At a Glance
You have got a Queenslander with a big undercover area out the back and you are thinking of putting in a proper deck to make the most of it. That is one of the most common projects in Brisbane. Expect $3,150–$16,200 per job for residential decking work, with the range driven by size, material, and how much of the subframe needs building. Merbau boards run $73–$80/m2, spotted gum $90–$120/m2, or treated pine from $43–$50/m2 if you are working to a budget.
What's Included in the Price
- Removal of any existing deck or structure
- Subframe: concrete footings ($200–$400 each) or screw piles ($150–$300 each), bearers, joists — all H3 or H4 treated for termite protection, or H5 for ground-contact posts
- Deck board installation with stainless steel or galvanised fixings
- Stairs, step-downs, or transitions to existing verandahs
- Compliance with AS 1684 Residential Timber-Framed Construction
- Initial oil coat (Cabot's Aquadeck at ~$26/L or Intergrain UltraDeck at ~$31/L are popular choices for Brisbane's UV-heavy climate)
In Brisbane, termite management for the subframe is not optional. Even if you choose hardwood boards, bearers and joists should be H3-treated minimum (H4 within 150mm of ground, H5 for in-ground posts). CCA-treated timber is not permitted for deck boards due to close human contact — ACQ or Copper Azole treatments are used instead. A competent builder includes this in their quote.
What Affects the Cost
- Deck area. Brisbane's outdoor living culture means homeowners often build bigger. A 30–50m2 entertainer deck is standard here where southern states might default to 15–20m2. Installed costs run $250–$700/m2 all-in depending on species and complexity.
- Timber species. Merbau ($73–$80/m2 boards) and spotted gum ($90–$120/m2) are the popular hardwoods in South East Queensland. Treated pine ($43–$50/m2) is the budget option but needs more frequent oiling in Brisbane's UV-heavy climate. Note that merbau's tannin bleed stains concrete in the first few months — worth considering if the deck sits over a paved area.
- Existing subfloor structure. Queenslanders and raised homes already have an elevated subfloor. Extending the deck from an existing verandah is often cheaper than building from scratch because the subframe partially exists.
- Termite management. All timber framing below the deck boards needs treatment rated to the appropriate hazard level. Steel subframes avoid the termite issue entirely but cost more upfront.
- Composite heat. Composite boards can reach 24°C above ambient temperature in Brisbane's subtropical sun. Testing found a 16.6°C gap between the coolest timber (spotted gum) and the hottest composite. If your deck faces north or west with no shade, lighter composite colours from ModWood ($122–$151/m2) or natural hardwood may be more comfortable.
- Deck layout and levels. Multi-level decks with step-downs to the yard add complexity compared to a single-level platform.
- Council approval. Brisbane City Council requires approval for decks exceeding 10m2 or over 1m above natural ground, within 1m of a boundary, or incorporating a roof structure.
- Balustrade. Elevated Queenslander decks often need a compliant balustrade: timber ($200–$450/lm), wire ($350–$700/lm), or frameless glass ($280–$425/lm).
A ground-level treated pine deck off the back of a modern home in Springfield or North Lakes sits toward $3,150. A large merbau deck extending from a Queenslander verandah in Paddington, with new stairs to the yard, a multi-level design, and a wire balustrade, pushes toward $16,200.
Brisbane-Specific Considerations
Queenslanders and raised homes. Paddington, Red Hill, Ashgrove, Woolloongabba, Clayfield. These homes were designed for the climate, with high stumps and wide verandahs. Extending a verandah into a full deck is one of the most natural renovations in Brisbane because the elevated subfloor provides both access and airflow underneath. Many carpenters in South East Queensland specialise in this exact job. Tying into the existing subframe can save significant cost compared to building a new structure from scratch.
Termite country. Brisbane sits in one of Australia's highest termite risk zones. The Queensland Government timber treatment guide sets out hazard levels: H3 for above-ground exposed framing, H4 for timber within 150mm of ground, H5 for in-ground posts. Untreated softwood in the subframe is an invitation for structural failure. A good builder will specify the treatment grade on the quote and ensure adequate clearance between ground and timber.
Outdoor entertaining. Brisbane's subtropical climate means the deck is not a seasonal addition — it is a year-round living space. Covered areas and shade solutions are popular additions. This is particularly important for composite decking, which can exceed 65°C surface temperature on a 40°C day. Shade structures, insulated patio roofing, and mature tree canopy all help manage heat on exposed decks.
Modern estates. Springfield, North Lakes, Redbank Plains, Yarrabilba. Flat blocks, good access, and standard soil conditions make these the most straightforward and cost-effective locations for decking in Brisbane. Treated pine ($43–$50/m2) is common here, with composite gaining popularity among homeowners wanting low maintenance. Most straightforward builds on these blocks fall within the exempt development threshold (under 10m2, under 1m high, 1m+ from boundaries).
Soil conditions. Parts of Brisbane's western suburbs and newer estates sit on reactive clay soils. Under AS 2870, these are classified from M (moderate) to H2 (highly reactive). Screw piles ($150–$300 each) are worth considering on reactive sites — they anchor below the active zone and install same-day, versus 3–7 days for concrete piers.
Hiring a Licensed Carpenter in QLD
In Queensland, the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) administers trade licences. Any carpentry or building work over $3,300 (including GST) requires a QBCC-licensed contractor. The same threshold triggers Queensland Home Warranty Insurance, which covers you for 6 years and 6 months if the builder fails to complete the work or there are structural defects.
Ask for:
- QBCC licence number (search it on the QBCC website)
- Proof of public liability insurance
- A written contract for jobs over $3,300 (required under QLD law)
- Timber species and treatment grades (H3/H4/H5) specified in the quote
- Confirmation of whether council approval is needed
Red flags: No QBCC licence, suggests skipping termite treatment on the subframe, specifies untreated framing timber, or cannot provide references for similar deck builds.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on current QBCC-licensed carpenter and builder rates across the Brisbane metropolitan area, adjusted for local material costs in QLD. All prices include GST. Figures cover standard residential decking construction. Pool surrounds, commercial builds, and multi-level structures may fall outside these ranges.