The Ultimate Guide to the Hidden Costs of Outdoor Decking

The Ultimate Guide to the Hidden Costs of Outdoor Decking

How great is it having outdoor decking in your backyard or by your pool? It’s a brilliant way to create a living space where you can comfortably enjoy the outdoors and its beautiful weather. Unfortunately, your deck’s constant exposure to this weather means it needs regular maintenance and upkeep.

Whether you have a deck or are planning on installing one, there will be a few hidden costs you might not have planned for. But never fear, our guide below will outline these costs and give you some advice on how to plan for them.

The Ultimate Guide to the Hidden Costs of Outdoor Decking Me

Decking board types

There are two main types of decking materials: timber and composite. Both of these decking products have different types of hidden and ongoing costs.

Typically, composite decking has fewer maintenance costs, as composite boards are less likely to crack and don’t require oiling. As such, if you’re planning on installing a deck, or replacing decking boards, then a composite might be a great option, even if the initial cost of the boards is usually a bit more expensive.

Wood decks have a beautiful, natural feel. They’re usually cheaper than composite boards, making them an attractive option if you’re looking to install a deck or replace boards at a cheaper price point. In Australia, Merbau decking and Jarrah decking are both popular timber options.

Most composites and some timber come with warranties upon installation, make sure you enquire about warranties when scoping out samples and options.

deck construction and repairs

If you’re not a DIY expert, deck construction and structural repairs are best carried out by a decking professional. We always recommend getting a few quotes for the job from different contractors and installers.

Quotes should be itemised and broken down into labour and material costs. Material costs will vary depending on the decking product you choose, but you can expect labour to range from $500 to $5000. The price will depend on how complex the design of your deck is.

Other add-ons to decking like railing, drainage or lighting, also come at varying costs.

The Ultimate Guide to the Hidden Costs of Outdoor Decking Me

Oiling your deck

As mentioned above, oiling your timber deck is essential part of its maintenance and upkeep. This weather-proofs it and restores the natural timber’s oils.

If you don’t oil your wood decking, it will turn grey, warp, splinter, and crack. This will lead to further problems down the track, and significantly reduce your deck’s life expectancy. Ten litres of decking oil will cover a 5 x 10m deck and will set you back about $150.

If you’re short on time, it may be worth hiring a decking professional to oil your deck for you. Costs will vary, but you can expect to pay from $400 for a small deck, up to $2500 for a larger deck.

Warping, splintering, and cracking

If your decking boards do warp, splinter, and crack, then they will need to be replaced to make your deck safe and prevent further damage.

The cost of replacing boards will depend on timber prices and quantity that needs replacing. Often, boards surrounding the damaged decking will also need to be replaced, which is why it’s important to replace a damaged board as soon as you notice it.

Rotting, mould, and mildew

Mould and mildew building up on your deck can lead to rotting, making it structurally unsafe to spend time on. As such, regularly cleaning your decking boards with a specialised deck cleaner is a must.

This should be done once a year, and more frequently if you start to notice build up. You can expect to pay about $20 for a 1 litre tub of deck cleaner.

The Ultimate Guide to the Hidden Costs of Outdoor Decking Me

Regular maintenance

As a final note, it’s worth reiterating that the best way to avoid hidden costs building up, is to regularly maintain your deck. Doing so, will mean your deck looks amazing, and will allow you to get the most out of it.

Want to learn more about all things decking? Check out our decking blog now!

