Adelaide Deck Builders Specialising in Timber & Composite Decking

There is no 30 cm rule in South Australia. That figure comes from UK planning rules. In SA a deck generally needs no development approval if no part of it is more than 500 mm above natural ground and no part is within 900 mm of a boundary (heritage places and some overlays differ; see this City of Marion fact sheet). Separately, the National Construction Code requires a balustrade at least 1 m high wherever someone could fall 1 m or more. We check both for every deck we quote.

Only for some decks. A deck that stays under 500 mm above natural ground and at least 900 mm from every boundary is generally exempt. Higher decks, or decks closer to the fence, need development approval, which includes building rules consent. You can check your own block with the PlanSA approval tool, or ask us at the quote.

In Adelaide a 20 m² deck usually costs about $5,000 to $15,000 installed, depending on the board. Treated pine sits at $250 to $400 per square metre, hardwood such as merbau at $350 to $600, and composite at $450 to $750. A typical 20 m² merbau deck comes to $7,000 to $12,000. Height, stairs, balustrades and site access move the number. See our Adelaide decking cost guide for ranges by board type.

Concrete can sometimes be cheaper upfront, particularly for basic ground-level slabs. However, decking often provides greater aesthetic value and can significantly improve outdoor living spaces and property appeal. Timber or composite decking also tends to feel cooler underfoot and integrates better with landscaping and outdoor entertaining areas. Many homeowners choose decking because it creates a more functional and visually appealing outdoor area. At Adelaide Decks, we help clients choose the most cost-effective option that suits both their budget and lifestyle.

For a professionally built deck in Adelaide, $250 to $750 per square metre installed is a reasonable range: treated pine at the low end, hardwood in the middle and composite at the top. Raised decks, complex shapes and premium boards sit above that. The most accurate number comes from a site visit, and every quote we give is fixed and in writing.

Run four checks. Look the builder up on the Consumer and Business Services licence register (ours is BLD 339869). For work over $20,000 that needs approval, make sure they provide building indemnity insurance. Ask for a fixed, itemised written quote. And ask to see recent decks they have built near you. A good builder will be happy to show you all four.

We build and repair decks right across Adelaide: the coast and western suburbs, the Hills and foothills, the northern and north eastern suburbs, the southern suburbs down the coast, and the inner city fringe. Not sure about your suburb? Call 0412 540 269 and ask.