A bad quote doesn’t just lose the job. It damages the client relationship.
Composite decking in Australia typically costs $100–$230 per m² for materials alone. Installed, most deck projects land between $250–$450 per m². But that range hides a lot — and the gaps are where margins get eaten.
This guide breaks down exactly where the money goes: materials, labour, subframe, and product choice. So you can quote with confidence and know where to find margin.
What Does a Deck Cost per Square Metre?
Materials and labour are separate costs — but most quotes bundle them. Here’s how decking costs break down across the three main timber decking and composite decking options.
Supply-only cost (boards and fixings, no labour):
| Material | Supply cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Treated pine decking | $40–$90/m² |
| Hardwood timber decking (merbau, spotted gum) | $90–$200/m² |
| Composite decking boards | $100–$230/m² |
Total installed cost (supply + subframe + labour):
| Material | Total installed cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Treated pine decking | $200–$350/m² |
| Hardwood timber decking | $320–$550/m² |
| Composite decking | $250–$450/m² typical $450–$600+/m² complex |
A rough cost breakdown for a typical composite deck: about 30–40% labour, 15–25% subframe and footings, 35–45% boards and fixings, 5–10% other. On a sloping or elevated site, the subframe share rises — often to 35% or more.
Full project cost by deck size (composite, fully installed):
| Deck size | Estimated total cost |
|---|---|
| Small (10–20 m²) | $3,500–$9,000 |
| Medium (30–40 m²) | $9,000–$18,000 |
| Large (50 m²+) | $17,500–$35,000+ |
Cost per m² drops as deck size increases. Labour setup costs spread across more square metres — improving efficiency on bigger jobs.
What Drives the Cost of Your Deck?
Two quotes for the same deck can differ by thousands. Here’s what moves the number.
- Deck size: Bigger decks cost more overall, but the cost per square metre tends to fall as the size increases.
- Material choice: This is the biggest single cost driver. Treated pine decking is the cheapest upfront. Composite decking and hardwood timber sit higher at the board level.
- Design complexity: Straight boards on a flat site are the fastest to build. Curves, angled layouts, and multiple levels take more cutting and fixing time — each adds to labour costs.
- Site conditions: Sloping ground, difficult access, and height above ground push up the subframe and footing cost. On a steep site, the subframe can be the single largest line item.
- Subframe material: Steel subframes cost more upfront than timber but last longer — especially in termite-prone or high-moisture areas.
Labour Costs — What Builders Charge in 2026
Labour is 30–50% of the total cost of a deck project. In 2026, most Australian deck builders’ labour typically ranges from $80–$180/m² nationally, but premium metro markets such as Sydney and Perth can exceed $200/m² on complex projects.
That rate covers layout, fixing, cutting, and board installation. It doesn’t include subframe construction, excavation, permit applications, or balustrades — those are separate installation costs.
Composite decking has a real edge on labour time. The hidden fastener clip system is faster than face-screwed timber decking. Boards slot into clips fixed to the joists — no surface screws, no pre-drilling, no splitting risk. For contractors pricing labour on volume projects, faster installation speed cuts labour costs per m² directly.
Hidden Costs That Catch Buyers Off Guard
These are the costs that don’t always make it into the first quote:
- Council permits and approvals: Approval requirements vary between states and local councils. Costs commonly range from $500–$2,500+ depending on location and approval pathway.
- Balustrades: Under the NCC, a compliant balustrade is required where there’s a fall of 1 metre or more. Budget $200–$500 per lineal metre depending on material and design.
- Subframe and footings: Often the biggest surprise — especially on sloping or elevated sites.
- Stairs: Each flight adds $800–$2,000+, depending on height and material.
- Waste and cut allowance: Add 10–15% for a standard layout. More for complex cuts or irregular shapes.
- Delivery and freight: Relevant for regional or remote sites.
- Site preparation: Clearing, levelling, or removing an existing structure all add to the final price.
Approval requirements and costs vary between states, territories, and local councils. Always confirm with your local council or building certifier before you start.
Composite vs Timber Decking: Price Comparison
The upfront price tells only part of the story. The total cost over 10 years is where timber decking and composite decking diverge most.
Treated pine requires oiling or staining every 1–2 years. Hardwood timber decking (merbau, spotted gum) generally needs oiling every 2–3 years. Composite decking needs only occasional cleaning with water — no oiling, sanding, staining, or recoating.
10-year total cost of ownership per m² (based on 30 m² deck):
| Treated Pine | Hardwood (Merbau/Spotted Gum) | Capped Composite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (supply only) | $60–$90/m² | $120–$200/m² | $100–$190/m² |
| Labour + subframe | $120–$180/m² | $150–$220/m² | $150–$260/m² |
| Upfront total | $180–$270/m² | $270–$420/m² | $250–$450/m² |
| Annual maintenance (DIY) | $15–$25/m² | $10–$20/m² | ~$0–$2/m² |
| 10-year maintenance total | $150–$250/m² | $100–$200/m² | ~$0–$20/m² |
| 10-year TCO | $330–$520/m² | $370–$620/m² | $250–$470/m² |
On a 30 m² deck, the maintenance savings from composite can range from $3,000–$8,000 over 10 years. That gap is real whether the maintenance work is DIY or contracted out.
While composite decking typically costs more upfront than pine decking, the ongoing maintenance savings narrow the gap fast over the first decade.
For trade buyers sourcing decking material at volume, the material cost picture looks different again. Buying factory-direct removes the importer and reseller margin — bringing the composite decking cost well below what distribution-chain pricing suggests. Combine that with zero ongoing maintenance costs for your clients, and composite is an easier sell on a 10-year number.
