How Much Does Decking Cost Per Square Metre in Sydney?

In Sydney in 2026, decking typically costs between $350 and $850 per square metre installed, depending on material and how complex the deck is to build. A ground level hardwood deck on level ground sits at the lower end, around $350 to $550 per square metre. A raised or elevated deck in premium composite, with structural framing, handrails, stairs and finishing, will land between $650 and $850 per square metre. Very large or highly complex decks with feature elements or difficult access can exceed $900 per square metre.

The per square metre number is a useful starting point, but it hides a lot. Two decks of the same size can vary by 40 percent in cost depending on what is under the deck surface, not just the timber on top.

Material cost per square metre

Treated pine decking: $150 to $220 per square metre supplied. Cheapest option but shorter lifespan and requires regular oiling. Rarely specified for premium residential work.

Australian hardwood (spotted gum, blackbutt, jarrah, merbau): $180 to $320 per square metre supplied. The most common material for premium Sydney decks. Naturally durable, beautiful grain, needs occasional oiling.

Composite decking (mid-tier): $220 to $380 per square metre supplied. No oiling, long lifespan, consistent finish. Popular for pool surrounds and low maintenance projects.

Composite decking (premium capped): $320 to $500 per square metre supplied. Best colour stability and fade resistance. Widely used on the Northern Beaches for its salt tolerance.

Supplied cost is only part of the picture. Installation labour typically adds $180 to $350 per square metre, and the substructure (bearers, joists, footings, posts, handrails) adds a further $100 to $250 per square metre.

What drives the total per square metre price

Elevation. A ground level deck on level ground is the fastest and cheapest deck to build. Every step up in elevation adds cost. A deck 500mm off the ground needs proper footings, subframe and access. A deck 2 metres off the ground needs engineered posts, handrails, stairs, sometimes balustrading and often a formal approval process.

Substructure material. Steel subframes cost more than treated pine but last longer and give a straighter finish. Steel is common for premium decks, pool decks and elevated decks on the Northern Beaches.

Board pattern. Straight parallel boards are the fastest to lay. Herringbone, chevron, feature borders, mitred corners and inlay patterns all add labour cost significantly, sometimes doubling the install price per square metre.

Access. If materials can be delivered close to where the deck is being built, install is fast. If everything has to be barrowed or lifted over a fence, expect 20 to 40 percent added to labour.

Handrails, stairs and finishing. Add roughly $600 to $1,400 per metre of handrail, $1,500 to $4,000 for a set of stairs, and $80 to $150 per metre for fascia and finishing trim.

Real Sydney deck examples

A 20 square metre ground level hardwood deck in a Freshwater backyard with easy access might cost $9,500 to $12,000. A 35 square metre elevated hardwood deck with balustrading and stairs in Mosman often lands between $22,000 and $32,000. A 60 square metre premium composite pool deck in Avalon, with steel subframe, feature banding and integrated planters, can push $48,000 to $65,000 fully installed.

Hidden costs to plan for

Beyond the deck itself, budget for these commonly overlooked costs. Council approval (CDC or DA) if the deck goes above 1 metre high or over 25 square metres, typically $1,500 to $6,000. Engineering for elevated or structural decks, $800 to $2,000. Existing structure removal (old deck, paving), $80 to $150 per square metre. Site works and levelling if the ground is uneven. Landscaping around the finished deck. Sealing or oiling on completion for hardwood decks, $12 to $22 per square metre for the first coat.

Composite vs hardwood on cost

Composite decking usually costs 15 to 30 percent more per square metre installed than equivalent hardwood. Over a 20 year timeframe though, composite typically works out cheaper because there is no annual oiling cost and boards do not need replacing. If lifecycle cost matters more than upfront cost, composite often wins. If upfront cost matters most and you are prepared to oil regularly, hardwood is cheaper on day one. See our full comparison in hardwood vs composite decking for the Northern Beaches.

Getting an accurate quote

Any quote for decking should specify: exact area in square metres, decking material and grade, substructure material, handrail and stair scope, footing detail, finishing, approvals allowance and site preparation. If a quote is a single lump sum with no breakdown, ask for the detail before signing. See our decking Northern Beaches page for how we scope and price deck projects, or our post on deck council approval in NSW for the compliance side. For very complex or elevated builds, see structural landscaping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest decking material?

Treated pine is the cheapest common decking material at $150 to $220 per square metre supplied. However, its shorter lifespan (10 to 15 years) and higher maintenance requirements mean it is often more expensive over the long term than hardwood or composite. Most premium Sydney residential decks skip pine entirely.

How long does hardwood decking last?

Well specified and maintained Australian hardwood decking on the Northern Beaches typically lasts 25 to 40 years. Regular oiling every 12 to 24 months, good drainage under the deck, and using naturally durable species like spotted gum, blackbutt or jarrah all extend life significantly.

Is composite decking worth the extra cost?

For pool surrounds, coastal exposure, and homeowners who do not want to oil timber every year or two, composite is often worth the 15 to 30 percent premium. For inland sites where the deck can be maintained annually and the owner wants a natural timber aesthetic, hardwood is often the better call.

How long does it take to build a deck?

A small ground level deck can be built in three to five days. A mid-size elevated deck of 30 to 40 square metres typically takes two to three weeks including footings, framing, decking, handrails, stairs and finishing. Approvals and engineering can add weeks to months to the overall timeline.

Do decking costs include the substructure?

They should, but always check. A per square metre price of the decking board alone is not the same as the installed cost. Ask for a quote that specifies substructure material (steel or timber), footings, handrails, stairs and finishing so you can compare like for like.