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The Complete Guide to Decking: Types, Materials, Design, Installation & Costs

A good deck can completely change how you use your backyard.

It can give you somewhere to eat outside, entertain friends, enjoy your morning coffee or simply sit and relax. But in our experience at CanLandscape, homeowners rarely start by saying, “I need a deck.”

Usually, there is a problem behind the request.

The backyard may be sloping, awkward, underused or difficult to connect with the house. An old deck may have reached the end of its life. Or the family may simply want a proper outdoor living area instead of a patch of lawn that rarely gets used.

That is why we believe the first question shouldn’t be:

“Which decking material should I choose?”

It should be:

“What do I want this part of my property to do?”

Once that is clear, you can work out the right deck size, layout, levels, materials, structure, drainage and finishing details.

This guide explains the main decking options, what to consider before building, how the construction process works, common problems to avoid and how much decking can cost.

What is a deck and what can it be used for?

A deck is a constructed outdoor platform that can create a defined living or entertaining area around a home.

But a deck doesn’t have to be just a rectangular platform attached to the back door.

Depending on the property, it can be used to:

The best deck is one that makes the property easier and more enjoyable to use.

A deck should solve a problem, not create another feature

This is one of the biggest things we consider when planning decking projects.

If a homeowner has a large backyard but rarely uses it, simply adding a deck isn’t automatically the answer.

We first look at why the space isn’t being used.

Is the ground uneven?

Is there a large change in levels?

Is the area exposed?

Is there poor access?

Is there nowhere comfortable to sit?

Does the deck need to connect the house to another part of the garden?

Once we understand that, the deck can become part of the solution rather than an isolated structure.

What are the main types of decking materials?

There isn’t one decking material that is best for every property.

The right choice depends on your budget, appearance, maintenance expectations, exposure to weather, expected lifespan, how the deck will be used and what is practical for the site.

The main options homeowners usually consider include treated pine, hardwood timber and composite decking.

Treated pine decking

Treated pine can be a practical option when keeping the initial construction cost under control is important.

It can suit homeowners who like the appearance of timber and are comfortable with ongoing maintenance such as cleaning, staining or coating.

We would consider treated pine when:

We wouldn’t automatically recommend it when:

Treated pine isn’t simply a “cheap version” of every other decking material. It has a place in the right project, but homeowners should understand the maintenance requirements before choosing it.

Hardwood timber decking

Hardwood is one of our favourite choices when the homeowner wants a natural, premium-looking deck.

Natural timber has warmth and character that manufactured products can find difficult to reproduce. Different hardwood species have different characteristics, so the specific product matters.

We would consider hardwood when:

We wouldn’t choose it simply because it is considered a premium product.

If the homeowner’s main priority is minimal maintenance, another material may be more appropriate.

One of the biggest misunderstandings about timber decking is expecting it to look exactly the same year after year without maintenance.

Timber is a natural material. It moves, weathers and changes colour.

For some homeowners, that changing character is part of what makes timber attractive. For others, it becomes a maintenance issue.

The important thing is to know which type of homeowner you are before choosing it.

Composite decking

Composite decking can be an excellent option for the right property and homeowner.

Its biggest advantage is convenience.

If someone tells us:

“I don’t want to spend my weekends sanding, staining and maintaining timber.”

then composite decking is something we would seriously consider.

Composite decking can suit homeowners who prioritise:

But we don’t recommend choosing composite simply because the label says “composite”.

There are significant differences between products, including:

The product needs to be assessed as part of the project rather than treated as a generic category.

What is the best decking material?

There is no single “best” decking material.

The better question is:

Which material is best for your property, lifestyle and expectations?

For example, a homeowner who loves natural timber and doesn’t mind maintenance may be very happy with hardwood.

Another homeowner may strongly prefer composite because they want to spend as little time as possible maintaining the deck.

Someone working with a tighter initial budget may prefer treated pine.

The mistake is choosing a material first and trying to make the rest of the project work around it.

We prefer to understand the site and homeowner first.

Our rule of thumb

Choose the lifestyle first, then the material.

Think about:

These questions often make the decision much easier.

What goes underneath a deck?

Homeowners naturally focus on the decking boards because that is what they see.

But one of the most important parts of a deck is the structure underneath.

A beautiful decking surface cannot compensate for poor structural work.

Depending on the design and site, a deck may involve:

The exact structural system needs to suit the project.

Timber framing

Timber framing remains a practical construction method for many residential decks.

When correctly designed, treated, detailed and installed, it can be appropriate for a wide range of projects.

The important thing is that the framing is properly suited to the deck rather than treated as something that doesn’t matter because it will eventually be hidden.

Steel framing

Steel framing can be an excellent option where the project benefits from a strong and stable structural system.

It can be particularly useful where the design, spans, profile or site conditions make steel advantageous.

