How Much Does Decking Cost on the Gold Coast? (2026)
A 2026 price guide to decking on the Gold Coast - timber versus composite cost per square metre, elevated deck and stair pricing, approval triggers, and the long-run cost of each material in a coastal climate.
On the Gold Coast in 2026, hardwood timber decking costs $350-$550 per square metre supplied and installed, and composite decking $450-$700. A ground-level 20sqm timber deck typically lands between $8,000 and $11,000, while an elevated deck with stairs and balustrades commonly runs $15,000-$35,000.
- Timber decking
- $350 - $550 per sqm
- Composite decking
- $450 - $700 per sqm
- Typical 20sqm deck
- $8,000 - $14,000
- Elevated deck
- $15,000 - $35,000
Overview
Decking is one of the highest-value additions you can make to a Gold Coast home, and also one of the easiest to under-budget. The board price you see advertised is only part of it - the substructure, footings, height, stairs, balustrades and approvals often make up more of the final figure than the decking surface itself. This guide sets out real 2026 Gold Coast decking prices, the difference between timber and composite over the life of the deck, and what pushes a quote up. Every deck we build is quoted fixed price after a site measure and level check.
What's included
- Timber and composite decking cost per square metre
- Ground-level versus elevated deck pricing
- Stairs, balustrades and screening costs
- When a deck needs council approval on the Gold Coast
- Long-term maintenance cost by material
- What a proper decking quote should include
Timber versus composite cost per square metre
Australian hardwood decking such as spotted gum, blackbutt or merbau runs $350-$550 per square metre supplied and installed on a standard low-level substructure. Composite decking sits at $450-$700 per square metre installed. Composite costs more upfront but does not need annual oiling, which typically saves $600-$1,200 every year or two on a mid-sized deck. Over a fifteen-year horizon on a coastal Gold Coast property, composite usually works out lower in total cost of ownership, while timber remains the choice where the natural grain matters.
Ground-level, elevated and multi-level decks
A ground-level 20 square metre timber deck generally lands between $8,000 and $11,000, and the same deck in composite $10,000-$14,000. Once a deck is elevated above one metre it needs engineered footings, compliant balustrades and often stairs, which commonly pushes the figure to $15,000-$35,000. Multi-level decks stepping down a slope in Highland Park, Tallai or Bonogin are quoted individually because the substructure carries most of the cost.
Stairs, balustrades, screens and extras
A set of timber stairs typically adds $1,200-$3,500 depending on rise and width. Balustrades run $250-$550 per linear metre for timber and $400-$800 for glass or stainless wire. Privacy screening and batten work is $200-$450 per square metre. Under-deck drainage, roofing or a pergola over the deck is priced separately - a roofed alfresco structure generally starts around $8,000.
Approvals and compliance on the Gold Coast
City of Gold Coast generally requires building approval for decks over one metre above ground level, decks attached to the dwelling in certain configurations, and any structure affecting setbacks or site cover. Balustrades are mandatory above one metre and must meet the National Construction Code for height and gap spacing. We handle certification and engineering as part of the build rather than leaving it with you.
Coastal conditions and material choice
Salt exposure in suburbs like Palm Beach, Bilinga, Mermaid Beach and Jacobs Well corrodes standard fixings quickly, so we specify stainless or hot-dip galvanised hardware as standard near the water. In shaded, high-rainfall pockets such as Currumbin Valley and Tallebudgera, timber decks decay faster and need more frequent inspection of bearers and joists - which is why timber repair work is so common in those areas.
Why choose Orange Projects
Licensed and insured
Orange Projects holds QBCC Licence No. 15620733 and carries the insurance needed for our work.
Local experience
We understand Gold Coast homes, coastal conditions and the practical details that affect local building work.
Clear written quotes
You receive an itemised quote after we inspect the site and confirm the scope.
Careful workmanship
Our carpenters and trade partners focus on solid work, clean details and a tidy site.
One point of contact
We coordinate the work and keep you informed from the first visit through to handover.
Straight answers
We explain the work, timing and decisions in plain language.
Suitable materials
We choose materials that suit the job and local weather conditions.
Workmanship support
We stand behind our work and explain the warranties that apply to your project.
Our process
- 1
Site visit
We inspect the property, measure the area and talk through what you need.
- 2
Written quote
You receive a clear, itemised quote with the agreed scope and inclusions.
- 3
Planning
We confirm timing, order materials and arrange approvals or certification where needed.
- 4
Construction
We complete the work, keep the site tidy and update you as the job moves forward.
- 5
Handover
We check the finished work with you and provide the documents and warranties that apply.
Areas we service on the Gold Coast
Servicing the Gold Coast and Logan, including these Gold Coast areas:
- Robina
- Burleigh Heads
- Mermaid Waters
- Helensvale
- Hope Island
- Coomera
- Southport
- Broadbeach
- Palm Beach
- Miami
- Varsity Lakes
- Ashmore
We also service Logan:
Decking pricing by service and area
Detailed decking and outdoor living pricing, plus local deck builder pages across South East Queensland.
Related services & guides
Gold Coast
- Deck Builders Gold Coast
- Deck Builders Surfers Paradise
- Deck Builders Main Beach
- Deck Builders Isle of Capri
- Deck Builders Chevron Island
- Deck Builders Paradise Waters
- Deck Builders Runaway Bay
- Deck Builders Biggera Waters
- Deck Builders Labrador
- Deck Builders Sovereign Islands
- Deck Builders Sanctuary Cove
- Deck Builders Currumbin
- Deck Builders Currumbin Waters
- Deck Builders Elanora
- Deck Builders Reedy Creek
Frequently asked questions
How much does decking cost per square metre on the Gold Coast?
Hardwood timber decking costs $350-$550 per square metre supplied and installed in 2026, and composite decking $450-$700 per square metre.
How much does a 20sqm deck cost?
A ground-level 20 square metre timber deck typically costs $8,000-$11,000, and the same deck in composite $10,000-$14,000.
Is composite decking cheaper than timber overall?
It costs more upfront but avoids annual oiling and sanding. Over ten to fifteen years in a coastal Gold Coast climate, composite usually works out cheaper in total cost of ownership.
Do I need council approval for a deck on the Gold Coast?
Generally yes for decks over one metre above ground, decks attached to the house in certain configurations, or where setbacks and site cover are affected. We arrange approvals and certification.
How much do deck stairs and balustrades cost?
Stairs typically add $1,200-$3,500. Balustrades run $250-$550 per linear metre in timber and $400-$800 for glass or stainless wire.
How long does it take to build a deck?
A straightforward ground-level deck usually takes three to seven days on site. Elevated and multi-level decks generally take two to four weeks including footings and cure time.
What timber is best for Gold Coast decking?
Spotted gum and blackbutt perform well in our climate for durability and colour retention. Merbau is a lower-cost option but leaches tannin early on.
Is a decking quote fixed price?
Ours is. We measure levels and check the substructure before quoting, so the price you sign covers the build unless you change the scope.