Decking Cost

Hi, am trying to work out a rough estimate for cost of decking around a pool area in Newcastle, NSW.
Is a max of $200 sq.m laid reasonable? Too high/too low?
It will need to be raised approx 1m off fairly level ground as pool is semi-inground.
Also have read a few comments that timber wears badly around a pool, and composite planks should be used, but that these can get too hot (not the good ones I suspect). Any feedback on this is welcome too.
Thanks.

 

How many m2 in total is the job, type of timber or composite board will vary that price greatly

 

Thanks. Probably a max of 40 sq.m. Timber type depends on cost, aye. Good composite is definitely an option. Otherwise either hardwood or treated pine.

If we can only afford pine, is there a better way to protect it from pool water than oil, maybe long lasting sealer or paint? Having to re-oil a deck every year would be a real pain.

Really just trying to get a ballpark price range now.

 

If that's not for you, perhaps don't get a timber deck.
You can paint a deck, but it doesn't protect it all that much better, especially if the paint chips somewhere.
I oil my 70sqm spotted gum deck every year. It's a pain, but if I don't do it, it won't last.

Cost from memory was about $35/sqm for materials.

 

Maintenance is just part of having a timber deck if you want to keep it looking good. I looked at heaps of different ones trying to find a low maintenance oil and they all seem to use the same key/buzz words like "penetrates deeply" (cutting a few test pieces i never found one that actually penetrates what I would call deeply) "won't crack or peel" etc. Always require reapplication 2 years or less depending on conditions.

I love our spotted gum decking after I have coated it for 6-12 months when I need to do it again and wish I had gone with a plastic hybrid. Then after coating I am happy with the timber again, its a vicious cycle.

They are all 6 months to 2 years re application per the information on the website.

 

What is the framing? I'd prefer steel rather than timber although it does cost more. Same if posts with powder coated ones. Much lower maintenance which saves costs in the long term.

 

Interested to hear how it goes. Which oil from the range are they using? I noted the below -

"We recommend CD50 for Merbau Decking, Cypress and softwoods.

For use on Bamboo, Spotted Gum or other Aussie Hardwoods we recommend Cutek Extreme."

 

Above 1m is no longer exempt development in NSW and you may need a Complying Development Certificate and hand rails so see if you can keep it to lower than 1m. For hardwood/ modwood with H3 bearers/ joists the cost is probably about $120/m2 for materials so $200/ m2 is possible, plus the cost of the handrail if needed. Handrails are very expensive if done nicely.

 

I'm lazy wrt resanding/reoiling the deck. I'd opt for shopping around for the most realistic composite decking I can find. My estimate is about $8K supplied and installed for a 40 sqm deck that's low to the ground.

 

We're in Melbourne and received quotes around $250-$300 per sqm for our merbau deck

 

I have Qld Spotted Gum on our deck as well, the deck butts up to the pool and gets a absolute soaking 5 day per week, from 3 or more kids plus a dog that loves running mud all over it.
That section 2.5mtr x 2.2mtrs is in full sun 90% of the day, the other 7m x 4m is under cover and protected, so it only needs oiling every 2nd year, but so far I have oiled it every year as its new.

I used Aquadeck which so far has been good but the timber guy across the road said to use Cutek Extreme, so when I do the re-oiling in 6 weeks time, ready for summer love, I will give it a light sand, pressure wash and try Cutek extreme.

 

Cutek needs a tint, otherwise silvers off.

Carefull with the tint you choose, i went with sela brown and it's too red for my liking.

 

I just got a quote for 5 k for a composite deck , about 15-17 metres? I thought it was pretty xxxxy but the second quote was virtually the same, THATS with apron and, um, stuff.

 

Be careful about cheap composites... you will need to avoid the hollow ones, they won't last.

Modwood is made in Melbourne.
Trex is made in USA, and most considered the best, but most expensive.
Others, including Bunnings, are made in China.

 

I share your pain. Spotted gum freshly stained is such a beautiful thing, then 12 months later I hate it so much.... plastic decking is your toyota Corolla, dependable and low maintenance but difficult to get excited about. Hardwood with a nice stain is your Ferrari, so beautiful but you damn sure better service it or it goes bad very quickly.

Make sure to factor in the yearly staining costs in time and product. It's not cheap and takes a long time with prep etc.