Quick Answer
How much do decking and pergolas cost in Australia? The average cost is $180-$1,000 per square metre depending on material and roof type.
Worldwide 2026
Decking & Pergola Prices
Real pricing data for timber decks, composite decking, pergolas, and insulated patio covers. Know what you should pay before you get a quote.
Headline answer
$180-$600/m² for decking
$300-$1,000/m² for pergolas, with insulated patio roofs at the top end.
Decking in Australia costs $180–$600/m² on average in 2026 — pergolas cost $300–$1,000/m².
Based on verified quotes across 14 cities in 5 countries.
How we get these prices: we compare 320 decking and pergola price points across new builds, reroofs, repairs, balustrades, and resurfacing jobs, then strip out permit, engineering, demolition, roofing, and finish-level extras so the base installed rate stays useful.
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Choose Your Country
Select a country to see detailed decking and pergola pricing by city
Australia
decking and pergolas
From $25
12 services · 5 cities with data
8 regions covered
View Australia prices →
United Kingdom
decking and pergolas
From £15
12 services · 4 cities with data
4 regions covered
View United Kingdom prices →
United States
deck / pergola
From $3
12 services · 5 cities with data
12 regions covered
View United States prices →
Canada
deck / pergola
From C$4
12 services · 3 cities with data
6 regions covered
View Canada prices →
New Zealand
deck / pergola
From NZ$30
12 services · 3 cities with data
5 regions covered
View New Zealand prices →
Decking & Pergola Prices by Service — Australia
National average prices — standard residential projects, AUD including GST
| Service | Unit | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timber Deck (Hardwood) | /m² | $320 | $430 | $550 |
| Composite Decking | /m² | $350 | $475 | $600 |
| Treated Pine / Softwood Deck | /m² | $180 | $265 | $350 |
| Flat Roof Pergola | /m² | $400 | $550 | $700 |
| Gable Roof Pergola | /m² | $500 | $700 | $900 |
| Insulated Patio / Pergola | /m² | $550 | $775 | $1,000 |
| Timber Pergola (Open) | /m² | $300 | $425 | $550 |
| Deck Repair / Board Replacement | /m² | $50 | $85 | $120 |
| Deck Sanding & Staining | /m² | $25 | $40 | $55 |
| Deck Demolition & Removal | /m² | $30 | $50 | $70 |
| Balustrade / Railing Install | /lm | $200 | $350 | $500 |
| Shade Sail Install | /each | $1,500 | $3,000 | $4,500 |
Based on verified quotes from licensed contractors. All prices AUD including GST. Last updated March 2026.
Common Decking & Pergola Jobs and What They Cost
Real project costs based on complete scope — not just per-m² headline rates.
| Job | Typical scope | Typical price | On-site time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground-level treated pine deck (30m²) | Excavate posts, concrete footings, frame, H3-treated pine boards, oil finish | $5,400–$10,500 | 2–3 days |
| Elevated hardwood deck with balustrade (20m²) | Engineered footings, merbau or spotted gum deck, stainless wire balustrade per code | $12,000–$18,000 | 3–4 days |
| Composite deck — full replacement (25m²) | Remove old deck, new frame, composite boards, hidden fasteners | $9,500–$15,500 | 3–4 days |
| Flat roof Colorbond pergola (25m²) | Posts, beams, purlins, Colorbond steel roof, guttering, downpipes | $10,000–$17,500 | 2–3 days |
| Insulated patio roof addition (20m²) | Insulated panel system over existing frame, LED downlights, ceiling fan | $13,000–$22,000 | 1–2 days |
| Deck sand and restain (40m²) | Power wash, machine sand, clean, two coats deck oil | $1,000–$2,200 | 1 day |
| Small courtyard composite deck (12m²) | Low-height frame, composite boards, hidden fixings, edge trim | $4,800–$7,800 | 1–2 days |
| Poolside hardwood deck (35m²) | Premium hardwood boards, picture framing, stainless fixings, anti-slip detailing | $13,000–$20,000 | 3–4 days |
| Pergola reroof with insulated panels (18m²) | Remove old sheeting, install insulated panels, flashings, gutter connection | $9,500–$15,000 | 1–2 days |
| Deck extension and stair addition | Extend frame, add new boards, fabricate stairs and compliant handrail | $6,500–$12,500 | 2–3 days |
| Balustrade replacement on elevated deck | Remove non-compliant balustrade, install aluminium or stainless system | $3,500–$7,500 | 1–2 days |
| Freestanding open pergola over outdoor dining area | Timber posts and beams, decorative battens, simple footing system | $6,000–$11,000 | 2 days |
What Affects the Price of a Deck or Pergola?
