Timber Decking: Complete Guide to Pros, Cons, Types & Costs

When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space, timber decking remains one of the most popular and timeless choices in Sydney. Whether for a family patio, poolside area, or elevated balcony, timber offers unmatched warmth, beauty, and natural character.

But before you commit, it’s important to understand the real pros and cons, the different timber types, and how much they cost to install and maintain. This comprehensive guide covers softwoods vs hardwoods, price per m², 10-year cost of ownership, and expert maintenance advice to help you make an informed decision.

Why Timber Decking Is Still a Sydney Favourite

Timber decking’s popularity comes from its natural aesthetic and adaptability. It blends effortlessly with Sydney’s coastal and suburban landscapes and can be customized with stains, oils, and finishes to match your home’s design.

Beyond looks, timber offers flexibility — it can be cut, curved, sanded, and refinished multiple times, giving it an edge over composite materials. With proper care, a quality timber deck can last for decades.

Timber Decking Pros & Cons Overview

Deep Dive into Timber Types

Competitor research shows that the best-performing decking content dives into individual timber species. Below is a detailed comparison of softwoods and hardwoods — their pros, cons, costs, and maintenance needs — to help Sydney homeowners choose wisely.

Softwoods: Pressure-Treated Pine

Overview:
Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable and commonly used decking timber in Sydney. It’s treated to resist termites and decay, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Easy to work with and install
• Readily available across Sydney
• Can be painted or stained to different shades

Cons:

• Requires frequent oiling (every 6–12 months)
• Less durable than hardwoods
• More prone to dents and scratches

Cost:

• Material: $60–$90 per m²
• Installed: $250–$300 per m²

Maintenance Tip:
Apply a high-quality decking oil annually and inspect for early signs of warping or nail pop.

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Hardwoods: Premium, Durable & Long-Lasting

Hardwoods are denser, stronger, and more durable than softwoods — perfect for Sydney’s variable weather. They’re naturally resistant to rot, termites, and UV damage, though they still require regular maintenance.

1. Merbau (Kwila)

Overview:
Merbau is the most popular hardwood for Sydney decks, prized for its rich reddish-brown tone and high oil content that resists moisture.

Pros:

• Excellent natural durability
• Resistant to rot and decay
• Distinct warm colour and grain pattern

Cons:

• Can leach tannins (stains concrete)
• Slightly more expensive than pine
• Requires gloves and sealing to prevent tannin bleed

Cost:

• Material: $90–$120 per m²
• Installed: $300–$350 per m²

Maintenance:
Oil every 12–18 months and clean regularly to retain colour depth.

2. Spotted Gum

Overview:
An Australian hardwood known for strength, density, and stunning natural variations in colour — from light brown to chocolate tones.

Pros:

• Fire-resistant (BAL-29 compliant)
• Naturally termite-resistant
• Excellent structural strength
• Minimal shrinkage or expansion

Cons:

• Slightly higher price
• May need pre-drilling due to density

Cost:

• Material: $110–$140 per m²
• Installed: $320–$380 per m²

Maintenance:
Oil annually and sand lightly every few years to refresh the surface.

3. Blackbutt

Overview:
Another Australian hardwood, Blackbutt is valued for its pale golden tone and even texture — a popular modern design choice.

Pros:

• Great for light, contemporary aesthetics
• Fire-resistant and termite-resistant
• Long lifespan when maintained

Cons:

• Can crack under direct sunlight
• Needs regular UV-protective oil

Cost:

• Material: $120–$150 per m²
• Installed: $330–$390 per m²

Maintenance:
Oil every 12 months and avoid overexposure to harsh sunlight where possible.

4. Ironbark

Overview:
A dense, heavy-duty hardwood with exceptional strength and durability — ideal for long-term outdoor structures.

Pros:

• Extremely long lifespan
• Resistant to termites, rot, and fire
• Minimal maintenance required

Cons:

• Heavier and harder to work with
• Higher upfront cost

Cost:

• Material: $140–$180 per m²
• Installed: $350–$420 per m²

Maintenance:
Oil once every 18–24 months; clean quarterly to prevent build-up.

Timber Decking Cost Breakdown (Sydney 2025)

Timber Type	Material Cost (per m²)	Installed Cost (per m²)	Expected Lifespan
Treated Pine	$60–$90	$250–$300	15–20 years
Merbau	$90–$120	$300–$350	20–25 years
Spotted Gum	$110–$140	$320–$380	25–30 years
Blackbutt	$120–$150	$330–$390	25–30 years
Ironbark	$140–$180	$350–$420	30+ years

Pro Tip: When comparing quotes, check that all include subframe, joists, fixings, and coatings — not just board cost.

 10-Year Cost of Ownership Comparison (30m² Deck)

Deck Type	Initial Cost	Annual Maintenance	10-Year Total
Treated Pine	$8,000	$400	$12,000
Merbau	$10,500	$450	$14,000
Spotted Gum	$11,500	$400	$15,000
Blackbutt	$12,000	$400	$15,500
Composite (comparison)	$14,000	$100	$15,000

Takeaway: Timber’s initial affordability balances out over time, especially when you consider the ability to sand and refinish instead of replacing.

 Timber Deck Maintenance Tips (Sydney Conditions)

 Timber vs Composite Decking (2025 Comparison)

Feature	Timber Decking	Composite Decking
Appearance	Natural & authentic	Uniform but artificial
Maintenance	Regular cleaning & oiling	Minimal
Cost	$250–$420/m²	$350–$500/m²
Lifespan	20–30 years	25–35 years
Comfort	Cooler underfoot	Can overheat
Repair	Refinishable	Must replace boards
Sustainability	Renewable	Often recycled

Final Verdict: Is Timber Decking Worth It?

Yes — if you love natural aesthetics, texture, and craftsmanship, timber decking is worth the maintenance effort. With species like Merbau, Spotted Gum, and Blackbutt, Sydney homeowners can achieve stunning, long-lasting results.

At SydneyDeck.com, we design, install, and restore premium timber decks across Sydney using sustainable materials and expert craftsmanship — ensuring strength, beauty, and long-term performance