But we wouldn’t specify steel simply because it sounds more premium.

The structural system should be selected according to the design, engineering requirements, environment and practical installation considerations.

What type of footing does a deck need?

The footing system supports the structure, so it is an important part of the design.

Concrete footings

Concrete footings are a traditional and proven way of supporting deck structures.

When designed correctly for the site and installed properly, they can provide a solid foundation.

However, there isn’t one universal footing size that works for every deck.

Ground conditions, loads, deck height, structural design and site conditions all matter.

Screw piles and alternative footing systems

Screw piles and other footing systems can be useful on appropriate sites.

They may be advantageous where access, ground conditions, construction time or the desire to minimise excavation influences the construction method.

But we don’t believe one footing system is automatically better than another.

A professional assessment should consider:

The right solution is the one that suits the actual property.

How should you design a deck?

Before choosing materials, think about how you want to use the finished space.

A deck for two people having coffee is very different from a deck designed for a large family that regularly entertains.

Start with how you live

Ask yourself:

These questions help determine the size and shape.

Think about the connection to the house

A deck should feel like part of the home rather than something that has simply been added to the backyard.

The relationship between:

can make a big difference.

A well-designed deck creates a natural transition between indoor and outdoor living.

Don’t ignore the surrounding landscape

This is where our landscaping experience becomes particularly useful.

A deck may need to work alongside:

We don’t look at the deck in isolation.

The goal is for the whole backyard to feel connected.

Decking on a sloping backyard

A sloping backyard doesn’t automatically mean you need to flatten the entire property.

In some situations, a raised or stepped deck can work with the existing levels.

This can be a much better approach than trying to make every part of the backyard completely level.

What needs to be considered?

A sloping site may require careful attention to:

The challenge is not simply building a platform above the slope.

The deck needs to make sense within the entire landscape.

A real CanLandscape lesson from sloping sites

We’ve worked on projects where a noticeable change in levels made large sections of the backyard difficult to use.

The solution wasn’t to pretend the slope didn’t exist.

Instead, the design worked with the existing levels and created a usable outdoor living area.

The important lesson is:

A slope isn’t necessarily a problem that needs to be eliminated. It can become part of the design.

A good deck can turn an awkward level change into a useful outdoor space.

What can go wrong with a poorly planned deck?

Many decking problems aren’t obvious when the project is first completed.

The deck may look fantastic on day one but develop problems later because important details underneath weren’t properly considered.

Poor drainage

Water needs somewhere to go.

Drainage and falls need to be considered so water doesn’t remain around the structure or interfere with the surrounding property.

This is particularly important where decking is close to the house.

A new structure shouldn’t create water-management problems that didn’t previously exist.

If your property already has drainage issues, it is worth addressing them as part of the wider project rather than building over the problem.

For more information, see our landscaping drainage guide for Canberra homes.

Incorrect or inadequate footings

The deck is only as stable as the structure supporting it.

Footings need to suit the ground conditions, structural design, loads and height of the deck.

Copying the footing arrangement from another property isn’t necessarily appropriate because ground conditions can vary significantly from site to site.

Movement and settlement

Movement can occur when supporting structures, footings or framing haven’t been properly designed or installed.

You may notice:

Some natural movement is expected with timber, but significant movement shouldn’t simply be dismissed as normal timber behaviour.

Timber deterioration

Timber needs suitable protection and detailing.

Poor water management, inadequate ventilation, inappropriate clearances or trapped moisture can contribute to premature deterioration.

The question isn’t only:

“What timber are you using?”

It is also:

“How has the whole structure been designed to deal with water and moisture?”

Poor ventilation

Airflow underneath a deck is easy to overlook because you can’t see it once the project is finished.

But moisture shouldn’t simply be trapped beneath the structure.

The design needs to consider how the underside of the deck will perform over time.

Choosing the wrong material

We’ve seen homeowners focus heavily on appearance or initial price without considering how much maintenance they are actually prepared to do.

Someone who dislikes maintenance may regret choosing natural timber purely because they like how it looks.

Someone who loves the warmth and character of natural timber may be disappointed with a manufactured product chosen only because it requires less maintenance.

The material has to match the homeowner—not just the salesperson’s recommendation.

Ignoring the slope

Trying to force a deck onto a sloping site without properly considering the levels can result in:

The slope needs to be part of the design from the beginning.

Poor construction access

Access is another issue homeowners often don’t think about.

How will materials reach the backyard?

Can side access accommodate them?

Will materials need to pass through the house?

Where can materials be stored?

These practical details can influence the construction method, project logistics and overall cost.

Poor connection between the deck and house

The transition between the house and deck needs careful consideration.

Existing doors, thresholds, drainage and building requirements all need to be taken into account.

