Garapa Wood Decking and Meranti Balustrades: The Perfect Wooden Combo

Why We Pair Garapa Decking With Meranti Balustrades

If you’re planning a new deck, the first question is always the same – how much is this going to cost and which wood should I choose for my new decking project?

Timber decking prices in Cape Town range from R1,700 possibly now up to R4,000 per square metre fully installed, thanks to fuel price increases. This also depends on the type of timber decking / wood type, the design of the wooden deck, and surrounding building site considerations. 

• Strength: Meranti is a medium-density tropical hardwood. It possesses significantly higher bending and crushing strength than pine (which is a softwood). This means your handrails won’t warp, twist, or dent under daily use. ( limited to weather conditions and age of course )
• Knot-Free Premium Finish: Unlike pine, which is full of knots and prone to bleeding sticky sap, Meranti offers a smooth, clean, premium surface that is soft to the touch.
• Aesthetics: While standard pine eventually weathers to a dull, grey-green hue, Meranti boasts a rich, warm reddish-brown undertone that looks luxurious and upscale.
• The Perfect Blend: Garapa Decking + Meranti Balustrades

1. 1. Keep it Nourished: Apply a high-quality, UV-resistant timber oil or sealer once or twice a year.
   2. Protect the Vertical Rails: Because balustrades are vertical, they shed water quickly but face intense sun. Treat them at the same time as your flat Balau deck.
   3. Lock in the Color: Consistent sealing feeds the wood, shields it from moisture, and keeps those rich, deep colors popping for decades.

What Does Timber Decking Cost in Cape Town?

Ultimately, your choice of timber dictates your final investment. Property owners in Cape Town generally balance their budget between entry-level treated pine and luxury hardwoods like Garapa or Balau. Your selection will directly impact your upfront costs, lifespan, and upkeep routine, with every unique layout requiring a personalized, final official quotation.Below is an overview of the projected 2026 rates for complete wooden deck installations across the Mother City, encompassing all timber, structural frameworks, and craftsmanship.

Wooden Decking Prices Per m² (2026 Installed Rates)

(These are typical decking prices per m² for professionally installed timber decking in Cape Town)

In 2026, fully installed timber decking in Cape Town ranges from

R1,700–R2,200/m² for treated pine to R2,800–R4,000/m² for premium hardwoods like Balau and Garapa, including materials and labor.

A 20 m² project, for instance, typically costs between R34,000–R44,000 for pine and R56,000–R70,000 for hardwood, with lower, “too-good-to-be-true” quotes often indicating inferior materials or workmanship.

For tailored project pricing, visit our decking price calculator to work out an immediate estimate prior to booking a call out so you can work out estimated costs for different wood types.

Contact Cape Decking for a final official quotation. All quotes are an estimate and subject to final official quotation.