Quick Answer
A 20 square metre deck in Melbourne costs $5,000–14,000 depending on material and complexity. Treated pine decking runs $250–350/m²; merbau $350–550/m²; composite $400–700/m². Council permits are required for decks over 800mm above ground. Allow 2–4 weeks from quote to completion.
Deck Building in Melbourne
A well-built deck adds living space and value to your Melbourne home. Southeast suburbs like Berwick, Pakenham, and Officer have seen strong demand for outdoor living additions since 2020, and deck builders are often booked out months ahead.
This guide covers 2026 pricing, materials, council requirements, and what to watch for when getting quotes.
Deck Material Costs
| Material | Cost per m² (supply only) | Cost per m² (installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treated pine | $80–120 | $250–350 | Budget option; needs regular oiling |
| Merbau hardwood | $130–200 | $350–550 | Popular in Melbourne; durable and attractive |
| Composite decking | $150–280 | $400–700 | Low maintenance; 25-year warranties available |
| Spotted gum / ironbark | $150–220 | $400–600 | Premium Australian hardwood; fire-resistant |
Council Permits & Requirements
In Victoria, decks over 800mm above natural ground level require a building permit. Most ground-level decks under 800mm don’t need a permit, but must still comply with building regulations. Always check with your local council before starting.
Permits typically cost $500–1,500 and add 2–4 weeks to your project. A building surveyor must inspect the completed structure.
What Affects Deck Costs?
- Size and shape: Irregular shapes and multiple levels add 20–40% to labour costs.
- Height: Elevated decks require more structural work and often permits.
- Access: Difficult access (narrow side passages, steep slopes) adds labour time.
- Balustrades: Add $150–300 per lineal metre for compliant balustrades.
- Steps and landing: Add $800–2,000 per staircase.
DIY vs Professional
Ground-level decks under 800mm can legally be DIY in Victoria, but require building knowledge. Structural mistakes are expensive to fix. Most Melbourne homeowners hire licensed builders for decks — especially with merbau or composite where cutting errors waste expensive material.
Tips & Gotchas
- Get three quotes — prices vary significantly between builders in Melbourne. A quote 30% below others often signals cut corners.
- Check if the quote includes concrete footings. Footings are essential for structural stability and often omitted from initial quotes.
- Merbau needs to dry and acclimatise after installation. Gaps will close as it dries. Don’t be alarmed by initial spacing.
- Composite decking costs more upfront but saves $500–800/year in maintenance vs timber.
- In Melbourne’s leafy suburbs, include gutter guards and leaf traps in your deck drainage plan.
- Deck builders in SE Melbourne often work in teams of 2–3. A 20m² deck typically takes 3–5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a deck in Melbourne?
Decks over 800mm above ground require a building permit. Ground-level decks under that height generally don’t, but must still comply with building regulations. Always check with your local council.
What’s the best decking material for Melbourne?
Merbau is the most popular choice — it’s durable, handles Melbourne’s climate well, and looks great. Composite is better for low-maintenance. Treated pine suits tight budgets.
How long does a deck last?
Treated pine: 15–20 years with regular maintenance. Merbau: 25–35 years. Composite: 25–30 years with virtually no maintenance.
Can I build a deck myself in Victoria?
Ground-level decks under 800mm can be DIY. Elevated decks require a registered building practitioner. DIY decks must still comply with building regulations.
Local Resources
- hipages — find Melbourne deck builders
- Victorian Building Authority — permits and licensed practitioners
- Bunnings Warehouse — decking timber and hardware
- Mitre 10 — composite decking and tools
