Composite Decking vs Timber: Which Costs Less in Sydney 2026?
The big question: Should I invest in a low-maintenance composite deck, or save money upfront with timber? The answer depends on your suburb, your budget, and how long you plan to stay.
We’ve built over 400 decks across Sydney in the last five years. Here’s what the real numbers look like.
Upfront Costs: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026
Let’s be clear about pricing. These are real quotes from 5 Star Decking for a standard 4m × 5m deck (20 sqm) in Sydney metropolitan area, as of June 2026:
| Material Type | Cost per sqm | Total (20 sqm) |
|---|---|---|
| Blackbutt Hardwood | $185–220 | $3,700–4,400 |
| Treated Pine | $120–150 | $2,400–3,000 |
| Modwood Composite | $240–280 | $4,800–5,600 |
| Evalast Composite | $210–250 | $4,200–5,000 |
| Millboard Composite (premium) | $320–380 | $6,400–7,600 |
Winner upfront: Treated pine by a landslide. But wait — that’s only half the story.
Maintenance Costs Over 15 Years
This is where timber gets expensive. A timber deck in Sydney’s climate demands regular maintenance:
Blackbutt Hardwood — Maintenance Schedule
- Oil treatment: Every 12–18 months (DIY: ~$400–600 per application; professional: $800–1,200)
- Annual inspection & repairs: ~$300–500 per year (checking for rot, replacing damaged boards)
- 15-year total maintenance cost: $6,000–10,000
Treated Pine — Higher Maintenance
- Oil/stain treatment: Every 6–12 months (DIY: $300–500; professional: $600–1,000)
- Pest inspections & repairs: $200–400 annually (termites, borer)
- Board replacement (typical): 2–3 boards by year 10 (~$1,000 total)
- 15-year total maintenance cost: $8,000–14,000
Composite Decking — Minimal Maintenance
- Annual cleaning: Soap and water or pressure wash (~$200–300 DIY, or $400–600 professional, once yearly)
- Occasional board replacement: Rare — typically zero replacements in 15 years
- 15-year total maintenance cost: $3,000–4,500
The 15-Year Cost Breakdown
| Material | Upfront Build | 15-Year Maintenance | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treated Pine | $2,400–3,000 | $8,000–14,000 | $10,400–17,000 |
| Blackbutt Hardwood | $3,700–4,400 | $6,000–10,000 | $9,700–14,400 |
| Evalast Composite | $4,200–5,000 | $3,000–4,500 | $7,200–9,500 |
| Modwood Composite | $4,800–5,600 | $3,000–4,500 | $7,800–10,100 |
| Millboard Premium | $6,400–7,600 | $3,000–4,500 | $9,400–12,100 |
The verdict: Mid-range composite (Evalast, Modwood) is the most cost-effective over 15 years — especially when you factor in time spent on maintenance.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Your Time
Oiling a 20 sqm deck takes a full Saturday (6–8 hours) twice a year. Over 15 years, that’s ~180 hours of your time — or $7,000–10,000 in outsourced labor if you hire it done.
Pest & Termite Risk
Pine decks in Western Sydney suburbs (Penrith, Parramatta, Blue Mountains) face aggressive termite pressure. A single termite colony can damage $2,000–5,000 worth of timber. Composites are termite-proof.
Resale Value
A well-maintained composite deck is a selling point. A weathered, stained timber deck can actually hurt your home value in competitive markets (inner-west Sydney, eastern suburbs). Real estate agents report buyers prefer composite in high-turnover areas.
When to Choose Timber (It Still Makes Sense)
Blackbutt hardwood is worth the maintenance if:
- You love the natural look and don’t mind annual oiling
- You’re in a termite-resistant area (coastal suburbs, elevated terrain)
- You plan to keep the home 20+ years (timber gets better with age if maintained)
- Your budget is genuinely tight upfront
Treated pine is a budget option only if:
- You’re OK with a 7–10 year deck lifespan before major refresh
- You’re willing to maintain it religiously
- You’re not in a high-pest-pressure area
When Composite Wins (Most of the Time)
Choose composite if:
- You want a deck that looks great for 25+ years with minimal fuss
- You live in a termite-prone area (western, northern, or central Sydney suburbs)
- You’re busy and don’t want weekend maintenance projects
- You’re planning to sell in 10–20 years (buyers love composite in 2026)
- You’re on a north-facing deck getting full sun (timber degrades faster; composite fades evenly)
Our Recommendation (Based on 400+ Builds)
For most Sydney homeowners in 2026, a mid-range composite deck (Evalast or Modwood) at $240–280/sqm is the best value. You get:
- ✓ 25-year durability guarantee
- ✓ Zero termite risk
- ✓ Lowest lifetime cost
- ✓ Minimal maintenance (hose it down, done)
- ✓ Better resale value in competitive suburbs
- ✓ Authentic wood look without the fading
The only exception: Choose Blackbutt hardwood if you love the natural timber aesthetic and you’re committed to maintenance. It’ll outlast everything and looks increasingly beautiful with age.
Real Sydney Project Example: Inner West
Six months ago, we built a 25 sqm composite deck in Marrickville for a young family:
- Material: Evalast composite in Coastal Grey
- Upfront cost: $5,250
- Maintenance (6 months): One pressure wash ($150)
- Homeowner feedback: “Looks immaculate, zero maintenance. Worth every dollar.”
Had they chosen Blackbutt timber instead, they’d be facing their first major oil treatment in month 12. Add $800–1,200 to the cost and a weekend of their time.
Get Your Sydney Deck Built Right
Whether you choose timber or composite, installation quality matters as much as material choice. Poor subframe work or drainage planning can ruin even the best decking inside 5 years.
We handle all the technical details — engineered posts, proper fall for water run-off, BCA-compliant balustrades, and 25-year workmanship guarantees on every composite installation.
Ready to compare costs for your specific project?
Call us: 0433 334 415
Get a free quote — no obligation, free site visit, written estimate within 48 hours.
5 Star Decking — Sydney’s trusted deck builders since 2012. Over 400 decks built. Composite and timber specialists across all Sydney suburbs.
