Decking Prices – What Effects The Cost Of A Deck

Key Factors That Influence Decking Pricing and Decking Costs Per m²

When comparing quotes for wooden decking or outdoor structures, understanding the cost drivers is essential. Calculating the true wooden decking price per m² can be challenging without professional expertise, so we’ve outlined the key factors homeowners should know.

To assist you quickly, we’ve also provided an upfront summary of the typical decking cost per square meter before going into further detail.

• Pine: From R1500 – R2200 per m²
• Balau: From R2400 – R2800 per m²
• Garapa: From R2400 – R2800 per m²
• Massaranduba: From R2800 – R3200 per m²

If you’re being quoted less than these figures, it’s worth questioning how long the deck will truly last – and why. Accurate decking prices can only be determined through a proper quotation, taking all site factors into account. A professional site inspection is essential, and our experienced partnering outsourced teams at Cape Decking can provide exactly that.

The list below covers the main items a professional installer considers when preparing a detailed quotation. A professional installer can work out these decking costs within minutes and provide an estimate. Always get a quotation subject to a site inspection and a final written quotation! Contractor quotes may or may not be VAT registered, may or may not have insurance.

Key Decking Cost Per m² Drivers Explained

Sub structure.

The sub structure is the “skeleton” of your deck or pergola. It carries the weight of people, furniture and the boards themselves. Stronger, properly spaced joists and beams cost more in materials and labour, but they prevent sagging, movement and premature failure – which directly affects long-term decking costs.

Ground preparation.

Existing paving, lawn, sand, roots or rubble all need to be dealt with before the first post goes in. Clearing vegetation, removing waste, levelling, compacting and adding ground cover (such as biddum cloth) all add time, labour and disposal costs to a decking project.

Labour.

The number of workers on site, their skill level and the time needed to complete the job are major cost drivers. Complex designs, raised decks, stairs and tight working spaces all increase labour hours – and therefore the final decking cost.

Number of screws and joints.

Every board needs to be fixed securely, which means a high number of screws and joints per square metre. More fixings mean more time on site and higher material cost, but also a more stable, longer-lasting structure with fewer squeaks, gaps and loose boards.

Quality of wood selection and cost per m² of wood.

Premium hardwoods like Garapa or Balau cost more per square metre than treated pine, but they’re denser, more stable and last longer outdoors. Your choice of timber species and grade has one of the biggest impacts on overall decking pricing.

Quality of type of screws used.

Using stainless steel or marine-grade screws is essential for decks and fences, especially near the coast. They are more expensive than mild steel screws, but they don’t rust, snap or stain the timber – reducing future repair and maintenance costs.

The painting of a sealant on the wood or not.

Applying a quality sealant, oil or varnish adds to the upfront cost, but it protects the wood against UV, moisture and cracking. Skipping this step may lower the quote, but it usually leads to higher maintenance and replacement costs over the life of the deck.

Materials

Beyond the decking boards, there are many “hidden” materials: sub structure timber, posts, beams, concrete, brackets, joist hangers, screws, sealants and ground cover. A detailed bill of materials ensures you get a realistic view of the true project cost. That in it’s self is an additional cost, we only provide this if requested up-front.

Type and quality of materials.

Higher-quality materials – from hardwoods to stainless steel hardware and branded sealants – cost more initially, but they increase durability and reduce long-term maintenance. Cheap materials might bring the quote down, but they usually shorten the lifespan of the deck or fence.

Dimensions of the area that needs to be covered.

The total square metres, shape of the area and any cut-outs around pools, trees or existing structures directly affect material quantities and labour time. Larger or more complex footprints lead to higher decking prices because there’s simply more to build, cut, support and finish.

An example of factors that determine your wooden decking cost per m2 include: