Who doesn’t love relaxing and unwinding on an outdoor deck? Enjoying the outdoors is something many of us aspire to, and if you have thought about building a deck to add some extra outdoor space to your home or property, it might not be as costly as you think.

Whether you are considering building a deck or you aren’t handy and need to call in an expert, a quality deck made from treated pine can help to add much-needed entertaining space, as well as add significant value to your home.

How much does a deck cost?

The cost of a deck will vary based on the size and also the materials used. However, if you are after a rough average, we’ve put together the basic information so you can get an idea of what you might need to put aside for your decking project.

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 for your deck. Some decks can lean toward the higher end of the scale – around $5,000 to $7,000.

The cost of the deck will start to increase when you factor in the materials. For instance, basic treated pine decking starting from approximately $200 per square metre; hardwood timber starting around $320 per square metre; and composite decking starting from $350+ per square metre.

Types of decking materials

One of the hardest decisions to make when you are planning to create a deck is choosing what material to use.

While there are some basic treated pine products on the market that are fairly inexpensive, if you delve into the world of high-end decking materials, you could wind up spending close to $1000 per square metre – which could blow out your decking costs considerably.

While the starting point for decking material might be pine, it doesn’t mean this material is inferior. Treated pine is super hardy and can be stained and painted to suit your style and taste.

One the other hand, hardwood decking is in the middle of the range material-wise. You can choose from a range of species based on your specific choice and what flooring you have throughout the rest of the property.

Finally, the big cheese of the decking material is composite decking, which is made to look like timber but is created in a wide range of colours and styles. The big plus with composite decking is that it doesn’t need the upkeep like timber and treated pine requires and the material is made from a unique mix of timber and plastic – creating a super strong and durable material.

If you don’t know which timber decking to choose, ask your local timber provider about each specific timber and their ability to withstand the elements.

Timber species such as Blackbutt, Merbau, Ironbark, Jarrah and Spotted Gum are great for decks as they are suitable for outdoor use. Each of the materials are super hardy and work to provide a great decking material that will stand the test of time.

What does Merbau decking cost per square metre?

Merbau decking is a great choice for decking your home, thanks to its rich colour and wide range of uses.

A popular choice for homes and properties that are prone to bushfires, this fabulous decking material does not catch fire easily and is super strong.

You can expect to pay around the $300 to $350 per square metre for Merbau decking, making it one of the more expensive timbers for its type. The bonus of Merbau decking is its durable material that is not just used for decking projects, but for outdoor furniture as well.

No matter what material you choose, from treated pine right through to composite decking products, there is a product for every price point and budget.

Creating your own unique deck is a fantastic way to add more value to your property. Your local decking specialist can provide a wide range of options for materials and styles to suit your needs and budget.