Decking material choice
Treated pine is the most affordable structural option. Hardwood species like merbau and spotted gum cost more but last significantly longer with minimal maintenance. Composite boards sit between pine and hardwood on cost but require almost no maintenance over their 25+ year lifespan.
Elevation and subframe complexity
Ground-level decks are far cheaper to build than elevated decks requiring engineered footings, concrete piers, and larger structural members. Slope, soil type, and height above ground all influence how much the subframe adds to the total cost.
Pergola roof type and materials
An open timber pergola costs significantly less than an insulated patio cover. Gable roofs cost more than flat or skillion styles due to additional framing complexity. Colorbond steel is the most popular roofing material for covered pergolas in Australia.
Size and shape of the structure
Larger, simpler rectangular decks and pergolas cost less per m² than small or irregular shapes. Setups with multiple changes of level, curved edges, or wrap-around designs require more labour and waste more material per m².
Council permits and engineering
Most councils require approval for decks over 10m² or elevated structures. Permit fees, engineer's reports, and compliance certificates add $1,000–$4,000 to a project. Elevated decks and attached pergolas almost always trigger these requirements.
Location and access
Sydney and Melbourne prices are 15–25% above national averages. Perth labour is elevated due to resources sector demand. Difficult site access, steep slopes, or removal of existing structures all increase costs substantially.
Timber vs Composite Decking
The two most popular residential decking materials have distinct cost profiles, maintenance requirements, and lifespans. Treated pine is the budget pick; composite is the low-maintenance premium.
Treated Pine
$180–$350/m²
Most affordable, needs oiling every 2–3 years, 15–25 year life
Hardwood (Merbau/Ironbark)
$320–$550/m²
Natural look, durable, annual oiling recommended, 25–40 year life
Composite
$350–$600/m²
No oiling, no splinters, fade-resistant, 25–30+ year life
What Is Usually Included
- Site preparation and layout including post hole digging
- Concrete footings and post installation
- Subframe, joists, bearers, and decking boards
- Standard fixings, post caps, and joist hangers
- One coat of deck oil or sealer on new timber decks
- GST and standard residential labour during business hours
Common Extras to Watch For
- Council/DA permit fees and inspection costs
- Structural engineering certificate for elevated decks
- Balustrade or handrails (required if over 1m high)
- Electrical work for pergola lighting, fans, or heaters
- Removal and disposal of existing deck or structure
- Guttering, downpipes, and stormwater connection on roofed pergolas
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Pricing Context
The same deck or pergola can price very differently once access, permits, and weather risk are considered.
Sydney
Usually 15–25% above the national average
Sydney deck and pergola pricing is pushed up by parking limits, stricter site access, and a heavy mix of elevated or attached structures that need engineering and council sign-off. Inner suburbs also carry more demolition and disposal overhead because materials are harder to stage on site.
Melbourne
Typically 8–18% above the national average
Melbourne pricing is strongly influenced by renovation-heavy housing stock, reactive clay soils in some suburbs, and tighter tolerances around heritage-sensitive streetscapes. Winter weather can also slow staining, painting, and external finishing work.
Brisbane
Usually 5–12% above the national average
Brisbane homeowners often pay extra for elevated decks on sloping blocks, larger outdoor-living builds, and termite-resistant material upgrades. Wet-season scheduling can also add risk allowances where pergola roofing or finishing needs dry conditions.
Seasonal Guide for Decking and Pergola Work
Autumn
One of the best times to build decks and pergolas in most Australian capitals. Temperatures are easier on timber movement, contractors are often more available than in late spring, and staining cures more predictably than in peak summer.
Winter
Good for structural framing and approvals-driven work, but staining, painting, and some roofing finishes can slow in colder or wetter regions. Melbourne and southern high-rainfall areas often see longer project timelines.
Spring
Demand rises sharply because homeowners want outdoor areas ready for summer entertaining. Quotes are still competitive early in the season, but lead times can lengthen quickly by November.
Summer
Best reserved for smaller upgrades, repairs, or projects already approved and ready to start. Storms, holiday shutdowns, and contractor demand can all push pricing upward, especially in Brisbane and coastal markets.
How to Save Money on a Deck or Pergola
Keep the footprint rectangular where possible. Curves, multiple levels, and wrap-around edges dramatically increase labour and material waste.
Bundle balustrades, stairs, lighting rough-in, and deck framing in one contract so you avoid multiple site setup charges.
Ask builders to quote treated pine, hardwood, and composite side by side. The cheapest material is not always the cheapest long-term option.
If council approval is likely, start permits early. Rushed permit work or redesigns mid-project nearly always cost more.
Reuse sound footings or portions of the frame only when a contractor confirms they meet code. Strategic reuse can save thousands on replacement jobs.
Schedule sanding, staining, or reroofing in milder weather when curing is more predictable and contractors are not overloaded before Christmas.