Request a Trade Quote — Get pricing, lead times, and custom specs for your next composite deck project.
Deck Cost by Size: Small, Medium, and Large
Here’s a worked example for each size band using composite decking, fully installed in 2026. These figures assume a flat or near-level site with standard access.
| Deck size | Total cost range | Worked example (composite) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10–20 m²) | $4,000–$8,000 | 15 m²: ~$6,000 (boards $2,000 + subframe $1,500 + labour $2,000 + fixings $500) |
| Medium (30–40 m²) | $9,000–$15,000 | 35 m²: ~$12,500 (boards $4,500 + subframe $3,000 + labour $4,300 + fixings $700) |
| Large (50 m²+) | $15,000–$25,000+ | 60 m²: ~$21,000 (boards $7,500 + subframe $5,500 + labour $7,400 + fixings $600) |
Cost per m² generally falls as deck size increases. Smaller decking projects absorb a larger share of setup costs. Larger projects benefit from labour efficiencies and bulk material costs.
Typical installed rates:
- Small decks: ~$400–$550/m²
- Medium decks: ~$350–$450/m²
- Large decks: ~$300–$400/m²
Sloping sites, stairs, and balustrades aren’t included. Add these to your budget early — they’re common on larger jobs, and each adds a real amount.
Do Deck Prices Vary by City?
Yes, and the gap is real. Decking material costs run roughly the same across Australia. Labour rates are where city-to-city differences show up.
These are indicative installation labour rates per m² for 2026. Local quotes will vary by contractor, access, and timing — treat these as benchmarks, not fixed prices.
| City | Labour cost per m² (indicative, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $170–230 |
| Melbourne | $150–220 |
| Perth | $150–220 |
| Brisbane | $140–200 |
| Adelaide | $130–190 |
| Hobart | $130–190 |
Perth’s construction market has run hot in recent years. High demand has pushed trade rates up, and they remain elevated heading into 2026. Sydney runs similarly.
Brisbane and Melbourne are generally lower, but access, design complexity, and contractor availability all shift the final price.
The best approach: get two to three itemised quotes from local deck builders, with materials, subframe, and labour listed as separate line items.
Is Composite Decking Worth the Higher Upfront Cost?
In most cases, yes — especially for commercial projects, high-traffic outdoor spaces, pool decks, and any site with termite risk or high moisture exposure.
Composite boards won’t splinter, won’t rot, and need no ongoing maintenance. Our capped composite decking holds an R11 slip resistance rating to AS/NZS 4586 — the right spec for pool surrounds and commercial outdoor living spaces. The 0.8 mm cap layer is thicker than many comparable products. After 3,000 hours of QUV accelerated weathering, colour difference stays within ΔE ≤ 4–5. In Australia’s high UV conditions, colour retention is a genuine performance edge.
For trade buyers sourcing at volume, factory-direct pricing removes the importer and reseller margin. That keeps composite decking prices competitive when compared fairly against what a distribution chain would charge. It’s why total landed cost often surprises buyers used to local distributor pricing.
Over a 10-year window, composite’s lower maintenance costs and avoided replacement costs typically close the price gap against hardwood timber decking. Against treated pine decking, composite often wins outright on total cost.
Request a Quote — Talk to our team about pricing, lead times, and custom specs for your next composite deck project.
Council Approval: When Do You Need It?
Permit requirements vary by state, territory, and local council. Common triggers include deck height above ground, boundary setbacks, attachment to the dwelling, and total floor area. In many jurisdictions, low-level decks under roughly 600 mm above ground may be exempt. Raised or attached decks often require building approval. Permit fees commonly range from $500–$2,500+.
Your deck builder should flag permit requirements during quoting. Always confirm with your local council before you start.
Bushfire-prone areas add a BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) requirement — confirm your site’s BAL classification and check that your chosen decking boards are rated accordingly.
FAQ
How much does composite decking cost per square metre in Australia?
Composite decking boards are typically supplied for $100–$200/m² typical, with premium profiles reaching $230/m²+, depending on the product and profile. Fully installed — including subframe and labour — most composite deck projects run $250–$450/m² on a standard flat site. Complex sites, elevated decks, or premium profiles push toward $600/m² and above.
What’s the lead time for composite decking orders shipped to Australia?
For a 40-foot container, allow roughly 20 days production, 2 days packing, and 24–32 days sea freight. A 20-foot container runs about 15 days of production with the same freight window. For trade buyers planning project timelines, factor 6–8 weeks from order confirmation to site delivery. Actual arrival times vary with shipping schedules and port clearance.
How long does composite decking last?
A quality capped composite deck typically lasts 25 years or more with minimal upkeep — well beyond treated pine (10–15 years) and broadly on par with premium hardwood. The cap layer is the key: a 0.8 mm cap resists UV fading, surface moisture, and wear far better than thinner alternatives. The structural warranty length is the clearest signal of how confident a supplier is in their product’s lifespan.
Does composite decking get hot in the sun?
Yes — all dark hard surfaces absorb heat, and composite is no exception. In direct summer sun, surface temperatures rise on darker colour choices. Lighter colours absorb less heat. Quality HDPE composite with UV stabilisers manages heat retention better than cheaper boards — a relevant factor for pool decks and north-facing outdoor spaces.
What is a realistic budget for a 20 m² composite deck?
A new deck of 20 m² typically costs $6,000–$13,000 in composite. This includes decking boards, subframe, labour, and basic site preparation, but excludes stairs, balustrades, and permit fees.
See Our Full Composite Decking Range — Dimensions, colour options, technical specs, and custom order enquiries for trade buyers and distributors.
