Deck Builders Melbourne
All Melbourne Handyman builds timber and composite decks across Melbourne, from low decks off the back door to raised decks with stairs and balustrades. Our carpenters set the footings, build the subframe and lay the boards, and we also repair, re-board and restore tired decks.
Deck Builders Melbourne
Deck Building in Melbourne, From Footings to Finish
A deck is only as good as what holds it up. We build every deck on concrete footings with a subframe sized for the span, then fix the boards with the right spacing so water drains and air moves underneath.
We build ground-level decks, raised decks, decks that step down a sloping block and decks that join a pergola or alfresco area. Where a deck meets the house, we keep it below floor level and clear of weep holes so moisture stays out of the walls.
We visit the site, measure up, talk through how you want to use the deck and give you a free, no-obligation quote.
We set the size, height, shape, steps and balustrades, and check whether the deck needs a building permit.
You choose hardwood, treated pine or composite boards and the finish. We specify the subframe and fixings to suit.
We set out and pour the footings, build the bearers and joists, then lay and fix the decking boards.
We check levels, board spacing, fixings, stairs and balustrades before any finish goes on.
We oil or seal timber decks, clean up the site and explain how to look after the new deck.
Timber Decking Melbourne
Timber Decking Options
Timber decking looks natural, feels solid underfoot and can be sanded back and refinished for years. The species you choose changes the colour, hardness and upkeep.
- Merbau. A rich red-brown hardwood that is stable and easy to source. Its tannins can bleed and stain nearby paving or render in the first months, so we plan drainage and protection around light surfaces.
- Spotted Gum. A very hard, durable Australian hardwood with a lighter, varied colour. It suits busy decks and steps.
- Treated pine. The lowest-cost option. It takes stain or paint well but needs recoating more often to stay sound.
On hardwood decks we use screw fixings and pre-drill near board ends, which stops splitting and keeps boards from lifting as they dry.
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Composite Decking Melbourne
Composite Decking in Melbourne
Composite decking boards are made from wood fibre and recycled plastic. They do not need oiling, do not splinter and hold their colour well, which suits busy families and rental properties.
Composite has trade-offs. The boards cost more to buy than treated pine, dark colours get hot in direct summer sun, and the subframe must still be built to the board maker’s joist spacing. We install composite with hidden clip fixings for a clean, screw-free surface.
Timber or composite? Timber suits a natural look and a lower upfront cost. Composite suits people who would rather spend weekends using the deck than maintaining it.
Deck Designs
Deck Designs That Suit Your Home
- Ground-level decks sit low off living areas and give a near-flush step from the house on a flat block.
- Raised decks sit above sloping ground or a high floor level, with stairs, handrails and balustrades.
- Multi-level decks step down a slope and separate a dining area from a lounging area.
- Decks with pergolas add shade or a full roof. See our pergola builders in Melbourne page for pergola styles.
- Built-in extras include wide steps, bench seating, planter boxes and a picture-frame border that hides the board ends.
Your Deck Builders in Melbourne
Deck Repairs Melbourne
Deck Repairs and Restoration
Many old decks can be saved. We replace split and rotten boards, fix loose or sagging sections, replace rotted joists and bearers, swap popped nails for screws and repair stairs and balustrades.
Deck restoration brings back a grey, weathered deck. We clean the timber, sand the surface, punch or replace fixings and apply fresh decking oil. If the subframe is failing, we tell you before any sanding starts, so you do not pay to refinish a deck that needs rebuilding. Larger structural timber work is handled through our carpentry services.
Deck looking tired or feeling spongy underfoot? Call 0422 094 891 and we can inspect the frame and boards.
Deck Construction
What Sits Under a Good Deck
Deck problems usually start under the boards, where nobody looks until something gives way.
- Footings. Concrete footings at a depth suited to the soil. Melbourne’s reactive clay moves as it wets and dries, so shallow footings can shift.
- Subframe. Bearers and joists in treated pine rated for the job, or steel, spaced to suit the decking board.
- Clearance and airflow. Enough gap under the deck for air to move, so the timber dries out between rains.
- Fixings. Galvanised or stainless steel fixings, with posts on stirrups so they sit clear of the soil.
Permits and Safety
Deck Permits, Balustrades and Safety
Whether a deck needs a building permit depends on its height, size and position, including how close it sits to a boundary. Raised decks also need compliant balustrades, handrails and stairs. We check the requirements for your site at the quote stage and build to them.
Melbourne Conditions
Decking for Melbourne Weather
Summer UV turns unprotected timber grey within months, and wet winters keep boards damp for long stretches. Timber moves as it wets and dries, so we leave the right gaps between boards and seal the cut ends. Plan to re-oil a timber deck regularly, and more often on north- and west-facing decks that take the full afternoon sun.
Pricing
What Affects the Cost of Building a Deck in Melbourne
Deck cost per square metre changes a lot from job to job. These are the factors that set the price:
- Size and shape. Larger decks and angled or curved edges need more material and cutting.
- Height. Raised decks need taller posts, bracing, stairs and balustrades.
- Decking material. Hardwood and composite cost more than treated pine.
- Site conditions. Slopes, tight access, removing an old deck, or rock and tree roots in footing holes add labour.
- Extras. Steps, built-in seating, planter boxes and a pergola add to the build.
- Permits. Where a permit is needed, it adds to the cost and the timeline.
Every quote is itemised, so you can see exactly what is included before work starts.
Areas We Service
Our deck builders work across Melbourne, typically within about 30 km of the CBD. That includes south-east suburbs such as Brighton East and Caulfield, bayside suburbs such as Hampton and Sandringham, and inner suburbs including Richmond.
One team, one quote
Footings, carpentry, decking and any repairs to the house are handled by the same crew, so nothing waits on another trade.
Itemised quotes
Your free, no-obligation quote lists the structure, boards, finish and any permit work.
Fully insured
All Melbourne Handyman is fully insured for the decking work we carry out on your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a deck in Melbourne?
The cost depends on the size, height, decking material and site conditions. Raised decks with stairs and balustrades cost more than ground-level decks. We give a free, itemised quote after measuring the site.
Is composite decking better than timber?
Neither suits every home. Composite needs no oiling and resists splintering, while timber has a natural look and treated pine has a lower upfront cost. We can quote both so you can compare.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
It depends on the deck’s height, size and position on the block. We check the requirements for your property before work starts.
Can you repair my deck instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. If the footings and subframe are sound, we replace damaged boards and restore the surface. If the frame is rotten, we explain the options before quoting.
How long does it take to build a deck?
A simple ground-level deck can take a few days once materials are on site. Raised or multi-level decks, and decks that need a permit, take longer. Your quote includes an estimated timeframe.
Book Your Deck Building Quote
Whether you want a new hardwood deck, a low-maintenance composite deck or an old deck brought back to life, we will build it on a solid frame and finish it properly. Decking is one part of our wider range of handyman services in Melbourne. Call 0422 094 891 to book a free on-site decking quote.
