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Merbau, hardwood, composite — built to AS 1684

Decking prices in Pakenham — 2026 build + restoration guide

Decking in Pakenham ranges from $280/sqm (basic Merbau on simple framing) to $580/sqm (composite or premium hardwood on engineered substructure). A typical 25sqm deck costs $7,500–$14,500 built properly with AS 1684-compliant framing and 25-year design life.

Below are realistic 2026 per-sqm fitted rates. Every quote includes substructure + boards + balustrade where required. Call (03) 9003 0108 for an exact quote.

Typical 2026 prices for decking in Pakenham

Real ranges from our books, not made-up averages. Every quote we issue is itemised against the work below.

ServiceTypical range (AU 2026)What's included
Merbau deck — single-level, ground (per sqm) $280 – $380 per sqm Most common. 90mm boards on H4 frame.
Merbau deck — raised (over 1m, per sqm) $380 – $480 per sqm Adds bearer/joist + balustrade.
Spotted gum / ironbark deck (per sqm) $380 – $480 per sqm Premium hardwood, longer life.
Composite deck — Modwood / Trex (per sqm) $380 – $580 per sqm Low-maintenance, no oiling.
Treated pine deck (per sqm) $220 – $320 per sqm Budget option. 12-year design life.
Hardwood balustrade (per linear m) $220 – $380 per m Required over 1m above ground.
Glass balustrade (per linear m) $380 – $580 per m Frameless. Premium look.
Steel balustrade (per linear m) $280 – $480 per m Powder-coated, low-maintenance.
Stair (per riser) $180 – $320 per step Hardwood treads + risers.
Substructure upgrade (engineered) +$45 – $85 per sqm On reactive soil or large spans.
Demolition existing deck $45 – $85 per sqm Plus disposal.
Deck restoration — sand + oil/stain (per sqm) $25 – $55 per sqm On weathered deck. 2 coats.
Deck oiling only (per sqm) $12 – $25 per sqm Annual maintenance.
Council permit (large decks) $580 – $1,400 Decks >1m elevation often require.
Engineering certificate $480 – $980 Decks >1m elevation.

Prices indicative for Pakenham in 2026. Final quote depends on your site — call (03) 9003 0108 for an exact number.

Need an exact price for your job?

Most quotes ready within 24 hours of the site visit. No-obligation, free, written.

What changes the price on your job

The ranges above are the starting point. These five factors are what move a quote up or down within (or sometimes outside) those bands.

  1. Decking material — treated pine cheapest, Merbau standard, composite premium.
  2. Elevation — ground-level cheap; over 1m needs engineered substructure + balustrade.
  3. Size — under 15sqm fixed-cost premium; over 50sqm volume discount.
  4. Soil type — reactive clay needs engineered footings.
  5. Balustrade material — timber cheapest, steel mid, glass premium.

Red flags — what to watch for in quotes

We see these patterns every week from operators we'd never recommend. If a quote you've received contains one of these, ask before signing.

  • Decks over 1m without engineered substructure — collapse risk + insurance void.
  • Cheap-end pine without H4 treatment — termite + rot in 5 years.
  • Composite decks without proper sub-deck ventilation — moisture trap.
  • Quotes without balustrade where elevation requires — BCA illegal.
  • Cash jobs without permit on large decks — fines + insurance void.

How to get an accurate quote in 5 minutes

Have the following ready when you call (03) 9003 0108 (or jot it on the quote form) and we can give you a real number in one call, not five.

  1. Approximate sqm + dimensions.
  2. Elevation (ground / under 1m / over 1m).
  3. Photo of site.
  4. Material preference (Merbau / hardwood / composite).
  5. Existing deck condition (for restoration vs replace decision).

Frequently asked questions

How long does it last?
Treated pine: 12–15 years. Merbau: 25–30. Spotted gum / ironbark: 30+. Composite: 25-year warranty.
Oil or stain?
Oil (Cabot's Aquadeck / Intergrain / Sikkens): annual, lets timber breathe. Stain: every 4-5 years, more colour but film-forming.
Build time?
Small deck (15sqm): 3–5 days. Mid (25sqm): 5–7 days. Large (40sqm+): 7–14 days.
Permit needed?
Decks under 1m elevation usually exempt; over 1m + over 20sqm usually require. We check before quoting.
Composite — worth the premium?
If you don't want to oil annually, yes. 25-year warranty vs 25-year-with-oiling for hardwood. Cost premium 30-50%.
Existing deck — restore or replace?
Restore if framing sound + boards salvageable (sand + re-oil $25–$55/sqm). Replace if frame rot or termite, or boards >50% damaged.
Warranty?
Substructure + workmanship: 10 years. Boards: 25-year manufacturer (composite); 25-year + oiling (hardwood).

Ready for an exact quote on your Pakenham job?

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Call (03) 9003 0108