How much does hardwood timber decking cost? [2024]

Hardwood decking can be a beautiful addition to your backyard. Hardwood timber decking costs vary, but choosing your timber carefully can be better than just choosing the cheapest option available.

Read this guide to find out:

• How much does hardwood decking cost?
• How much does decking installation cost?
• How much does sealing hardwood timber decking cost?
• Does a decking contractor have to be licensed?
• Getting quotes from decking contractors

How much does hardwood decking cost?

Hardwood timber decking costs involve both the cost of the decking materials and the labour costs of the installers. Depending on the type of hardwood and its size, average prices are:

• Blackbutt (86mm wide) costs around $88 per m2
• Jarrah (85mm wide) costs around $75 per m2
• Merbau (140mm wide) costs about $60 per m2
• Silver Top (90mm wide) costs about $69 per m2
• Spotted Gum (86mm wide) costs around $105 per m2
• Ironbark (90mm wide) costs around $5.40 per lineal metre

The best timber for decking will depend on your preference, your budget and other factors. If you live in a bushfire area, jarrah and blackbutt are good timbers for decking because they're both resistant to catching fire.

These prices are for decking only. You will also have to pay for the support structure under the decking, which doesn't have to be the same timber as the decking. If you're also including roofing over the deck, expect to pay around $800 per m2 for decking and roofing, or around $1000 per m2 if you need elevated roofing that's cyclone proof. 

How much does decking installation cost?

You also need to know the approximate cost of hardwood timber decking installation. This can cost anywhere between $320 and $500 per square metre, and this should include the cost of the hardwood decking. That might work out to:

• $6400 to $10,000 for a 20m2 deck
• $9600 to $15,000 for a 30m2 deck
• $12,800 to $20,000 for a 40m2 deck

The price will include:

• Digging stump holes
• Installing concrete stumps
• The subfloor, including joists and bearers
• Installing the decking

Decking contractors charge more for hardwood timbers than treated pine. Treated pine decking costs around $200 per m2 to install while hardwood decking costs substantially more, so you have to factor in the extra cost of installing hardwoods. The cost of installing ironbark timber may be higher, as it's a dense timber that is hard to cut and needs pilot holes for nails, but it is extremely durable.

You may also pay more if your deck is being built on a sloping block, as they will have to make the deck level and install steps. An elevated deck will cost more than a deck close to the ground and a covering will add substantially to the final price.

You can also use a decking cost calculator to gauge the price of your next hardwood deck based on its square meterage. 

How much does sealing hardwood timber decking cost?

The cost of hardwood timber decking installing may not include the cost of sealing the timber. Sealing is often an added cost, which may be as much as:

• $350 to $450 to seal a small deck
• $700 to $1000 to seal a medium sized deck
• $1300 to $2500 to seal a large deck

The price will depend on the size of the deck. Decking contractors will apply at least two or three coats of sealer and do a thorough job. Some jobs a good decking company will do include:

• Protecting nearby areas from getting stain or sealant on them
• Power washing and scrubbing the deck before sealing
• Sanding decking boards
• Punching in and filling nails that have risen to the surface

You may prefer to try sealing the deck yourself as a DIY project. Deck maintenance to clean and refinish decking explains how to keep your new decking in good condition and gives basic details about sealing decking.

If you're resealing an older deck, there may be additional costs involved such as treating mouldy timber or replacing decking boards.

Does a decking contractor have to be licensed?

Any decking contractor should hold a licence for decking or a builder's or carpenter's licence. This varies by state, so check with your local council or read Licensed Trades: decking and scroll down to your state. As a general summary:

• Any job worth over $1000 in NSW requires a licensed builder
• In Victoria, jobs over $5000 in value require a registered Building Practitioner
• In Queensland, jobs valued at $3300 or more require a licensed builder
• Any decking in South Australia must be done by a building contractor or supervisor
• A building permit is needed in WA, but the work does not need to be carried out by a licensed contractor
• In Tasmania, a builder or construction manager can manage a decking project
• In the ACT, decking is considered a building trade.
• The NT requires a building permit and you must submit detailed plans to the council. A building practitioner is not needed to build a small deck, but a licensed builder can ensure your plans are to specifications

Getting quotes from decking contractors

Before you get quotes from decking contractors, choose the timber you want and measure the decking area so you know how much you need. Also include other details such as:

• Will the deck have steps?
• Is it on a sloping block?
• Will it be close to the ground or elevated?
• Do you want the same timber for the support structure as you're using on the decking?
• Do you want them to include a roof on your deck and what material do you want for the roof?

In addition to having a valid licence, your contractor should:

• Be fully insured
• Be able to supply you with a written quote
• Be willing to get council approval for you
• Have references and be able to tell you where to look at their previous work

Get three quotes from decking contractors before you choose one. A written quote should be itemised so you know what you're getting and can make a fair comparison. This should include your chosen timber, labour costs and whether the builder will seal the timber for you.

Hardwood decking can be more expensive than treated pine decking, but it will be a beautiful addition to your home. If you decide to sell your home in the future, have your deck resealed before you put it on the market and the decking will add value to the cost of your home.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces