Short answer: in 2026, a timber deck in Brisbane typically costs $250 to $450 per square metre installed. For a standard 30–40m² deck that works out to roughly $8,000 to $20,000. Composite decking pushes the upper end higher. Below is what actually moves that number.
Deck costs in Brisbane at a glance
| Deck type | Cost per m² | Typical total (30m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Treated pine, ground level | $250 – $320 | $7,500 – $9,600 |
| Hardwood (spotted gum, merbau) | $320 – $420 | $9,600 – $12,600 |
| Composite decking | $380 – $500 | $11,400 – $15,000 |
| Elevated deck (with stairs & balustrade) | +30–60% | $14,000 – $22,000 |
| Pool surround deck | $350 – $480 | $10,500 – $14,400 |
What drives the price up or down
1. Height off the ground
This is the biggest single factor. A deck sitting 300mm off level ground is straightforward. Once you go above 1 metre you need deeper footings, engineered bearers, a compliant balustrade and stairs — and in Queensland, building approval. A classic Brisbane Queenslander deck at the back of the house is almost always in this category.
2. Timber choice
Treated pine is the budget option and takes stain well, but needs re-oiling every 1–2 years. Hardwoods like spotted gum and merbau cost more upfront and last far longer in the Queensland climate. Composite costs the most but never needs oiling — worth doing the maths over 10 years rather than just comparing quotes.
3. Site access and ground conditions
If we can get a bobcat in, footings are quick. If everything has to be dug by hand down a narrow side path — very common on older Brisbane blocks — that's extra labour. Reactive clay soil, common across Brisbane, also means deeper footings.
4. Balustrades and stairs
A stainless steel cable balustrade looks incredible and is what you'll see in most of our pool deck projects — but it costs noticeably more than timber. Stairs add both material and labour, especially if they need a landing.
5. Roofing or a pergola over the top
Plenty of Brisbane clients add a pergola or roof so the deck is usable in summer downpours and January heat. Budget an extra $6,000–$15,000 depending on span and roofing material.
Do I need council approval in Brisbane?
Generally yes if your deck is more than 1 metre above ground, is attached to the house, or is over 10m². Brisbane City Council rules also cover setbacks from boundaries. We handle the compliance side as part of the quote so you're not guessing — and being QBCC licensed means the certification path is straightforward.
How long does a deck take to build?
A straightforward ground-level deck takes about 5–8 days. An elevated deck with stairs and balustrade usually runs 2–3 weeks including footing cure time. Weather matters — we build the schedule around Brisbane's storm season rather than pretending it doesn't exist.
Keeping the cost down without cutting corners
- Keep it low — staying under 1m saves on engineering, balustrade and approval
- Simple shape — curves and angles look great but add cutting time; a rectangle is far cheaper per m²
- Treated pine with a good stain — a well-maintained pine deck looks excellent and saves thousands over hardwood
- Bundle the work — if the deck needs painting or the fence is going up at the same time, one team on site once is cheaper than three trades on three visits
What we'd never recommend cutting: footings, joist spacing, and the fixings. That's where a deck either lasts 20 years or starts moving in 3.
Get a real number for your block
Every deck is shaped by the site — slope, access, soil, what you want to do on it. We'll come out for a look, talk through timber options, and send a written quote with the full scope of work. Free, no obligation, back to you within 12 hours.