Simply attaching a deck to a house because it looks right isn’t enough.

The details matter.

What does a decking project involve?

A professional decking project starts well before the first board is installed.

At CanLandscape, we approach the project as part of the wider property rather than treating decking as an isolated product.

1. Understand what you want to achieve

We start by asking questions.

What do you want to use the deck for?

How many people will use it?

Is it for dining, entertaining, relaxing or connecting the house to the garden?

What isn’t working with the current backyard?

What materials or appearance do you like?

How much maintenance are you comfortable with?

This gives us a much better starting point than simply asking how many square metres of decking you want.

2. Inspect the site

The property itself tells us things that cannot always be understood from a conversation.

We look at factors such as:

This is particularly important in Canberra, where properties can have different levels, clay soils, slopes and restricted access.

3. Develop the design

Once we understand the site and the homeowner’s goals, we work through the design.

This can include:

Where required, project-specific structural design, approvals and other requirements also need to be addressed before construction.

4. Prepare the site

Depending on the project, preparation may involve:

Good preparation creates the foundation for the finished result.

5. Build the supporting structure

This is where much of the long-term performance of the deck is determined.

The appropriate footings, posts, beams and framing are constructed according to the project requirements.

The focus isn’t just on what will be visible at the end.

We’re thinking about what is happening underneath the decking and how the structure will perform over time.

6. Install the decking boards

Once the supporting structure is ready, the selected decking material is installed according to the product and construction requirements.

Fixing, spacing, edges, transitions and finishing all matter.

The visible finish is important, but it is only one part of a properly built deck.

7. Connect the deck with the landscape

If the deck is part of a broader landscaping project, the surrounding areas can then be brought together.

Depending on the project, that may include:

This is where the deck becomes part of the landscape rather than looking like a structure dropped into the backyard.

8. Final inspection and clean-up

Before the project is handed back, the finished work is checked, final details are addressed and the site is cleaned.

The goal is simple:

You should be able to use your new outdoor space, not be left with a construction site to clean up.

Do you need approval for a deck in Canberra?

This is something Canberra homeowners should check before construction begins.

The answer depends on the specific deck and property.

The ACT Government currently states that some unroofed decks, patios and terraces may be exempt from development approval if they meet specific conditions relating to height, location, balustrades and other requirements. Separate building approval exemption criteria also apply.

For example, the ACT Government’s current guidance says certain unroofed decks may be exempt from DA requirements where they meet specified height and location criteria, while separate building approval rules include requirements such as maximum height, floor level, unsupported spans and other conditions.

That doesn’t mean every deck is automatically exempt.

Other approvals or requirements can also apply depending on the property and project. The ACT Government specifically advises that even where a project does not need DA or BA, other approvals may still be required.

Always check the current ACT requirements for your specific project before construction begins.

How much does decking cost?

There is no single price for building a deck.

The final cost depends on the property, size, design, materials, access, levels, structure, footings, site preparation and the amount of additional landscaping required.

Factors that can influence the cost include:

A straightforward deck on an accessible, relatively level site can be very different from a raised deck on a sloping block that requires structural support, stairs, excavation and additional landscaping.

For a detailed discussion of decking prices and the factors that influence them, read our decking cost guide.

If you’re planning a wider outdoor transformation rather than just a deck, our Canberra landscaping cost guide can also help you understand the broader factors that influence landscaping project costs.

Real-world decking: three situations we commonly encounter

The strongest decking projects are usually the ones where the deck solves a genuine problem.

A sloping backyard that wasn’t being used

One type of project we encounter involves a backyard with a noticeable change in levels.

The homeowners may technically have a large outdoor area, but much of it isn’t comfortable or practical to use.

In a situation like this, the challenge isn’t simply building a deck.

We need to consider how the deck works with the existing levels, how people move from the house to the yard, how the structure is supported and how the surrounding landscape connects with it.

A raised deck can sometimes make the slope work in the homeowner’s favour rather than trying to completely eliminate the natural levels.

The result can be a defined outdoor living area that makes a previously underused part of the property useful.

The lesson: don’t automatically assume that a sloping backyard needs to be flattened.

An ageing deck that looks better than it actually is

Another common situation is an existing deck that has reached the end of its useful life.

From above, replacing the decking boards may look like a straightforward job.

But once the structure is inspected, there may be movement, deterioration, inadequate drainage or other issues underneath.

That’s why we don’t believe in simply covering a structural problem with new boards.

The existing structure needs to be assessed first.

If it can realistically be retained, that can be considered. If the structure needs to be rebuilt, the replacement should address the underlying issues rather than simply making the deck look new.

The lesson: what you can’t see underneath the deck can be just as important as what you can see above it.

Creating an outdoor entertaining area

Some homeowners have plenty of backyard space but no clearly defined outdoor living area.

