Timber decks have long been the backbone of Australian outdoor living. But in 2026, more Sydney homeowners are asking a tough question: is timber decking worth the maintenance headache anymore?
The answer depends on what matters most to you — aesthetics, durability, cost over time, and your lifestyle. We’ve built hundreds of decks across Sydney suburbs, and we’re seeing a clear shift. Let’s break down the real costs and benefits so you can decide what’s right for your home.
Timber Decking: The Classic Choice
Timber decking delivers what composite can’t: natural warmth, authentic grain, and a connection to the outdoors that feels unmistakably premium. Species like merbau, spotted gum, and ironbark are stunning and still dominate high-end residential builds across Vaucluse, Rose Bay, and Bellevue Hill.
Upfront Costs (per m²)
- Hardwood timber (merbau, spotted gum): £180–280 per m² (supply + install)
- Softwood (pine, cedar): £120–180 per m²
- Installation labour: £60–100 per m²
A typical 20m² deck: £3,600–5,600 depending on timber grade and finish.
Maintenance Costs (Annual)
- Staining/sealing: £400–800 every 2–3 years
- Sanding: £300–600 (every 3–5 years for stubborn marks)
- Repairs: £200–500 annually (cracked boards, fastener replacement)
- Gutter cleaning: £150–300 (twice yearly in autumn/spring)
10-year ownership cost: £3,600–5,600 (initial) + £2,000–3,500 (maintenance) = £5,600–9,100 total.
Composite Decking: The Low-Maintenance Alternative
Composite boards (Modwood, Evalast, Millboard) blend timber fibres with plastic — giving you wood-like aesthetics without the weekend maintenance sessions. They’re gaining serious traction in suburbs like Neutral Bay, Clovelly, and Bondi, where busy professionals want to enjoy their deck, not babysit it.
Upfront Costs (per m²)
- Premium composite (Millboard, Evalast): £240–350 per m²
- Mid-range composite (Modwood, Vivid): £160–220 per m²
- Budget composite: £100–150 per m²
- Installation labour: £70–110 per m²
Same 20m² deck: £3,200–7,200 depending on composite brand.
Maintenance Costs (Annual)
- Cleaning: £100–200 annually (hose off, maybe a light scrub)
- Repairs: Minimal — boards rarely crack or splinter
- Restaining: None — colour is integral to the material
- Fastener replacement: Rarely needed
10-year ownership cost: £3,200–7,200 (initial) + £1,000–2,000 (cleaning) = £4,200–9,200 total.
Head-to-Head Comparison: What Actually Matters
| Factor | Timber | Composite |
| Initial Cost | Lower (£3,600–5,600) | Mid-range (£3,200–7,200) |
| 10-Year Total Cost | £5,600–9,100 | £4,200–9,200 |
| Maintenance Time | High (8–12 hours/year) | Low (2–3 hours/year) |
| Aesthetics | Warm, authentic, natural grain | Modern, clean lines, very consistent |
| Durability | 10–15 years (hardwood) | 15–25 years (premium composite) |
| Resale Appeal | High for heritage homes | High for modern homes |
| Temperature Comfort | Cooler underfoot (summer) | Warmer/hotter underfoot |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Timber If:
- You love the look of natural wood and don’t mind the upkeep
- Your home is heritage-listed or in a conservation area (many councils prefer timber)
- You’re building a high-end home in an affluent suburb where authenticity matters
- You plan to renovate the deck in 10–12 years anyway
- You enjoy outdoor maintenance as part of home ownership
Choose Composite If:
- You want to build the deck once and enjoy it for 20+ years without worry
- You’re time-poor or prefer spending weekends relaxing, not maintaining
- Your home is modern and you want clean, contemporary aesthetics
- You live near the coast (salt spray degrades timber faster — composite laughs at it)
- Pet stains, kids, or heavy foot traffic are part of your life
The Sydney Real-World Picture
In our experience building decks across Bondi, Coogee, Neutral Bay, and the Eastern Suburbs, we’re seeing a generational shift. Younger families and busy professionals choose composite. Heritage enthusiasts and those with time still choose timber. Both can look incredible — it’s about your lifestyle and priorities.
What we don’t recommend: budget composite or untreated softwood. Both are false economy. Invest in either premium hardwood (merbau, spotted gum) or mid-range composite (Modwood, Evalast). You’ll thank yourself in five years.
Pricing Guide: What You’ll Actually Pay in Sydney 2026
Here’s a breakdown for a typical 20m² residential deck in a Sydney suburb:
| Deck Type | Materials | Labour (20m²) | Total |
| Hardwood Timber (merbau) | £3,200–4,000 | £1,200–2,000 | £4,400–6,000 |
| Softwood Timber (pine) | £2,000–2,800 | £1,200–2,000 | £3,200–4,800 |
| Premium Composite (Millboard) | £3,600–5,000 | £1,400–2,200 | £5,000–7,200 |
| Mid-Range Composite (Modwood) | £2,400–3,200 | £1,400–2,200 | £3,800–5,400 |
Prices vary by suburb (Eastern Suburbs higher), site access, and existing deck removal. These are 2026 market rates for Sydney metro.
Ready to Build Your Dream Deck?
Whether you’re team timber or team composite, the most important step is getting expert advice tailored to your home, budget, and lifestyle.
At 5 Star Decking, we’ve built 500+ decks across Sydney — from Vaucluse to Cronulla, Bondi to Manly. We’ll walk you through material options, show you real examples, and give you an honest quote with no surprises.
Ready to start? Get in touch with us today or call 0433 334 415 for a free consultation and site assessment.
5 Star Decking — Building Sydney’s Most Beautiful Outdoor Spaces Since 2015
