How to Quote a Deck Build in Australia
Step-by-step guide on how to quote a timber deck build. Covers Merbau, treated pine, and composite options with materials, labour, and pricing for Australian carpenters.
What to Include in a Deck Quote
A complete deck quote should cover: site preparation and excavation, concrete footings and stirrups, bearers and joists (species, size, and spacing), decking boards (species, profile, and fixings), stairs and landing if required, balustrade (if over 1m above ground), and all hardware (bolts, brackets, screws, joist hangers). Always specify the timber species and grade.
Deck Material Costs in 2026
Merbau decking: $80–$130/sqm for boards alone. Treated pine: $40–$70/sqm. Composite decking: $100–$200/sqm. Substructure (bearers, joists, footings) typically adds $60–$100/sqm depending on height and span. Total material cost for a standard Merbau deck is typically $150–$250/sqm before labour.
How to Calculate Labour
A standard deck build takes roughly 1.5–3 days per 10sqm for an experienced carpenter. Labour rates for deck building in Australia range from $50–$90/hour or $80–$150/sqm as a fixed rate. Factor in complexity: multi-level decks, stairs, and balustrades take significantly longer. Always price stairs and balustrade as separate line items.
Council Approvals and Compliance
Decks over 1m above ground or over a certain area typically need council approval (DA or CDC). Decks attached to the house may require engineer-certified connection details. Pool-adjacent decks must comply with pool fencing regulations. Include a line item for council application fees if applicable, and note compliance requirements in your quote.
Common Deck Quoting Mistakes
1. Not accounting for timber waste (allow 10–15%). 2. Forgetting post holes and concrete footings. 3. Underquoting stairs — they're labour-intensive. 4. Not specifying hidden vs face-fixed decking (hidden fixing costs more). 5. Ignoring site access difficulties that increase labour time.
Pro Tips
- Measure the site yourself — don't rely on customer measurements
- Specify timber species, grade, and profile in the quote
- Include 10–15% waste factor on decking boards
- Quote stairs as a separate line item — they're often underquoted
- Check if council approval is required before quoting
- Use real-time timber pricing — it fluctuates significantly
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