What Does a Deck Cost in Melbourne?

Decks are one of the most popular home improvements in Melbourne — and one of the most variable in terms of price. Whether you’re after a simple floating platform off the back door or a multi-level hardwood entertainer with built-in seating, the final number depends on several key variables.

As a general guide for 2025:

Deck type	Typical cost range
Simple ground-level deck (pine, up to 20m²)	$8,000 – $14,000
Mid-size timber deck with stairs (20–40m²)	$14,000 – $28,000
Large hardwood deck with balustrades (40–60m²)	$28,000 – $45,000
Multi-level or elevated deck with pergola	$40,000 – $70,000+
Composite decking (same sizes as above)	Add 20–40% to timber prices

These figures include design, materials, labour, concrete footings, and standard balustrades where required. Council permits and engineering are additional.

What Drives the Cost of a Deck in Melbourne?

1. Timber Species

The single biggest material cost variable is your choice of decking board.

Treated pine is the most affordable structural option — well-suited to ground-level decks in sheltered areas. Prices typically run $60–$90 per linear metre for the boards themselves.

Merbau (kwila) is the volume-seller in Melbourne: a dense, naturally durable hardwood that’s resistant to termites, takes oil well, and ages to a warm reddish-brown. Budget $90–$140/lm.

Spotted gum and blackbutt are premium Australian hardwoods with exceptional durability ratings and a cleaner aesthetic. At $120–$180/lm, they’re favoured for higher-end projects.

Composite decking (Trex, Modwood, DecoDeck) uses a wood-plastic blend that requires no oiling and won’t splinter or rot. Upfront cost is 30–50% more than hardwood, but lifetime maintenance cost is lower. Popular for pool surrounds and high-traffic areas.

2. Deck Size and Shape

Larger decks benefit from economies of scale on labour but cost more in total materials. Irregular shapes (L-shapes, curves, cut-outs around existing trees) significantly increase cutting and fitting time — expect a 15–25% premium over a simple rectangular design.

3. Ground Level vs. Elevated

Ground-level decks that float a few hundred millimetres above grade are the most cost-effective to build. Elevated decks require deeper concrete footings (often requiring engineering sign-off), heavier bearer and joist sizing, and more complex bracing — all of which adds cost.

Decks over 1 metre above natural ground level in Victoria will require a building permit regardless of size.

4. Balustrades

If your deck is 1 metre or more above the adjacent ground level, balustrades are compulsory under the National Construction Code. Common options:

Stainless steel wire infill — $350–$600 per linear metre installed
Aluminium balustrading — $250–$450/lm
Timber post and rail — $200–$380/lm
Glass panels — $600–$1,000/lm (frameless systems at the top end)

Glass and stainless wire are the most popular in Melbourne’s inner suburbs for their clean, contemporary look.

5. Pergola or Roof Structure

Many clients opt to cover their deck with a pergola or insulated roof panel. A simple open timber pergola adds $8,000–$15,000. An insulated Colorbond or polycarbonate roof panel system typically runs $15,000–$35,000 depending on span and complexity.

Council Permits for Melbourne Decks

In Victoria, a building permit is required if:

The deck is greater than 10m² in floor area, or
Any part of the deck is more than 1 metre above the adjacent ground level

Most residential decks in Melbourne’s inner suburbs will require a permit. The permit application process typically takes 2–6 weeks through your local council and costs $800–$2,500 depending on the value of works.

At Ace Construction, we handle the full permit application on your behalf — including structural engineering documentation where required. This is included in our project management fee.

What’s Not in the Quote?

When comparing deck quotes, watch for these common exclusions:

Council permits and engineer’s report — sometimes quoted separately, $1,500–$4,000 combined
Demolition of existing structure — if replacing a concrete slab or old deck
Landscaping reinstatement — retaining walls, gardens disturbed during construction
Power points and lighting — requires a separate licensed electrician
Oiling or sealing — most builders will include one coat, but an ongoing maintenance schedule is the owner’s responsibility

How to Get an Accurate Quote

The most reliable way to get an accurate deck quote is an on-site measure-up visit. A good builder will:

Assess the site conditions (slope, soil type, existing structures)
Confirm what permits will be required
Discuss material options within your budget
Provide a fixed-price quote in writing before work begins

Be cautious of quotes provided remotely from photos or floor plans alone — site conditions (particularly soil and slope) have a significant impact on foundation costs.

Ready to Get a Quote?

At Ace Construction, we build custom timber and composite decks across Melbourne’s inner suburbs — from Fitzroy and Richmond through to St Kilda and Port Melbourne.

We provide free on-site consultations, handle all permit applications in-house, and offer fixed-price contracts with no hidden extras.

Call us on 0429 092 245 or use our contact form to book your free measure-up.