How much does it cost to build a deck with composite decking in Melbourne? This question, and the related how much does composite decking cost question, get asked all the time on online forums and websites. The answers vary, depending on whether you’re looking at building your own deck or hiring a deck installer to do it for you. In this article we’ll take you through each of these approaches, as well as the factors that affect the overall cost of composite decking in Melbourne.
Deck Materials
Decks are made out of several different materials, including pressure-treated wood, composite decking and vinyl. Pressure-treated wood is traditionally used to build a deck because it is strong and easy to work with, but in recent years it has fallen out of favor because of its chemicals. Composite decking has become very popular since it first hit store shelves about 15 years ago; it’s made from natural materials like bamboo, plastic and recycled paper pulp. It comes in a variety of colors and is much more resistant to rotting than treated wood. Vinyl also has begun to show up on more decks as an alternative as well.
Choosing the right deck building company
When it comes to choosing a deck installer, make sure you look for quality. You can start by making sure that they offer quality products such as composite decking in Melbourne. With composite decking you will be able to get a great looking and durable product that is also affordable. Not only are they affordable but they are also easy to maintain which means you don’t have to worry about your deck not looking good in a few years when it’s time for another coating of stain or paint.
What do you need to know before starting your deck project?
Building a deck can be an exciting project, but it’s also an expensive one. Before you break ground, there are many considerations to make. First and foremost, you need to know what your budget is and how much money you plan on spending on your deck. If you’re going to hire a contractor for your project, talk with them about price quotes for different materials. Also think about whether or not you want composite decking or wood; most decks use wood as it’s less expensive than composite. But if you plan on living in your home long-term, buying composite will ultimately save money as it will outlast traditional lumber products as they require much less maintenance and labour costs.
The size and shape of your deck
How much is a composite deck going to cost you?
You could get your local handyman’s price, but you can’t compare apples to apples when comparing their decks to those built by professional decking installers. Professional companies have a minimum size that they will build, typically 3 x 5 meters. If your deck is any smaller than that, then it doesn’t qualify for a traditional style of installation.
How much does it cost to build a timber deck?
Decks built out of pressure-treated timber are usually cheaper than decks made out of other materials. You can get a new one installed for $5,000 to $8,000. Composite decking can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000 depending on what you choose and how complicated your design is. And metal decks cost between $9,000 and $12,500. However much you spend depends on which material you go with and how big or small your deck will be.
Accessories, extras and “hidden” costs
Accessory costs, such as balustrades, gates and railings, could add an extra $1,000-$3,000. Your council may also require you to install fences if your deck is built too close to your property line. Timber decks typically come with a 10-year warranty and must be treated every six months; composite decks have a 15 – 30 year warranty and don’t need to be treated as often. It can cost up to $5 per square metre just for sanding and waterproofing your new deck once it’s been constructed. But note that these figures do not include labour costs; when choosing between timber or composite decking – at least in terms of initial construction costs – composite decking generally comes out ahead. But long term wise, you’d save on maintenance and labour costs.