There may be lawn and garden, but nowhere comfortable for outdoor dining, entertaining or relaxing immediately outside the house.

In this type of project, the deck becomes part of a larger landscape.

We consider:

The result is a backyard where the different areas work together rather than feeling like separate pieces.

The lesson: we’re not really just building a deck. We’re solving a problem with how the property is being used.

How to choose a decking contractor

The cheapest quote isn’t necessarily the best value.

Before choosing a contractor, ask questions about the parts of the project that will eventually be hidden.

Ask:

A good contractor should be able to explain the reasoning behind the proposed approach.

Look beyond the decking boards

A deck can have beautiful boards and still be poorly planned.

The things that matter most are often underneath:

structure + footings + levels + drainage + ventilation + access + materials + construction

The visible finish is only the part you see.

Why CanLandscape approaches decking differently

Our approach starts with the property and the problem rather than the decking boards.

We look at how the homeowner wants to use the space, what the site is doing, what is happening around the house and what needs to happen underneath the finished deck.

Because CanLandscape also works across landscape construction, drainage, excavation, retaining, paving, planting and outdoor structures, decking can be considered as part of the wider landscape rather than as a standalone feature.

That matters particularly on more complicated Canberra properties.

A deck may need to work with:

Our landscape construction work is based around understanding the property before deciding how the different parts should be built. CanLandscape currently states that it has more than 11 years of landscaping experience and provides decking as part of its wider landscape construction capability in Canberra.

The goal isn’t to build the most expensive deck.

It is to build the right deck for the property and the people using it.

Final thoughts: the best deck is the one that fits your life

Choosing decking isn’t really about choosing between timber and composite.

Those decisions matter, but they come later.

Start with the bigger questions:

What isn’t working with your backyard?

How do you want to use the space?

What should the deck connect to?

How much maintenance are you prepared to do?

What does the site require underneath?

Once those questions are answered, the right material, design and construction approach become much easier to determine.

A well-designed deck should feel like it belongs to the property.

It should make the backyard more useful, connect naturally with the house and surrounding landscape, and be built with the structure, drainage, levels and long-term performance in mind.

Planning a deck in Canberra?

If you’re thinking about building a new deck, replacing an ageing deck or creating a complete outdoor entertaining area, CanLandscape can help you assess the property and work through the practical options.

We work across Canberra and surrounding areas and can look at the deck as part of the wider landscape—including levels, access, drainage, retaining, paving, planting and other outdoor features.

Tell us what you’re trying to achieve with your backyard, and we’ll help you work out what needs to happen to build it properly.

Explore our Decking Services in Canberra
Request a Free Landscaping Quote

Frequently asked question

1. What is the best decking material?

There isn’t one best material for every property. Treated pine, hardwood and composite decking can all be suitable depending on the homeowner’s budget, appearance preferences, maintenance expectations, site conditions and how the deck will be used.

2. Is timber or composite decking better?

It depends on what you value. Timber provides natural character and warmth but requires maintenance. Composite can provide a more consistent, lower-maintenance surface, but products vary and may not suit someone looking for a natural timber appearance.

3. Can you build a deck on a sloping backyard?

Yes, depending on the property and design. Raised or stepped decking can sometimes work with existing levels instead of requiring the entire backyard to be flattened. The design needs to account for structure, footings, drainage, access and surrounding landscaping.

4. What goes underneath a deck?

A deck can include footings, posts, beams, joists and framing beneath the visible decking boards. The exact structural system depends on the design, site conditions, loads, height and engineering requirements.

5. How long does a deck last?

The lifespan depends on the material, construction quality, exposure, drainage, maintenance and how the deck is used. Timber also naturally weathers and moves over time, so maintenance and good detailing are important.

6. Does a deck need drainage?

Drainage should always be considered when designing a deck. Water needs to be managed around the structure and surrounding property, particularly where the deck is close to the house or existing drainage problems are present.

7. How much does it cost to build a deck in Canberra?

There is no single price because deck costs vary according to size, materials, structure, footings, access, height, slope, site preparation and additional landscaping. For a detailed breakdown, see our decking cost guide.

8. Do I need approval to build a deck in Canberra?

It depends on the deck and property. Some decks may qualify for exemptions under specific ACT requirements, while other projects may require approval. The ACT Government’s current DA and BA requirements should be checked for the specific project before construction.

9. Should I replace the decking boards or rebuild my old deck?

It depends on the condition of the supporting structure. If the framing, footings or drainage have problems, replacing only the visible boards may not solve the underlying issue. The existing structure should be assessed before deciding.

10. How do I choose the right decking contractor?

Look beyond the appearance of the finished boards. Ask about the proposed structure, footings, drainage, access, levels, materials, approvals and construction process. A good contractor should be able to explain why the proposed approach suits your property.

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