Decking Prices – What Effects The Cost Of A Deck

Key Factors That Influence Decking Pricing and Decking Costs

Before you compare quotes for a new wooden deck, pergola, fence or outdoor structure, it helps to understand what really drives decking pricing and decking costs. The list below covers the main items a professional installer considers when preparing a detailed quotation.

Key Factors That Influence Decking Pricing and Decking Costs

Before you compare quotes for a new wooden deck, pergola, fence or outdoor structure, it helps to understand what really drives decking pricing and decking costs. The list below covers the main items a professional installer considers when preparing a detailed quotation.

Key Cost 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.