The Real Cost of Building a Deck on the Sunshine Coast in 2025
If you’re planning to build a deck this year, one of your first questions will be: how much will it cost? The answer depends on more than just size. It also involves the materials you choose, the site’s slope, the height off the ground… and then there’s the design. All these things play a crucial part.
This guide breaks down typical 2025 deck pricing across the Sunshine Coast. I’ve considered items commonly included (and what’s not) in most quotes.
Average Deck Prices on the Sunshine Coast
Decking prices vary widely, but here’s a realistic range based on recent Sunshine Coast projects:
Basic ground-level deck
- From $350–$600 per m²
- Usually low to the ground with treated pine framing and timber or composite boards
- Minimal earthworks and no balustrades required
Mid-range raised deck
- From $600–$950 per m²
- Higher off the ground with handrails, steps, and possibly a roof extension
- Suitable for entertaining spaces or yards that slope
Premium elevated or roofed deck
- From $950–$1,500+ per m²
- Complex design, high load requirements, premium hardwood or composite
- Often includes stairs, privacy screening, lighting, and outdoor kitchen fittings
Remember, the prices we’re looking at here are installed prices using professional builders, including materials and labour. Naturally, DIY costs will be lower upfront but can lead to structural or compliance issues if not built to code.
What Affects the Cost of a Deck
Size and height
The higher your deck, the more it costs. Extra height means stronger posts, deeper footings, and more bracing.
Material choice
- Treated Pine: Budget-friendly, but needs regular maintenance.
- Hardwood (e.g. Spotted Gum, Merbau): Durable and beautiful, but more expensive.
- Composite: Low-maintenance and long-lasting, but costs more upfront. There’s a big range between the budget range to the premium products.
Design complexity
Multi-level decks, curved edges, stairs, or built-in seating add design appeal, and increase costs due to labour and custom carpentry.
Site conditions
If you have uneven or sloped ground, you will find you need extra foundations and time to build. You should also know that if your site has accessibility issues, with narrow access, difficulty in delivering the products to where they’re needed, or getting equipment to the site, also adds to the cost.
What’s Usually Included in a Deck Quote
Most professional quotes on the Sunshine Coast include:
- Design consultation and site measure
- Materials and structural framing
- Fixings, fasteners, and deck boards
- Labour for construction
- Balustrades or steps (if specified)
- Basic clean-up and waste removal
What’s usually not included
- Council or certifier approvals
- Engineering drawings or soil reports
- Lighting, electrical, or plumbing
- Pergolas or roof structures (unless specified)
- Deck oils, stains, or painting
It’s always worth asking your builder for a detailed breakdown before you sign anything. That way, there are no surprises.
Composite vs Timber: Cost Over Time
The real comparison isn’t just how much you spend now, but how long your deck lasts.
Timber decks
There is a lower initial cost when you build with timber. However, they do need sanding, oiling, and maintenance every 1–2 years. Over a decade, those costs can add up. In fact, a deck that’s always in full sun, will need more frequent attention that one that has covered areas or is mostly in the shade.
Composite decks
Composite decks are more expensive to install but the payoff is they need almost no maintenance: no sanding, staining, or warping. Over 10–20 years, they often work out cheaper overall.
Pro tip: Don’t just consider the money you save on materials by having a composite deck: You save in hours of time you don’t need to sand and varnish your deck, AND the downtime of a timber deck under maintenance.
Long-term value
When you factor in maintenance, the “total cost of ownership” often favours composite, especially in coastal climates like the Sunshine Coast.
Deck Pricing by Material (2025 Averages)
| Material Type | Estimated Cost per m² | Maintenance Level | Lifespan |
| Treated Pine | $350–$550 | High | 10–15 years |
| Merbau | $450–$750 | Medium | 15–25 years |
| Spotted Gum | $550–$900 | Medium | 20–30 years |
| Composite (e.g. Trex, NewTechWood) | $700–$1,200 | Low | 25–35 years |
(All prices include professional installation and GST.)
How to Save Money Without Cutting Corners
Keep the design simple
Square or rectangular decks are faster to build and use fewer materials.
Use modular sizes
Designing in whole metres (or taking deck board lengths into consideration in the planning and design stages) may reduce waste and simplify cutting (which tbh kinda depends on the size of the decking boards that would fit your chosen deck size).
Prepare your site
Aim to clear access or level minor ground areas before your builder starts will probably cut costs.
Choose the right builder
Aim to hire an experienced Sunshine Coast decking builder.
You want to stack the cards in your favour that your quote is accurate, your deck is compliant, and you avoid costly rework later.
Pro tip: Ask around. See who you know that can refer you to a great builder. Check their reviews. This is essential. Don’t just go by word of mouth. Back that research up with some hard evidence.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “one price fits all” when it comes to decking. But as a general rule, most Sunshine Coast homeowners invest between $15,000 and $35,000 for a mid-sized deck built to last.
A qualified local builder can give you a fixed, transparent quote tailored to your site and lifestyle. What you’re after is a comprehensive quote, so you know exactly what to expect before construction begins, with no surprises (except the thrill of your beautifully crafted new deck, of course!).
Call us at Sunshine Coast Decking, so we can thrill you with our awesome service and excellent advice.