A new deck is one of the best investments you can make in your Melbourne home. It extends your living space outdoors, adds genuine value to your property, and transforms how you use your backyard every single day. But before you commit, you need to know what it's actually going to cost.
This guide breaks down decking costs in Melbourne for 2026 — by material type, by size, and by the factors that push the price up or down. These are real numbers from real projects we've completed across Melbourne's western suburbs.
A quality deck adds more usable living space to your home than almost any other outdoor investment — and it starts delivering value from day one.
Decking Cost by Material Type
The material you choose is the biggest driver of cost. Here's what you can expect to pay per square metre in Melbourne in 2026, fully installed:
Entry-level timber decking. Requires regular oiling and maintenance. Good for budget-conscious builds with a shorter lifespan.
Merbau, spotted gum or blackbutt. Beautiful natural look, long lasting when maintained. Melbourne's most popular deck material.
Zero maintenance, no warping, no splinters. Higher upfront cost but saves thousands in maintenance over its 25+ year lifespan.
Total Deck Cost by Size
To give you a realistic picture, here's what a complete deck costs for typical Melbourne homes:
| Deck Size | Treated Pine | Hardwood Timber | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (16m²) | $2,900–$4,000 | $4,500–$6,700 | $5,600–$8,800 |
| Medium (25m²) | $4,500–$6,250 | $7,000–$10,500 | $8,750–$13,750 |
| Large (40m²) | $7,200–$10,000 | $11,200–$16,800 | $14,000–$22,000 |
| Extra Large (60m²) | $10,800–$15,000 | $16,800–$25,200 | $21,000–$33,000 |
Hardwood Timber vs Composite — Which is Right for You?
This is the most common question we get asked when quoting decks. Both are excellent options — but they suit different lifestyles and budgets.
- Natural, warm aesthetic
- Lower upfront cost
- Increases with age when maintained
- Requires oiling every 1–2 years
- Can splinter if not maintained
- Subject to warping in extreme heat
- Lifespan 20–30 years with care
- Zero maintenance required
- No oiling, no sanding, no sealing
- Won't warp, splinter or rot
- Stays cool underfoot in summer
- Looks great for 25+ years
- Higher upfront cost
- Pays for itself in maintenance savings
Our recommendation for Melbourne's west: If you have a young family or don't want to think about maintenance, composite is the smarter long-term choice. If you love the natural timber look and don't mind annual oiling, hardwood merbau is beautiful and ages gracefully.
What Affects the Final Price?
Beyond the material and size, several factors affect your final quote:
- Height off ground — elevated decks require more structural framing and cost more
- Access — difficult site access increases labour time and cost
- Stairs — each stair flight adds $800–$2,000 depending on size
- Handrails and balustrades — required for decks over 1m high, adds $200–$500 per linear metre
- Council permits — decks over certain heights or sizes may require a building permit
- Subfloor condition — poor ground conditions or existing concrete may require additional work
- Pergola or shade structure — adding a pergola above your deck adds $5,000–$20,000+
⚠️ Do I need a building permit for my deck in Melbourne? In Victoria, decks over 800mm above ground generally require a building permit. Some councils have additional requirements. We handle all permit applications on your behalf — just ask us when getting your quote.
How Long Does a Deck Take to Build?
For a typical residential deck in Melbourne:
- Small deck (16–25m²) — 2 to 3 days
- Medium deck (25–40m²) — 3 to 5 days
- Large deck with pergola (40m²+) — 1 to 2 weeks
Weather plays a role — we don't install decking in the rain as it affects the finish. We'll schedule your build around the forecast and keep you updated throughout.
How to Get an Accurate Decking Quote
Online calculators can give you a rough ballpark, but the only way to get an accurate price is a site visit. Factors like ground slope, access, existing structures, and your council's permit requirements all affect the final cost.
When comparing quotes, make sure each builder specifies:
- The exact timber species or composite brand and grade
- Joist and bearer sizing and spacing
- Whether footings are included
- Stair and handrail inclusions
- Whether permits are included in the price
- What finishing or oiling is included
Get a Free Decking Quote Today
K&M Gardening & Landscaping builds hardwood and composite decks across Melbourne's western suburbs. Free site visits, detailed quotes, no obligation.
Get Your Free Quote →Why Choose K&M for Your Deck?
K&M Gardening & Landscaping is based in Wyndham Vale and has built decks across Point Cook, Tarneit, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and all of Melbourne's western suburbs. We use quality materials, solid structural framing, and take pride in clean, precise finishing.
We handle everything — design, permits, construction and final inspection. You deal with one team from start to finish. Call us on 0485 512 240 or submit an enquiry and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.