Build a Deck in Melbourne

Looking to add a new timber deck to your Melbourne home? The Deck Guy designs and builds high-quality decks for homeowners across Melbourne — from premium Bayside suburbs like Brighton and Hampton, to the Eastern Suburbs around Hawthorn, Camberwell, and Toorak, through to the Mornington Peninsula and Geelong.

We’re not just deck restorers. We build new decks from scratch — including the design, council considerations, structural carpentry, finishing, and ongoing maintenance once your deck is in. One specialist, start to finish, no subcontractors, handing you between trades.

Operating since 2018 with 7+ years of dedicated deck work, we know what survives Melbourne’s weather, which timbers suit different exposures, and what actually lasts in this climate.

Why build your deck with The Deck Guy

Most home renovations involve juggling multiple trades — a designer, a builder, a carpenter, a stainer or painter. With us, it’s one operator across the whole job. That means:

- Fewer handovers, fewer delays. No waiting for one trade to finish before the next can start. We manage the timeline end-to-end.

- Consistent quality. The same person who designed your deck builds it, finishes it, and maintains it. Nothing falls between the cracks.

- Specialist knowledge. Decks aren’t a side service — they’re our entire business. We know the right timber for your aspect, the right fixings for your subframe, and the right oil for your finish.

- Fully insured. Public Liability cover of $5,000,000. Backed by Ricci Build Pty Ltd (ABN 19 695 018 332).

- Real reviews from real Melbourne customers. 4.9 stars from 20+ verified Google reviews.

We work primarily with homeowners — not commercial fit-outs, not flat-pack jobs. Just genuinely well-built timber decks for people who want them to last.

Timber options we work with

Choosing the right timber is the most important decision in your deck build. The wrong choice in Melbourne’s climate — strong UV, sudden temperature drops, coastal salt exposure in Bayside areas — and the timber will warp, crack, or fade within a few years. The right choice will last decades.

Here’s what we typically work with, and where each one shines:

Merbau (Kwila)

The most popular hardwood for Melbourne decks. Dense, durable, naturally resistant to rot and insects, and forgiving when oiled. Mid-range price, beautiful red-brown colour that weathers to silver-grey if left untreated.

Best for: most general residential decks. Stands up well across Bayside, Eastern Suburbs, and inland Melbourne.

Spotted Gum

An Australian native hardwood — extremely durable, harder than Merbau, with stunning grain variation in browns, greys, and pinks. Slightly more expensive but exceptional longevity.

Best for: feature decks where you want the timber’s character on display. Holds up well in high-traffic areas.

Blackbutt

Another Australian native — lighter in colour than Spotted Gum, with a cleaner straight grain. Naturally bushfire-resistant (BAL-29 rated), making it a popular choice for properties in higher-risk areas.

Best for: light-coloured aesthetic, or properties needing bushfire compliance.

Jarrah

Western Australian hardwood with a rich, deep red colour. Highly durable, dense, and ages beautifully. More expensive than Merbau, but with an exceptional appearance.

Best for: premium builds where appearance is a priority — common in heritage homes and high-end renovations.

Treated Pine

The budget-friendly option. Pressure-treated for outdoor use, comes in standard dimensions, easy to work with. Will need more regular maintenance than hardwoods.

Best for: tight budgets, raised decks where the timber is less visible, or temporary builds.

Composite Decking

Not natural timber — a wood-plastic composite that mimics timber appearance without the maintenance. More expensive upfront, but requires no oiling, sanding, or staining.

Best for: homeowners who want the look of a deck without the ongoing maintenance commitment.

We’ll walk through these options with you during the quote, recommend what suits your property and budget, and source materials from reputable Melbourne suppliers.

Our deck build process

Here’s how a typical new deck build runs from first contact to handover:

Step 1 — Free on-site consultation

Call or message us. We’ll book a visit at your place at a time that suits — including evenings and Saturdays. We measure the space, talk through what you want, look at the sun aspect, access, drainage, and any council considerations. No charge, no pressure.

Step 2 — Design and quote

Within a few days, we will send you a detailed written quote covering timber choice, dimensions, structural elements, finishing, timeline, and total cost. Everything itemised. Nothing hidden. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting before signing anything.

Step 3 — Materials and scheduling

Once you approve the quote, we order timber, hardware, and any specialist materials. We’ll lock in a start date that works for you — usually 2-6 weeks out, depending on the time of year.

