Decks look simple, then the quotes start landing and they're all over the place. Here are the real installed prices we work to in 2026, from a fully licensed builder on the South Coast of South Australia. We have left the explanations short and put the numbers up front, because that is what most people are looking for when they search this question. Every figure on this page is including GST.
If you want the planning and material side of the build, our companion article What you need to know before building a deck covers it in depth.
Quick answer: how much does a deck cost?
In 2026, for a standard installed deck from Universal Building Group:
- 3 by 3 metre deck: starts at $6,000 to $8,000 (including GST)
- 6 by 4 metre deck: starts at $16,000 to $20,000 (including GST)
Both figures cover boards, the structural framing under them, all the fixings, fascia, on-tools labour, delivery, the site visit, and rubbish removal at the end. They are starting prices, so think of them as the realistic floor for that footprint with our standard inclusions.
The jump from a 3 by 3 to a 6 by 4 is more than just "twice the area" suggests, because a larger deck typically needs slightly heavier framing, more bearers, more joists, more fascia around a longer perimeter, and proportionally more time on tools to lay every board flat and consistent.
What "installed" actually covers
When you see an installed deck price, you should expect it to include everything between you and a finished platform:
- The initial site visit and measure-up
- All structural framing (bearers, joists, footings as required)
- All decking boards, plus matching fascia around the perimeter
- All fixings (screws and brackets, stainless on coastal builds)
- All on-tools labour
- Delivery of materials to your site
- Rubbish removal at the end of the job
Our pricing always includes those line items, and every figure we quote is GST-inclusive. If a quote you receive elsewhere does not, ask about each one before you compare. Decks are a category where missing line items are common (especially fascia, council, or stainless fixings on coastal sites).
What changes the price
The starting figures above assume a ground-level deck (under 600 mm off the ground) with our standard timber board choice. A few things can lift the price meaningfully:
- Board material. Merbau and Kapur are the default. Australian hardwoods like Blackbutt or Spotted Gum are a step up. Capped composite boards (Evalast Infinity, Apex, Pioneer) are the premium choice, with the lifetime-cost win of never needing to be oiled.
- Deck height. Once any part of the deck sits more than 1000 mm off natural ground level, a council application is required, an engineering certificate gets added, and a 1 metre balustrade has to go around the open sides. That adds meaningfully to the price compared to a standard low-set deck.
- Board direction and width. Wide-board (140 mm) timber needs joists at tighter centres. Composite boards are heavier and need slightly closer bearer spacing.
- Skirting and screening. Timber slat skirting on the visible perimeter sides is a common add-on for any deck more than around 300 mm off the ground.
- Site complexity. Sloped sites, removal of an existing deck, restricted access, or unusual soil types can all move the number.
If you want the price for your exact configuration, open the 3D Designer and the calculation runs in real time. The number that comes back is the same one we would quote on paper, GST included.
Save money by combining a deck with a pergola
If you are thinking about both a deck and a pergola, doing them together is meaningfully more cost-effective than booking them as two separate jobs:
- One site visit instead of two
- One council application instead of two
- Shared labour mobilisation. Our team is on your property for a continuous build instead of two separate visits weeks apart.
- Material delivery in one drop rather than two
- One engineering check covers the combined structure
For a homeowner planning the full outdoor entertaining setup, the saving from doing the combo is usually big enough to cover a meaningful upgrade you were already considering (a fan, premium board, or the next step up in roof material). Even if you only want one half built right now, designing the combo from day one means the second build is ready to go when the budget is.
How to get a real quote for your specific build
Two options, both free and no-obligation:
1. Sketch it in the 3D Designer. Open the designer and drag the deck footprint to match your space, pick the board, add the optional skirting or balustrade. The quote comes back in real time. About ten minutes from cold start.
2. Talk to us first. Get in touch and we will work through it on the phone or arrange a site visit. Useful if your site has slope, an existing structure to remove, or you want a second opinion before sketching.
Either way the number we send you is the number we would put on a written quote. Every figure is GST-inclusive. We do not bait-and-switch.
Frequently asked questions
Are the prices including GST?
Yes. Every figure on this page and every number on our quotes is GST-inclusive. The number on the quote is the number on the invoice.
Do you build decks across the South Coast and Fleurieu?
Yes. Victor Harbor, Encounter Bay, Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island, Port Elliot, Middleton, Yankalilla, Normanville and Aldinga are all within our regular service area. We also build across metro Adelaide on request.
How long does a deck take to build?
A typical residential deck in the size ranges above is on-site for around one week. If a council application is required (anything over 1 metre off the ground), expect an extra two to four weeks of paperwork before we can start.
Do I need council approval for a deck?
In South Australia, decks under 1000 mm above natural ground level usually do not require a council application. Anything above that does. We handle the paperwork as part of every quote where it applies.
Can I see examples of your previous work?
Yes. Browse recent projects to see real decks across the South Coast.
Ready to get a real number for your build?
The fastest way is the 3D Designer. The quote you see at the end is the quote we would write on paper, using the same materials, the same labour rates, and the same fixed costs you read about above. GST included as standard.
If you would rather talk it through first, contact us and we will help you scope it.
We are Universal Building Group. Builder's Licence BLD319926. Fully licensed and insured, building across the South Coast of South Australia since 2020.
