Decking & Pergolas/Compare/Stratco Outback vs Softwoods Outdoor Specialists

2026 Comparison

Stratco Outback vs Softwoods Outdoor Specialists

Compare a national pergola brand with a Queensland value operator for patio roofs, shade structures, and practical outdoor builds.

Winner

Stratco Outback

Best overall option once budget, coverage, and rating signals are weighed together.

Average Gap

$3,525

Difference in average pricing across overlapping outdoor build services.

Market Range

$1,800 - $28,200

The full low-to-high range across both providers.

Stratco Outback

Adelaide, SA · Est. 1948

Winner

From

$2,200

Average

$14,325

Coverage

6 areas

Price range$2,200 - $28,200
Rating: 4.1/5312 reviews

Best for: Covered pergolas, patios and insulated roof systems.

Review Stratco Outback
Softwoods Outdoor Specialists

Brisbane, QLD · Est. 1996

From

$1,800

Average

$10,800

Coverage

4 areas

Price range$1,800 - $24,800
Rating: 4/5126 reviews

Best for: Value-led patios and decks in South East Queensland.

Review Softwoods Outdoor Specialists

Side-by-Side Price Comparison

Compare matching deck and pergola jobs directly so budget gaps are obvious before you request quotes.

ServiceStratco OutbackSoftwoods Outdoor SpecialistsDifference
Flat Roof Pergola$14100$13200+$900
Gable Roof Pergola$18200N/A-
Insulated Pergola$21400$18800+$2600
Shade Sail Install$3600$3100+$500
Treated Pine DeckN/A$8100-
Updated March 20268+ prices tracked

Pros & Cons

Stratco Outback

Winner

Pros

  • Trusted patio roofing brand
  • Good Colorbond range
  • Strong dealer network

Cons

  • Dealer experience varies
  • Decking capability depends on installer partner

Softwoods Outdoor Specialists

Pros

  • Competitive QLD pricing
  • Fast turnaround in Brisbane metro
  • Good value on pine and patio packages

Cons

  • Queensland-focused
  • Less suited to custom architect-grade projects

Bottom Line

Verdict

Softwoods Outdoor Specialists is usually the cheaper option in Queensland, while Stratco Outback offers more recognised roof systems and wider dealer coverage.

Choose Softwoods for cost control in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Choose Stratco Outback for brand-backed patio and pergola systems.

Comparison FAQ

Softwoods Outdoor Specialists is cheaper on average in this matchup, but that changes fast once you move from deck-only work into pergolas, insulated roofs, or bundled outdoor-living packages.

Material choice, roof style, engineering needs, balustrades, and whether the project is a standalone deck or a broader outdoor-living build usually matter more than the headline average.

Choose Softwoods for cost control in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Choose Stratco Outback for brand-backed patio and pergola systems.