There’s something about Spotted Gum that just belongs in the Inner West. The rich, reddish-brown tones, the natural variation from board to board, the way it deepens in colour as it weathers — it suits the character of these suburbs perfectly. Federation homes, terrace courtyards, extended rear living spaces — Spotted Gum fits them all.
This project was a courtyard deck in Sydney’s Inner West, and it’s one we’re genuinely proud of. The brief was straightforward: replace a tired concrete slab with a proper hardwood deck that flows seamlessly from the indoor living area to the outdoor space, with a built-in seating ledge and a horizontal screen fence for privacy.
Why the Homeowners Chose Spotted Gum
The clients had looked at composite, they’d looked at Merbau, and they kept coming back to Spotted Gum. A few reasons came up again and again:
- Durability — Spotted Gum is one of Australia’s hardest native timbers, rated Janka 11. It handles foot traffic, furniture, kids, dogs — whatever life throws at it.
- Natural beauty — No two boards are identical. The interlocked grain and colour variation from honey to deep chocolate gives the finished deck a warmth that composites simply can’t replicate.
- Longevity — Properly maintained, a Spotted Gum deck will last 25–30 years. That’s real value in an Inner West property.
- Slip resistance — A textured surface and the natural grain of Spotted Gum make it a safe choice even when wet.
The Build: What Was Involved
The existing courtyard was a flat concrete slab with a central raised platform — essentially a dead space that didn’t connect to the home. Our team at 5 Star Decking designed a deck that would sit flush with the sliding door threshold, eliminating the step down and visually extending the interior living area into the garden.
Key elements of the build:
- Subframe: Treated pine framing system on adjustable pedestals over the existing slab — no need to break up concrete, keeping the build clean and efficient.
- Decking boards: 90mm x 19mm Spotted Gum, face-screwed with stainless steel screws for a clean, traditional finish.
- Raised ledge seat: The existing raised platform was capped with matching Spotted Gum to create a built-in bench seat — a smart use of an existing structure that ties the whole space together.
- Privacy screen: Horizontal hardwood batten screen along the top boundary — it gives privacy without closing off the sky, keeping the courtyard feeling open and airy.
- Oiling: Two coats of penetrating timber oil applied on completion for immediate protection and that rich, deep colour.
The Transformation
Before this project, the courtyard was underused — a slab, some pots, and a lot of wasted potential. After the deck went in, it became the main outdoor entertaining space. The raised ledge works as extra seating when friends are over, the horizontal screen gives the privacy they were missing, and the Spotted Gum ties the whole space back to the warm tones of the Federation-era brickwork.
Spotted Gum vs Merbau: Which Should You Choose?
It’s the most common question we get from Inner West homeowners. Here’s the honest answer:
Choose Spotted Gum if: You want maximum hardness, a more varied and dramatic natural grain, and a timber that ages to a beautiful silver-grey if left unoiled (or stays rich and warm if maintained). It’s also slightly more expensive than Merbau.
Choose Merbau if: Budget is tighter, you want a more uniform reddish-brown tone, and you’re happy with excellent (though not quite Spotted Gum-level) durability.
Both are outstanding choices for Sydney’s climate. Both are what we’d put in our own homes.
Maintenance: How to Keep Spotted Gum Looking This Good
Spotted Gum is low-maintenance, but not no-maintenance. Here’s what we recommend to all our clients:
- Year 1: Oil once before winter and once in spring. The timber is thirsty in its first year as it settles.
- Ongoing: Oil annually, or when water stops beading on the surface — whichever comes first.
- Cleaning: A light wash with a timber deck cleaner every 6–12 months removes tannin stains and surface grime.
- Avoid: Pressure washing at high pressure — it raises the grain and damages the surface fibres over time.
Spotted Gum that’s oiled annually will hold its colour for decades. Left completely untreated, it’ll silver gracefully — which some people actually prefer.
Pricing: What Does a Spotted Gum Deck Cost in Sydney?
Hardwood decking at 5 Star Decking is priced from $440/m², which includes supply, installation, subframe, and screws. This particular project also included the built-in bench ledge capping and the horizontal screen fence, which were quoted separately based on linear metres.
For a typical Inner West courtyard of 20–30m², you’re looking at a completed project in the $9,000–$15,000 range depending on scope, access, and any additional elements like steps or screens.
All our work is carried out under NSW Builder’s Licence 395250C, and every project comes with a full workmanship warranty.
Ready to Transform Your Inner West Outdoor Space?
We’ve completed 4,000+ decking projects across Sydney, and the Inner West is one of our busiest areas — Balmain, Leichhardt, Annandale, Marrickville, Newtown, Stanmore. We understand the tight access, the heritage overlays, the courtyard-style footprints, and the character these homes deserve.
If you’re thinking about a Spotted Gum deck — or any hardwood project — get in touch. We’ll come out, measure up, and give you a straight quote.
Call us on 0433 334 415 or request a free quote online.