Step 4 — Subframe and structural build

The first phase on site is the bones — bearers, joists, posts, and footings. This is where deck builds either succeed or fail. We use galvanised or stainless fixings (depending on your location), proper post anchors, and structural timber sized correctly for the span.

Step 5 — Decking installation

Once the structure is solid, we lay the decking boards — properly spaced, screwed (not nailed) for longevity, with attention to board orientation, end grain placement, and gap consistency.

Step 6 — Finishing and handover

We will oil, stain, or paint the deck as specified in your quote. Then a final walkthrough together — you check the work, we explain ongoing care, and we leave you with maintenance recommendations specific to your timber and exposure.

After handover, we’re still available. Any minor issue in the first 12 months, we come back and sort it.

What we build

Most of our work falls into a few categories:

- Ground-level decks — flowing from a back door into the garden, extending living space.

- Raised decks — for sloping blocks or properties where the back door is elevated above ground level.

- Multi-level decks — connecting different areas of the home, often with steps, transition zones, and integrated planters.

- Pool surround decks — non-slip timber, drainage-friendly construction, safety considerations built in.

- Verandah and outdoor entertaining decks — covered or open, designed for furniture and weather protection.

- Replacement decks — where an existing deck is past repair, we demolish the old and build new from the subframe up.

We don’t currently build pergolas, balustrades only, or commercial decking. We focus on what we do best — residential timber decks.

Where we build

We service:

Bayside — Brighton, Hampton, Sandringham, Cheltenham, Mentone, Beaumaris, Mordialloc

Inner-East and Eastern Suburbs — Hawthorn, Camberwell, Kew, Toorak, South Yarra, Prahran, Glen Iris, Malvern

South-East — Keysborough, Glen Waverley, Moorabbin, Parkdale, Frankston

Mornington Peninsula — across the peninsula

Geelong region — Geelong proper and surrounding areas

If your suburb isn’t listed but is in greater Melbourne or the Geelong region, ask anyway. We’re often happy to travel for the right job.

How much does a new deck cost?

The honest answer: it depends on size, timber choice, height off the ground, and complexity.

As a rough guide for budgeting:

- Small ground-level deck (under 20m²) in Merbau: typically $8,000–$15,000

- Standard mid-size deck (20–35m²) in Merbau or Spotted Gum: typically $15,000–$28,000

- Large or raised deck (35m²+) in premium hardwood: $28,000–$50,000+

These are indicative only. The free on-site quote is the only way to know what your specific build will cost. We provide fully itemised quotes so you can see exactly where the budget goes.

How long does a new deck take?

From quote acceptance to handover, most builds take 4-8 weeks total:

- 2-4 weeks lead time (materials, scheduling)

- 1-3 weeks on-site construction (depending on size and complexity)

- 1 week finishing and curing time

Weather plays a role — heavy rain delays staining and finishing. We’ll always communicate openly about timeline.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need council approval for a new deck?

Most decks under a certain height and size don’t require permits in Victoria, but rules vary by council and property. We can advise on whether your specific build needs approval, and recommend a building surveyor if it does.

What’s the difference between hardwood and softwood decking?

Hardwood (Merbau, Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Jarrah) is denser, more durable, and longer-lasting — typically 25-40 years with proper care. Softwood (treated pine) is cheaper upfront but needs more frequent maintenance and replacement, with a typical lifespan of 10-20 years.

How often does a new deck need maintenance?

A new timber deck should be oiled or stained roughly every 12-18 months for the first few years, then every 2-3 years once the timber has weathered in. We offer ongoing maintenance services to keep it looking good.

Can you match a new deck to an existing one?

Yes, in most cases. We can match timber species, board widths, and finish to blend a new extension into an existing deck. If the original deck is significantly weathered, we may recommend refinishing both at the same time for consistent appearance.

Do you offer fixed-price quotes?

Yes. Once we’ve done the on-site measure and you’ve chosen materials, we provide a written fixed-price quote. No surprises.

Are you insured?

Yes. Public Liability cover of $5,000,000. We can provide a current Certificate of Currency on request.

Get a free on-site quote

Ready to start? Two ways to get in touch:

Call Adam direct: 0468 070 080 (most days, including Saturdays)

Use the quick contact form on our Contact page — we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

We’ll arrange a free on-site visit at a time that suits, walk through your project, and provide a detailed written quote within a few days. No obligation. No pressure. Just honest advice from someone who’s been building Melbourne’s decks for 7+ years.