Decking Questions and Answers
Questions Sunshine Coast householders ask before building or restoring a deck, with answers drawn from council and Queensland Government pages and a published cost guide. None of it is legal, building or engineering advice.
What does a deck cost on the Sunshine Coast?
We cannot give a local price. A national guide gives about $200 to $350 per m² for treated pine, $300 to $500 for hardwood and $350 to $600 for composite, for ground-level decks installed.
Does my deck need a building approval?
Sunshine Coast Council lists triggers such as an area over 10 m², a side over 5 m, a height of 1.0 m or more above the surface below, or a mean height over 2.1 m. Ask a private building certifier about your site.
Do roofed decks need approval?
The council lists roofed or unroofed decks, pergolas and verandahs in the same category, and also lists re-roofing a structure. Ask a certifier.
Do balustrades and stairs need approval?
The council says a handrail or balustrade protecting a fall of 1.0 m or more needs a permit, as does a stair with three risers or a rise of 1.0 m or more.
Is a licence needed for decking?
The QBCC says a licence is required for building work valued over $3,300. Ask for the number and search the QBCC register.
What is the difference between treated pine and hardwood?
The guide says pine is cheaper and needs coating from day one and recoating every one to two years. Hardwood costs more, resists dents better and still needs oiling.
Is composite worth the extra?
The guide says composite holds its colour without oiling, but dark boards get hot underfoot and budget ranges can fade, scratch or stain.
How often should a timber deck be recoated?
The guide says every 12 to 24 months in full Australian sun, less often in shade.
What happens if I skip recoating?
The guide says boards grey, split and check, which shortens their life.
Are bushfire rules relevant?
Possibly. Queensland has adopted AS 3959 for bushfire prone areas, and the Queensland Government says the rules reach additions within six metres of a dwelling.
Who does the electrical work for deck lights?
A licensed electrician. Ask which licence they hold.
Does the deck builder lodge the approval?
It depends on the contract. Ask each business who lodges it and who pays.
What should a quote show?
The board or product line, width, fixing, joist spacing, footings, balustrade and stairs as separate lines, and the payment schedule.
Will a builder contact me directly?
Independent businesses that say they work near you may contact you. We cannot promise any will.
Do you recommend a deck builder?
No. We do not rank or endorse anyone, and we show no reviews or awards.
Is the quote form free?
Yes. You owe nothing for sending it.
Do I need an engineer for my deck?
A national guide says elevated decks become engineering-led. Ask the business whether engineering is needed for your height and span, and who pays for it.
Should the quote name the timber species?
Yes. The guide says cheaper imported hardwoods vary widely in durability and sourcing, so the species should be named rather than described only as hardwood.
Can I keep my existing deck frame?
Sometimes. Ask the business to inspect the underside and report on the frame in writing, because a coating over a failing frame wastes money.
Do rails need to be glass?
No. Treated pine or hardwood is the cheapest, aluminium and glass cost more, and frameless glass is the most expensive according to the guide.