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What our clients say

Austim are a great partner and timber supplier. Our business is based on the East Coast of Australia and we partner with Austim for WA projects. We have had a long lasting and great working relationship with Austim for many years. Highly recommend them.
daniel wright
daniel wright
06:31 18 Jun 19
Austim is always the first place I try when I need timber and it’s rare that I can’t get what I need there. Stuart is a rare gem of a gent to deal with – quick to respond to any queries, full of good advice and goes out of his way to help get whatever project I’m working on happening to my schedule, even when all I need is a few sticks and a handful of fixings. Highly recommend Austim, the team and young Stuart.
Anni Lilford
Anni Lilford
00:51 16 Nov 18
Stuart went out of his way to make sure we got the product we wanted. He made suggestions on possible constructions and timbers suitable. Very knowledgeable friendly staff all around. Excellent experience, highly recommended.
Holger Butenschon
Holger Butenschon
05:14 22 May 18
Hi Ben,Just wanted to thankyou for your help and advice in our selection of the Millboard Vintage Oak decking also in you recommending Grant from Premier Hardwood Decking. Grant has just completed our decking and we couldn't have asked for a more professional, reliable and competent tradesman. The decking has been installed to a very high standard and the decking itself is stunning. Ian and Sue
susan smith
susan smith
06:27 08 Oct 18
I've used Austim on a few occasions for home projects like decking and pergola, etc and each time the response to my requests for price and delivery have been excellent, the deliveries took place as negotiated, the timber quality was great and value for money. The team at Austim do a great job and make dealing with Austim a breeze.
Michael Robinson
Michael Robinson
09:06 25 Oct 18
I have worked with Austim for around 8 years now and they are one of the best suppliers in perth to deal with. I would highly recommend to use them for any timber needs!!!
Art of Timber
Art of Timber
07:55 05 Mar 20
I had been looking for some cedar for my kayak project and had rung a couple of other places with no luck. When I contacted Austim they were very helpful, had the timber in stock and I was on my was in 20 minutes. The wood was very good quality and has really finished up beautifully. Thanks to Austim.
mark alderson
mark alderson
02:03 08 Apr 17
I"d like to thank Austim for there help in supplying me with material that firstly I thought I'd have trouble sourcing as it was marring up with originally 30 year old existing timber.My project was not a massive project but still needed the attention of an new build.The timber supplied by Austim was machined to size with absolute perfection, where I had to remove old pieces and replace with the new pieces they fitted perfectly.once the floors are re-sanded and varnished they will be back to there former glory. Thanks again to the staff at Austim.Regards Bob Heppenstall.I've just added a finished photo after the Floor Sanding was completed.Original timber was Tassie Oak, and the new is Vic Ash, as you can see there is only a slight variation in the final product.I hope this gives anyone thinking doing the same the confidence to proceed. Regards Bob Heppenstall.
Robert Heppenstall
Robert Heppenstall
10:05 12 Oct 18
Great service over phone and by email. Product supplied is high quality - no issues. Staff accommodating and friendly.
M F
M F
00:18 07 May 20
Good service with fair prices.
Colin Della Bosca
Colin Della Bosca
08:14 04 Jun 20
Great service and product.I struggled to find a bench top in the size and material I wanted, so was really happy when I found one with Austim.It came fully protected with wrap and was undamaged when I got it home.Thanks
Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
06:29 08 May 23
Good selection, friendly staff, competitive pricing. Preferred over the 'hardware store'.You can hand pick if you need superior quality, Ben Price helped me with sorting through
Dirk Wachter
Dirk Wachter
03:59 12 May 23
Quick responses, timber prepared to request including cutting to Size. Easy pick up. Highly recommend.
Martyn Lethbridge
Martyn Lethbridge
06:42 05 May 23
We wanted Marri boards to make a bed - Austim provided beautiful planed and sized boards - at a good price - delivered on time......excellent service!
Mark Warren
Mark Warren
06:53 20 Aug 21
Ordered some merbau timber through austim to replace some rotten pine stair treads. The guy on the phone was very helpful .the timber was straight and had no faults or damage. Sent a message with a picture to say the timber had been delivered. Would definitely order timber from them again
Galaxie Galaxie
Galaxie Galaxie
05:25 29 Nov 23
Ron has help me out tremendously with designing and supplying two decks. Everything required to build them including screws Concreate, stirrups and timber. Service is excellent and at competitive prices.
Craig Bussanich
Craig Bussanich
01:25 06 Oct 23
Excellent service! The gentlemen that served us was so helpful and sorted out our kitchen bench top in 15 minutes! Great product!
sophie sherlock
sophie sherlock
07:24 06 Oct 23

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