Question 1

How much does a new deck cost in Newcastle?

Accepted Answer

As a 2026 guide for Newcastle and the Hunter, supplied and installed: treated pine decks run about $200–$400 per m², hardwood decks (merbau, spotted gum, blackbutt) about $300–$650 per m², and composite decks about $300–$700 per m². A 20m² hardwood deck typically lands between $6,000 and $13,000. Height, slope, access, stairs and balustrades make the biggest difference. See our full decking cost guide, or book a free on-site measure for an exact price.

Question 2

Is composite or timber decking better?

Accepted Answer

Neither is better for everyone. Hardwood looks and feels natural, can be sanded back and costs less upfront, but it needs oiling every 6–12 months to stay looking good. Composite costs more upfront but never needs oiling or staining, won't splinter and keeps its colour, though it can get hotter in full sun. If you want the lowest maintenance, go composite. If you want a real timber look at a sharper price, go hardwood.

Question 3

Do I need council approval to build a deck in NSW?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Under the NSW Codes SEPP, a deck can be exempt development (no approval needed) if, among other conditions, it is behind the building line, no more than 25m², no more than 1m above ground level, and at least 900mm from the side and rear boundaries. Larger or higher decks usually need a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or a development application (DA). We'll tell you which pathway applies when we measure up.

Question 4

How long does it take to build a deck?

Accepted Answer

Most standard residential decks take about 3–10 working days on site once materials are delivered. Larger, elevated or covered decks take longer, and any CDC or DA approval adds time before we can start. Removing an old deck typically adds a day or two. We'll give you a realistic timeline with your quote.

Question 5

What is the best timber for decking in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The most popular choices are spotted gum, merbau and blackbutt. Spotted gum is a highly durable Australian native hardwood with natural colour variation and good bushfire performance. Merbau is a rich red-brown imported hardwood that's very stable but bleeds tannin for the first year or two. Blackbutt gives a paler, contemporary look. Treated pine is the budget option.

Question 6

What is the best decking around a swimming pool?

Accepted Answer

Capped composite boards and dense hardwoods are the top picks around pools. Composite resists water, chlorine and salt and needs no oiling. Hardwoods like spotted gum and merbau look great but need regular sealing. Whatever the board, the deck needs good drainage, ventilation underneath, slip resistance, and a layout that doesn't create a climbable zone next to the pool fence.

Question 7

Do you build pergolas and verandahs as well as decks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We build timber and steel pergolas, Colorbond and insulated-roof verandahs (or verandas), patios, covered decks, balustrades, stairs and carports across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. Many customers combine a deck and a roof into one project.

Question 8

When does a deck need a balustrade?

Accepted Answer

Under the National Construction Code, a balustrade is required where people could fall more than 1m. It must be at least 1m high (865mm along stairs), and openings must not let a 125mm sphere pass through. If the deck is more than 4m above the ground, the balustrade must not have climbable horizontal elements between 150mm and 760mm above the floor.

Question 9

How often do I need to oil a timber deck?

Accepted Answer

In Newcastle's sun and coastal air, an exposed hardwood deck usually needs a clean and re-oil every 6–12 months to keep its colour. Covered decks can go longer. If you skip it, the timber weathers to silver-grey; it's still structurally sound, but surface checking and mould are more likely. Composite decking never needs oiling.

Question 10

Who actually builds my deck?

Accepted Answer

Newcastle Decking Co is a lead generation website. Every quote and every build is carried out by Lake Macquarie Carpentry & Building Services (Peter Henderson), a licensed local carpenter, NSW Contractor Licence 55690C, ABN 74 336 935 193, trading since 2001.

Question 11

What areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock and the wider Hunter region, including suburbs like Merewether, Charlestown, Warners Bay, Belmont, Toronto, Cardiff, Cameron Park, Wallsend, Thornton, Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay.

Question 12

Are quotes free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Peter will come out, measure up, talk through materials and design, and give you a written quote with no obligation. Call 02 4003 6068 or fill in the form.

Item	Indicative range
Treated pine deck (low/ground level)	$200–$400 per m²
Hardwood deck (merbau, spotted gum, blackbutt)	$300–$650 per m²
Composite deck	$300–$700 per m²
Pool deck (hardwood or composite)	$350–$700 per m²
Balustrade (timber, wire, aluminium, glass)	$150–$700 per linear metre
Deck stairs	$170–$460 per step

Feature	Timber	Composite
Cost	Treated pine $200–$400/m², hardwood $300–$650/m²	$300–$700 per m²
Look	Natural grain, colour varies board to board	Consistent colour, wood-look finishes
Maintenance	Clean and re-oil regularly	Wash down, no oiling
Heat	Stays relatively comfortable	Can get hot in full sun, especially dark colours
Lifespan	Long-lasting when maintained and well built	Long-lasting; can't be sanded back if damaged
Best for	Natural look, sloping blocks, budget builds	Low maintenance, pools, holiday homes

Deck Builders in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter

Decking installation and outdoor renovations in Newcastle

Timber Decks

Composite Decks

Pool Decks

Covered Decks

Deck Repairs & Restoration

Balustrades & Stairs

Pergolas

Verandahs

Patios & Alfresco

Carports

Why Newcastle homeowners choose us

Licensed local carpenter

One point of contact

Built for coastal conditions

Honest upfront pricing

Approvals guidance

Three steps from idea to finished deck

Measure & Quote

Design & Consult

Construct

What a deck costs in Newcastle

Timber vs composite decking

Decks built around the Hunter

What customers say

Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter

Newcastle

Lake Macquarie

Hunter

Decking FAQs: Newcastle Homeowners Ask

Get a free quote on your new deck