Strathfield is one of Sydney’s most desirable inner-west suburbs—leafy streets, excellent schools, and growing demand for outdoor living spaces. If you’re a Strathfield homeowner considering a deck, you’re probably wondering: how much will it actually cost?
The truth is, deck pricing varies wildly depending on materials, size, and complexity. But we’ve built hundreds of decks across Sydney, and we can give you real numbers based on what Strathfield homeowners are actually paying in 2026.
Deck Costs in Strathfield: What You’ll Really Pay
Timber Decking (Hardwood)
Budget: $250–$400 per square metre. Hardwood decking—think merbau, spotted gum, or blackbutt—is the traditional choice for Sydney. It ages beautifully, looks premium, and performs well in our climate.
Strathfield example: A typical 20m² deck in timber runs $5,000–$8,000 installed, including: Structural design and council compliance, Footings and framing, Hardwood boards, Basic balustrade with steel posts and timber rails.
Why Strathfield costs more: Older Strathfield homes often sit on sloped blocks, meaning deeper footings and more complex framing. This pushes costs to the higher end.
Maintenance: Budget $500–$1,000 every 2–3 years for sanding, sealing, and stain top-ups.
Composite Decking (Evalast, Modwood, Millboard)
Budget: $350–$550 per square metre. Composite decking (plastic + wood fibre) has exploded in popularity—zero maintenance, 25-year warranties, and fade-resistant colours.
Strathfield example: That same 20m² deck in premium composite costs $7,000–$11,000 installed. Why the higher price? Composite boards cost 2–3x more per metre. But the win is zero maintenance and $10,000+ saved over 20 years vs timber refinishing.
What’s Included in Your Quote
✅ Included: Structural design, Council DA (if required), All labour and materials, Footings and framing, Basic balustrade, Fasteners and cleanup.
❌ Extra costs: Pergolas (+$3,000–$8,000), Built-in seating (+$2,000–$5,000), Complex stairs (+$1,500–$3,000), Glass balustrade (+$100–$200/m), Lighting and power (+$1,000–$2,500).
Why Strathfield Costs More
1. Sloped blocks — Most homes aren’t flat. Deeper footings = more labour. 2. Trees — Extra work managing branches. 3. Stricter council — Inner-west enforcement is tighter. Design costs more. 4. Tighter blocks — Access and site setup trickier.
How to Save Money
1. Right size: 15m² feels spacious but costs 30% less than 25m². 2. Go timber: 30–40% cheaper if you’ll maintain it. 3. Simple shape: Rectangles beat curves. Less cutting, less labour. 4. Skip pergola now: Add it next year. 5. Simple railing: Steel + timber beats glass (3–4x cheaper).
Real Strathfield Costs
Example 1: 18m² Evalast composite, steel balustrade, sloped block = $9,200.
Example 2: 22m² merbau hardwood, timber rails, flat block = $7,400.
Example 3: 20m² Millboard composite + pergola, aluminium rails = $16,500.
Timeline & Payment
Design to completion: 4–6 weeks (Week 1: Design, Weeks 2–3: Council, Weeks 4–6: Build).
Payment: 30% deposit, 40% on start, 30% on completion.
Ready to Build?
We’ve built over 400 decks across Sydney and know Strathfield inside out. Whether you want low-maintenance composite or classic timber, we can show you what’s possible for your block and budget.
Get your free quote:
📞 0433 334 415
📧 info@5stardecking.com
🌐 Contact Us
Strathfield Deck FAQs
Do I need council approval? Yes. Strathfield Council requires DA for decks >5m². We handle the paperwork.
How long will composite last? 25+ years with zero maintenance. Timber needs refinishing every 2–3 years but lasts 15–20+ with care.
Can I build under trees? Yes. Expect shade (great in summer) and extra cleaning. Debris management is part of design.
Cheapest option? Timber on flat block, rectangular shape, no extras = $5,000–$6,500 for 18m².
5 Star Decking — Premium decks and fencing. Strathfield specialists since 2016.
