Carpentry & Decking Cost Guide Australia — 2026 Prices
Timber deck, pergola, built-in wardrobe and general carpentry costs for Australian homes. What you should pay, what drives the price, and how to find a reliable carpenter.
Average Carpentry Costs in Australia
Carpentry covers a wide range of work — from building a deck or pergola to installing built-in wardrobes, fitting doors and architraves, or constructing custom cabinetry. Hourly rates for carpenters in Australia range from $70–$150/hr, but most jobs are quoted as a fixed price. Here are typical costs for the most common carpentry jobs.
| Job / Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter hourly rate | $70 | $100 | $150 |
| Timber deck (per m²) | $200 | $350 | $600 |
| Composite deck (per m²) | $250 | $400 | $700 |
| Pergola (freestanding) | $3,000 | $6,000 | $15,000 |
| Built-in wardrobe (per room) | $1,500 | $3,500 | $7,000 |
| Door installation (per door) | $150 | $280 | $500 |
| Skirting boards (per linear m) | $15 | $30 | $55 |
| Timber staircase | $3,000 | $6,500 | $15,000 |
| Framing (per m²) | $80 | $130 | $200 |
Timber Deck Costs — The Most Popular Carpentry Job
A timber deck is one of the most popular home improvement projects in Australia. It adds outdoor living space, increases property value and can be built in a wide range of styles and sizes. Here is what you can expect to pay for different deck configurations.
| Job / Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small deck (up to 20m²) | $4,000 | $7,000 | $12,000 |
| Medium deck (20–40m²) | $7,000 | $14,000 | $24,000 |
| Large deck (40m²+) | $14,000 | $25,000 | $45,000 |
| Elevated deck (requires posts) | $300/m² | $450/m² | $700/m² |
| Deck with pergola | $8,000 | $18,000 | $35,000 |
| Deck with balustrade | $200/m | $350/m | $600/m |
Timber vs Composite Decking — Which is Better Value?
The choice between timber and composite decking is one of the most common questions Australian homeowners face. Both have genuine advantages depending on your priorities.
- Hardwood timber (Merbau, Spotted Gum) — beautiful natural look, $200–$400/m² installed. Requires oiling every 1–2 years. Lasts 20–30 years with maintenance.
- Treated pine — most affordable option at $150–$280/m² installed. Requires regular sealing. Lasts 15–25 years.
- Composite decking (Trex, Millboard) — $250–$500/m² installed. No maintenance required. Lasts 25–30 years. Looks increasingly realistic.
- Aluminium decking — $300–$600/m² installed. Extremely durable, fire-resistant, zero maintenance. Best for bushfire-prone areas.
- Cost comparison — composite costs more upfront but saves $500–$1,500 in maintenance costs over 10 years vs hardwood.
- Resale value — both timber and composite add similar value to a property; buyer preference varies by market.
What Affects Carpentry Costs?
Several factors influence what you will pay for any carpentry job.
- Material choice — hardwood vs treated pine vs composite makes a 30–100% difference in material costs
- Height and access — elevated decks require more structural work (posts, bearers, joists) and cost significantly more
- Complexity — straight rectangular decks are cheapest; curved edges, multiple levels and built-in seating add cost
- Council requirements — decks over 1m high or over 10m² typically require a building permit; this adds $500–$2,000 to the project
- Site conditions — sloping blocks, rocky ground and poor soil conditions increase footing costs
- Balustrades — required for decks over 1m high; glass balustrades cost 3–5x more than timber or aluminium
- Finishing — staining, oiling and sealing add $15–$40/m² to the total cost
Carpentry Costs by State
Carpenter rates vary between Australian states, with Sydney and Melbourne typically the most expensive markets.
| Job / Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (Sydney) | $85/hr | $115/hr | $155/hr |
| Victoria (Melbourne) | $80/hr | $110/hr | $150/hr |
| Queensland (Brisbane) | $75/hr | $100/hr | $140/hr |
| Western Australia (Perth) | $80/hr | $108/hr | $148/hr |
| South Australia (Adelaide) | $70/hr | $95/hr | $135/hr |
| ACT (Canberra) | $80/hr | $110/hr | $150/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
Now you know the cost — here's how to hire the right tradie
Knowing a fair price is only half the battle. Use these guides to collect accurate quotes, verify licences, and avoid the most common hiring mistakes.
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