How much does a deck cost in Melbourne?
Installed, about $250–$370 per m² in treated pine, $350–$580 in merbau and $400–$630 in spotted gum in 2026. A low 20 m² merbau deck comes to roughly $7,920–$10,120, before balustrade, stairs and the building permit (about $1,500).
Price per m² and typical deck sizes
Supply and install on stumps, deck up to 600 mm off the ground, GST included. The size columns use the typical rate, plus or minus the usual quote spread.
| Material | Per m² | 12 m² | 20 m² | 30 m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treated pine | $250–$370 (typical $275) | $2,970–$3,790 | $4,950–$6,320 | $7,420–$9,490 |
| Merbau | $350–$580 (typical $440) | $4,750–$6,070 | $7,920–$10,120 | $11,880–$15,180 |
| Blackbutt | $345–$650 (typical $480) | $5,180–$6,620 | $8,640–$11,040 | $12,960–$16,560 |
| Spotted gum | $400–$630 (typical $505) | $5,450–$6,970 | $9,090–$11,620 | $13,640–$17,420 |
| Composite | $400–$700 (typical $470) | $5,080–$6,490 | $8,460–$10,810 | $12,690–$16,210 |
Extras
| Item | Melbourne 2026 guide |
|---|---|
| Higher deck, 0.6–1 m off the ground | +$50 per m² |
| Higher deck, 1–2 m | +$105 per m² |
| Balustrade, timber / aluminium / glass | $250 / $300 / $400 per lineal metre |
| Stairs | about $400 plus $300 per step |
| Removing an old deck | about $37 per m² |
| Building surveyor and building permit | about $1,500 |
| Planning permit (only if triggered) | about $1,400 plus council fees |
Which timber?
- Treated pine: cheapest, fine for low decks, needs regular oiling.
- Merbau: the Melbourne default hardwood; bleeds tannin for the first months.
- Spotted gum and blackbutt: Australian hardwoods, harder wearing, and blackbutt is often chosen for bushfire-prone areas.
- Composite: no oiling, but runs hot in full sun and costs about the same as hardwood.
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Open the deck cost and permit checkQuestions people ask
How much does a deck cost per m² in Melbourne?
About $250–$370 per m² in treated pine, $350–$580 in merbau and $400–$630 in spotted gum, installed, in 2026.
How much does a 20 m² deck cost in Melbourne?
Roughly $4,950–$6,320 in treated pine and $7,920–$10,120 in merbau, before balustrade, stairs and permit.
How much does a balustrade add?
About $250 per lineal metre in timber, $300 in aluminium and $400 in glass.
Is composite decking cheaper than merbau?
Not to buy. Composite is about $470/m² installed against $440/m² for merbau, but it does not need oiling.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Melbourne?
Usually a building permit, yes. Any deck attached to the house needs one. A freestanding deck is exempt only if it is 10 m² or less, no more than 800 mm above ground and not attached to a building.
Related guides
Sources
- whatsthedamage.com.au – decking cost Melbourne 2026
- TileMyRoom deck cost and permit check (rates used)
These are guide prices for planning, not a quote. Quantities and costs depend on the room, the products you choose and what is found once work starts. Confirm waterproofing, falls and permits against the National Construction Code, Australian Standards and your council with a licensed tradesperson or building practitioner before you buy or build.