Decking in Melbourne (2026)
Melbourne's reactive clay decides how a deck is footed, and the weather decides how long it lasts.
| Decking boards (140mm hardwood) | 35 lengths | $1,663 |
| Joists | 15 | |
| Bearers | 4 | |
| Posts / footings | 10 | |
| Decking screws | ≈840 | |
| Substructure & fixings | $1,482 | |
| Installation labour | $3,840 |
or from $33/week over 5 years , indicative finance
How we estimate this
The number of decking boards depends on your deck area, board width and the gap between boards. This calculator allows ~10% for cutting waste and works out the supporting joists, bearers and posts as well.
Pricing reviewed: June 2026.
What a decking costs in Melbourne
Much of Melbourne sits on reactive clay that swells and shrinks through the seasons, so deck footings need to be dug and engineered for ground movement rather than poured shallow, and getting that wrong shows up as a deck that lifts and twists within a few years. Period Victorian and Edwardian homes through the inner suburbs often pair a new deck with a tricky connection to an old timber structure, which adds detailing the price has to carry.
The wide daily temperature swing and cold, wet winters are hard on timber, so a Melbourne deck earns its keep with a durable species or composite and a proper finishing schedule. Labour sits just below Sydney in a large, competitive market, so a well-shopped build lands at fair value, and the deep supply of carpenters and decking specialists keeps mid-range pricing honest.
Compare against the national picture: Decking in Australia →
Decking in other cities
Frequently asked questions
How many decking boards do I need?
It depends on the deck size, board width and gap. As a guide, 140mm boards with a 4mm gap cover about 7 lineal metres per square metre. The calculator works out the exact count plus waste.
How far apart should deck joists be?
Joists are commonly spaced 450mm apart for residential decks, closer for some composite boards. Always check the board manufacturer’s span requirements and Australian standards.
How much does decking cost per square metre?
Decking typically costs $200–$350 per square metre installed in 2026, depending on material. The calculator separates materials, substructure and labour.