How much does decking cost?

Look out of your back window or stand at your back door. Are you unable to get outside and enjoy the fresh air? Deck Melbourne is a cost-effective way to improve your outdoor living space and increase the value of your home. But how much does decking cost?

Many factors can impact the cost of your deck.

• Dimensions of the deck in square meters
• Types of wood or other materials used
• Accessories include timber for bearers, joists, nuts, and bolts as well as accessories
• A balustrade or roofing is recommended for stairs.
• Site conditions, including soil type
• The deck can be elevated
• Permits and other council fees

Elevated decks are more labor-intensive and require stricter specifications. To ensure that they meet safety standards, elevated decks will often require council approval.

What decking options do I have?

There are many options for soft, hardwood, and composite decking materials. Knowing more about them and their costs can help you choose the right one. These are the three most popular deck materials:

• Treated pine: This is the most affordable option at around $200 per square meter. It is easy to work with and can be stained or sprayed.
• Hardwood timber: Timber decking costs more than treated pine at around $320 per square foot, although some hardwood decking is cheaper than others.
• Composite decking: Composite decking is also known as plastic flooring. It costs around $350 per square foot. Composite decking is made of a mix of timber fibers and plastic. It comes in many natural and painted colors.

Composite decking costs are generally about the same as mid-priced hardwood, but it has some benefits. Composite decking is not required to be sealed or stained after a certain period. However, it doesn’t require any special maintenance other than occasional cleaning.

Which timber should I choose for my deck?

There are many options when it comes to selecting a type of timber. Different timber species not only affect the cost of your decking but also have different color and hardness characteristics. The most popular timber species are:

1. Treated Pine: The cheapest option however you must choose a good quality timber with an “H” rating this tells you whether it is suitable for outdoor use
2. Black-butt: is an Australian native species. It’s also fire-resistant but can crack if not sealed.
3. Merbau: is a durable and affordable hardwood. It’s extremely popular but you need to make sure it comes from a sustainable source. This species is widely harvested in Southeast Asia.
4. Ironbark: is a dense, heavy hardwood timber that can be hard to cut but is very durable for decking.
5. Jar-rah: is a popular choice for decking. Jar-rah is fire-resistant and durable and comes in a variety of colors, including red, light brown, and dark brown.
6. Spotted gum:  Another sensible option if you live near a bushfire zone This is a dense timber that increases its durability over time.

Hiring a deck builder

Before you hire a deck builder for your project, make sure to do some research. Ask them these questions:

• Are you licensed?
• Are you covered?
• What is the duration of my job?
• Do you have a written quotation?
• Do you have the authority to approve us by the council?
• Are there any references you can contact?
• Do you have examples of your work?

Do I need to license my deck builder? It also depends on where you are located. There may be a state-specific license for decking. In other states, you might need a different license such as builder, carpenter, or both. The construction of decks is also governed by specific regulations from the state or council. If you are unsure, contact your local council or local licensing agency. Landscape designer argues that it is better to design your deck more than once. Lower quotes will usually specify timber stump and nailed footings within the regulations and not concrete or timber bearer sub-floor spanning.