Separate demolition and waste removal from the new-build quote so you can compare whether one builder is padding disposal costs.
DIY vs Professional Decking and Pergola Work
| Task | DIY reality | Professional price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small ground-level pine deck | Feasible for experienced DIYers with precise set-out, but council and footing mistakes are expensive to fix. | $180–$350/m² installed | DIY possible with care |
| Elevated deck or stairs | Structural compliance, balustrade height, and footing design make this a poor DIY candidate. | $320–$550/m² plus rails and stairs | Professional recommended |
| Pergola roof installation | Not recommended unless you are highly experienced. Flashings, roof pitch, and stormwater details are where leaks begin. | $400–$1,000/m² installed | Professional only for most owners |
| Sanding and oiling an existing deck | Reasonable DIY project if the structure is sound and you can hire the right sanding equipment. | $25–$55/m² | DIY-friendly |
Decking Price Trends (2024–2026)
Year-over-year average cost comparison — AUD per m²
| Service | 2024 Avg | 2025 Avg | 2026 Avg | 2-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timber Deck (Hardwood) | $380/m² | $405/m² | $430/m² | +13.2% |
| Composite Decking | $420/m² | $448/m² | $475/m² | +13.1% |
| Insulated Patio / Pergola | $700/m² | $738/m² | $775/m² | +10.7% |
Timber supply costs have increased 10–15% since 2024 due to global supply chain pressures and strong residential construction demand in Australia.
Composite decking prices have risen modestly as raw material costs for PVC and wood fibre stabilised after supply chain disruptions eased mid-2025.
How We Collect Decking and Pergola Prices
We compare fixed-price quotes, per-m² rates, and completed-job invoices from decking and pergola contractors across major Australian metro markets.
We normalise prices to standard residential assumptions: straightforward access unless noted, standard fixings, and GST included.
Where quotes use allowances, we separate structural work, roof materials, balustrades, demolition, and finishing so comparisons stay like for like.
We review suburb and city differences through access constraints, permit requirements, engineering triggers, and labour-market pressure before publishing ranges.
We update the page when multiple fresh quotes point to a clear market move rather than reacting to one-off promotional pricing.
Decking & Pergola — Frequently Asked Questions
A hardwood timber deck (merbau, spotted gum, or ironbark) costs $320–$550 per m² installed in Australia. A 20m² ground-level deck runs $6,400–$11,000 fully installed including subframe and one coat of oil. Treated pine decking is cheaper at $180–$350/m². Composite decking falls between at $350–$600/m². Prices include GST.
Pergola costs depend heavily on the roof type. An open timber pergola costs $300–$550/m², a flat Colorbond roof pergola $400–$700/m², a gable roof pergola $500–$900/m², and a fully insulated patio cover $550–$1,000/m². A 20m² insulated pergola typically costs $11,000–$20,000 fully installed with guttering.
In most Australian states, structures over 10m² or decks elevated above 1m above natural ground level require development approval or a building permit. Attached pergolas over 10m² almost always need council sign-off. Approval typically adds $800–$3,000 in fees and processing time of 4–12 weeks. Always check with your local council before starting work.
A well-maintained hardwood deck (merbau, ironbark, spotted gum) lasts 25–40 years. Treated pine lasts 15–25 years with regular oiling every 2–3 years. Composite decking is rated for 25–30+ years and requires only occasional cleaning. Applying a quality deck oil annually significantly extends the life of any timber deck.
Treated pine (CCA or ACQ treated softwood) is the most affordable decking material at $180–$350/m² installed. It is widely available, easy to work with, and holds fixings well. The tradeoff is that it requires oiling or staining every 2–3 years and has a shorter lifespan than hardwood or composite alternatives.
Composite decking costs 30–50% more upfront than treated pine but requires almost no ongoing maintenance — no oiling, staining, or splinters. Over a 10–15 year period, the total cost of ownership is often comparable to pine once maintenance is factored in. In high-use or coastal locations composite is often the better long-term investment.
The cheapest pergola option is usually an open timber pergola with a simple rectangular footprint, priced around $300–$550 per m² installed. Flat-roof Colorbond pergolas are the next step up at roughly $400–$700/m². Costs rise quickly once you add insulated roof panels, lighting, fans, guttering, privacy screens, or complex roof junctions.
A practical budget is $1,000–$4,000 on top of the build cost for permits, engineer's drawings, and inspections. Smaller ground-level decks may sit at the low end, while elevated attached pergolas or decks with stairs and balustrades often land at the high end. The exact requirement depends on your council and site.
Autumn is usually the best-value booking window because contractors are less overloaded than in spring and summer, while weather is still suitable for concrete, framing, and finishing. Spring is the busiest period because homeowners want outdoor areas ready before Christmas, which often means longer lead times and firmer pricing.
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