How much does garden decking cost?

It’s sometimes nice to add a little something to your garden. Installing a garden deck gives you that additional space to relax or unwind in your garden and entertain guests. You can also ask someone to maintain your garden for you over time to compliment your new garden deck.

Before bringing out your new patio furniture for your new garden deck, it’s good to know how much it costs to deck your garden. That way, you know if you’re getting the most out of your set budget. The average cost of garden decking is $3,400 to $6,500. Building a standard-sized deck will cost about $187 per m2.

Garden decking price list

This guide will walk you through some things you need to know before going ahead with construction. You’ll have a clear idea of garden decking costs per m2 by the end of this guide. 

Factors affecting the cost of garden decking

In Australia, you can expect to pay $2,000 to $30,000 or more for a 100 m2 deck. However, it would help if you considered the following things when estimating how much it costs to lay decking:

• The size and shape of your deck
• The type of material you will use
• Additional features, such as built-in furniture or stairs
• Site conditions
• Building permits
• Your location

Garden decking material

The most significant factor in the price of your deck is the material. Garden decks come in various materials, which have pros and cons. The most popular materials used for timber garden decks in Australia are pressure-treated pine, softwood, and hardwood.

Below is a chart to give you an idea of how much each type of material will cost for your garden deck. Note that installation and labour fees are not part of this price list.

Pressure-treated pine

This is one of the most inexpensive materials on the market. It has good strength properties, thanks to its wooden preservatives. However, you need to seal this material for it to become water-repellant. You can expect this material to last for about 10 to 15 years, but it can last longer with constant maintenance and treatment. 

Softwood

A deck made of softwood is easier to install than other materials since it comes in unhinged planks. You can cut or saw these boards and nail them down quickly. However, softwood won’t retain its shape over time. You'll find yourself replacing planks once they show signs of deformation.

Hardwood

You can expect a hardwood deck to bring a more sophisticated look to your garden. It's a more expensive option, but it can last long with proper maintenance. You'll need to look out for warps and cracks between the boards since these happen without adequate care. 

Timber

Timber has the longest life span among decking materials. It is made of 100% authentic and well-seasoned wood, making it last for about 20 years. However, you have to invest in maintenance. A timber deck needs sealing and staining every few years to prevent water damage.

Composite

Unlike wooden decks, composite decks don't require maintenance. These decks are made of recycled timber fibres and plastic, making them durable and water-resistant. These come at a higher price because of their material and low-maintenance features. 

Labour costs for garden decking

Labour in Australia can cost about $60 to $100 per hour. However, for garden decking installation, professionals charge per m2. 

You can also expect prices to change depending on your postal code. In Australia, the place where you live dictates how much labour costs. Living in New South Wales means that labour comes at a higher price while living in Western Australia is cheaper.

Posting a task for garden decking

You're ready to post a task now that you know how much it costs to install garden decking! You'll soon receive offers from Taskers near you. You can compare their profiles, ratings, and reviews and select the best Tasker for your requirements. Do you need more information on how to go about it? Check out how it works.

Here are some details to include on your list:

• Your budget
• Your location
• Decking material and size
• Schedule or time frame

Ultimately, the more details you share, the easier it is for Taskers to give you exact estimates.