Service · Gold Coast

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.

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Quick answer

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

QBCC-licensed & fully insured

Orange Projects is a QBCC-licensed business carrying full public liability and works insurance, so every Gold Coast project is delivered under a QBCC-licensed business, insured, protected contract.

Gold Coast renovation specialists

We have hands-on experience in the Gold Coast climate, coastal conditions and local council requirements from Coolangatta to Coomera.

Fixed-price quotes

You receive a detailed, itemised fixed-price quote after site inspection - no vague allowances, no mid-project surprises.

Premium workmanship

Our licensed carpenters and trade partners hold themselves to a high finishing standard and take pride in tidy sites and clean details.

End-to-end project management

One licensed builder manages design coordination, trades, approvals and finishes so you have one point of contact from start to handover.

Clear communication

Regular progress updates, honest timelines and quick responses - you always know where your project is at.

Quality materials

We specify materials that suit the Queensland climate and stand up to salt air, humidity and UV - not just what's cheapest on the shelf.

Warranty-backed workmanship

All work is backed by QBCC statutory warranties and our own workmanship guarantee, so the finish lasts long after handover.

Our process

1
Free Gold Coast consultation
We meet on site anywhere from Coolangatta to Coomera (or virtually), understand your goals, take measurements and photos, and answer every question - no pressure and no obligation.
2
Fixed-price quote
You receive a detailed written quote after site inspection, itemising labour, materials and inclusions with no vague allowances - what you sign is what you pay.
3
Scheduling & approvals
We coordinate any required certification, Gold Coast City Council approvals and align trades to a clear program of works so you know exactly when each stage happens.
4
Build & progress updates
Our Gold Coast crew executes the work with regular photo updates, tidy sites and clear communication throughout - you're never left wondering.
5
Final walkthrough & handover
We complete a defects walkthrough, hand over documentation and warranties, and stand behind the workmanship long after the invoice is paid.

Areas we service on the Gold Coast

Orange Projects is a Gold Coast-based builder delivering this service across every Gold Coast suburb, including:

We also service Brisbane and surrounding South East Queensland areas as a secondary catchment:

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

Brisbane

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.