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If you’ve started looking into building a deck in Sydney, you’ve probably noticed that prices vary wildly online. One site says $200/m², another says $1,000/m². So what’s the real number?
We’ve built over 5,000 decks across Sydney and surrounds — here’s what decking actually costs in 2026, broken down honestly.
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## Average Decking Cost in Sydney 2026
| Decking Type | Cost Per m² (Installed) |
|—|—|
| Treated Pine | $200 – $300/m² |
| Merbau Hardwood | $300 – $500/m² |
| Spotted Gum / Jarrah / Balau | $350 – $550/m² |
| Composite Decking (standard) | $450 – $650/m² |
| Composite Decking (premium – Millboard / Trex) | $600 – $900/m² |
For a typical Sydney deck of around 30–40m², you’re generally looking at **$9,000 – $25,000 fully installed**, depending on material, height, complexity and site access.
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## What Affects the Price of a Deck in Sydney?
### 1. Material Choice
Treated pine is the cheapest to buy but requires the most ongoing maintenance (oiling, staining, potential replacement within 10–15 years). Premium hardwoods and composite decking cost more upfront but far less over time.
### 2. Height and Structure
A ground-level deck is much cheaper to build than an elevated deck. The higher the deck, the more structural work is required — posts, bearers, joists and potentially engineering certification. An elevated deck can add $3,000–$8,000 to the overall cost.
### 3. Site Access and Slope
Sydney is full of sloping blocks — especially in the Hills District, Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs. A sloping block means more groundwork, longer posts and more labour. Don’t be surprised if quotes vary based on your block.
### 4. Demolition of an Existing Deck
If you’re replacing an old deck, demolition and disposal costs typically add $500–$2,000 depending on size.
> **5 Star Decking Tip:** We currently offer **free demolition** with every new deck installation. That’s a genuine saving most companies charge for.
### 5. Extras — Balustrades, Stairs, Lighting
A deck is rarely just a deck. Balustrades (required for decks over 1m high) typically cost $400–$800 per linear metre. LED strip lighting adds $500–$2,000. Stairs add $1,500–$4,000 depending on complexity.
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## Is It Worth Paying More for Composite Decking?
This is the most common question we get. Composite decking costs around 30–40% more upfront than mid-range hardwood. But when you factor in:
– No annual oiling or staining (saving $300–$600/year)
– 25-year product warranties (Trex, Millboard)
– No splinters, no cracking, no colour fading
Most homeowners who choose composite say they wish they’d done it years earlier. Over a 10-year period, composite often works out cheaper than timber when you factor in maintenance.
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## How to Get an Accurate Quote
The only way to get a real price is a site visit. Every Sydney property is different — access, slope, soil type, height and council requirements all affect cost.
At 5 Star Decking, we offer **free, no-obligation measure and quotes** across all of Sydney. We’ll give you a fixed-price quote in writing with no nasty surprises.
**[Book your free quote today →](https://5stardecking.com/contact/)**
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*5 Star Decking — Sydney’s highest rated decking company. 4.9/5.0 on Google. 5,000+ decks built.*
