tradie's experience. Always get at least 3 quotes — compare free Townsville quotes here.
Detailed Pricing — Townsville 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treated pine deck (per sqm) | $195/sqm | $280 | $380 |
| Hardwood deck — merbau (per sqm) | $325/sqm | $455 | $595 |
| Hardwood deck — spotted gum (per sqm) | $380/sqm | $520 | $650 |
| Composite deck (per sqm) | $300/sqm | $430 | $595 |
| Small deck (15 sqm, hardwood) | $5,400total | $8,100 | $10,800 |
| Medium deck (25 sqm, hardwood) | $8,650total | $12,950 | $17,300 |
| Large deck (40 sqm, hardwood) | $14,050total | $20,500 | $28,100 |
| Deck steps (per step) | $160/step | $270 | $430 |
| Deck balustrade / railing (per lm) | $130/lm | $215 | $380 |
| Deck sanding + oiling (per sqm) | $27/sqm | $43 | $65 |
| Old deck demolition + removal | $22/sqm | $38 | $59 |
| Pergola over deck (basic) | $5,400total | $8,650 | $16,200 |
Prices include GST. Based on Townsville metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What Affects Decking Costs in Townsville
Timber type
Treated pine ($195–$380/sqm in Townsville) is cheapest but needs regular oiling. Merbau ($325–$595/sqm) and spotted gum are premium hardwoods. Composite ($300–$595/sqm) is low-maintenance.
Deck size
A small 15 sqm deck in Townsville costs $5,400–$10,800. Medium 25 sqm is $8,650–$17,300. Large 40 sqm decks run $14,050–$28,100. Larger decks get slightly better per-sqm rates.
Height & subframe
Ground-level decks in Townsville are simplest. Elevated decks (over 1m) need substantial substructure, posts, and often engineering — increasing costs significantly.
Steps & balustrades
Steps cost $160–$430 per step in Townsville. Balustrades/railings add $120–$350/lm. These are required by code for any deck over 1m above ground.
Site access & slope
A flat, accessible Townsville 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 $27–$65/sqm in Townsville). Composite decking needs almost no maintenance — a hose-down is usually sufficient.
How to Save Money on Decking in Townsville
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), 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 financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed March 2026. Read our full methodology →