This guide breaks down the whole project: materials, subframe, labour by city, permits, and the extras clients never expect. If you’re pricing the boards themselves as a trade purchase, see our composite decking cost and factory-direct pricing guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Materials and labour are separate costs, but most quotes bundle them. Here’s how they break down across the three main decking materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supply-only cost (boards and fixings, no labour):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Total installed cost (supply + subframe + labour):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A rough cost breakdown for a typical composite deck: 35\u201345% boards and fixings, 30\u201345% labour, 15\u201325% subframe and footings, 5\u201310% other<\/strong>. On a sloping or elevated site, the subframe share rises \u2014 often to 35% or more, and it comes straight out of the margin you assumed on a flat-site rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Full project cost by deck size (composite, fully installed):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost per m\u00b2 drops as deck size increases. Labour setup costs spread across more square metres \u2014 improving efficiency on bigger jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two quotes for the same deck can differ by thousands. Here’s what moves the number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Labour accounts for 30\u201345% of the total cost<\/strong> of a deck project and typically runs $80\u2013$230\/m\u00b2<\/strong> across Australia. The bottom of that range is simple ground-level work in regional areas; the top is complex or elevated builds in Sydney and Perth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That rate covers layout, fixing, cutting and board installation. It does not<\/strong> include subframe construction, excavation, permit applications or balustrades \u2014 price those separately, or you’ll absorb them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Composite decking has a real edge on labour time. The hidden fastener clip system is faster than face-screwed timber: boards slot into clips fixed to the joists, with no surface screws, no pre-drilling and no splitting risk. On volume projects, that installation speed cuts your labour cost per m\u00b2 directly \u2014 which is where a lot of the composite price premium quietly pays for itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The subframe is the structural base your boards sit on. It’s not optional, and it’s the line most often under-costed at quote stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joist spacing matters. For composite boards, the recommended spacing is\u00a0300\u2013350 mm centre to centre<\/strong>. Go wider, and you risk board deflection \u2014 and in most cases you’ll void the warranty. Hidden fastener clips also need a solid joist to grip, so spacing errors show up as movement underfoot within the first season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The NCC (National Construction Code)<\/strong> sets structural requirements for deck subframes. Any quote that doesn’t specify subframe material and spacing isn’t a complete quote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the costs that don’t always make it into the first quote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approval requirements and costs vary between states, territories, and local councils. Always confirm with your local council or building certifier before you start.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The upfront price tells only part of the story. The total cost over 10 years is where timber decking and composite decking diverge most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treated pine requires oiling or staining every 1\u20132 years. Hardwood timber decking (merbau, spotted gum) generally needs oiling every 2\u20133 years. Composite decking needs only occasional cleaning with water \u2014 no oiling, sanding, staining, or recoating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10-year total cost of ownership per m\u00b2 (based on 30 m\u00b2 deck):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Does a Deck Cost per Square Metre?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMaterial<\/th> Supply cost per m\u00b2<\/th><\/tr> Treated pine decking<\/td> $40\u2013$90\/m\u00b2<\/td><\/tr> Hardwood timber decking (merbau, spotted gum)<\/td> $90\u2013$200\/m\u00b2<\/td><\/tr> Composite decking boards<\/td> $100\u2013$230\/m\u00b2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Material<\/th> Total installed cost per m\u00b2<\/th><\/tr> Treated pine decking<\/td> $200\u2013$350\/m\u00b2<\/td><\/tr> Hardwood timber decking<\/td> $320\u2013$550\/m\u00b2<\/td><\/tr> Composite decking<\/td> $250\u2013$450\/m\u00b2 typical
$450\u2013$600+\/m\u00b2 complex<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDeck size<\/th> Estimated total cost<\/th><\/tr> Small (10\u201320 m\u00b2)<\/td> $3,500\u2013$9,000<\/td><\/tr> Medium (30\u201340 m\u00b2)<\/td> $9,000\u2013$18,000<\/td><\/tr> Large (50 m\u00b2+)<\/td> $17,500\u2013$35,000+<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What Drives the Cost of Your Deck?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Labour Costs \u2014 What Builders Charge in 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Subframe and Joist Spacing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Subframe type<\/th> Cost per m\u00b2<\/th> Best suited to<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Treated pine<\/td> $30\u2013$45\/m\u00b2<\/td> Standard ground-level residential<\/td><\/tr> Composite battens<\/td> $40\u2013$60\/m\u00b2<\/td> Decks over concrete or existing slabs<\/td><\/tr> Steel framing<\/td> $60\u2013$90\/m\u00b2<\/td> Elevated decks, termite zones, commercial<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Hidden Costs That Catch Buyers Off Guard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Composite vs Timber Decking: Price Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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