How much does it cost to build a deck in NZ?
Most homeowners ring us with one question first: how much to build a deck? It is a fair question, and most deck builders will not answer it without a site visit. This page explains what moves the cost of building a deck in NZ, specifically in Palmerston North and Feilding, so you can work out a budget before you ask for a deck quote.
This is a guide, not a quote. Height off the ground, ground conditions, access, board and fixing choice, stairs, balustrade, removal of an old deck and whether consent is needed all move the final number, sometimes a long way. The only price that counts is the fixed written price we give you after measuring up on site.
Everything below is what changes the cost of a deck. Want to plan your own size? Try our deck calculator to work out boards and joists.
Deck cost by material
The cost of decking is mostly about the boards: treated pine is the cheapest, kwila and other hardwoods sit in the middle, and composite decking costs the most in NZ. The labour to lay the decking itself is a smaller share than most people expect. The deck construction cost underneath, piles, bearers and joists, is similar whichever board you choose, except that composite needs closer joists.
What affects deck construction cost (and deck installation cost)
1. Decking material
The boards are the biggest single choice. Treated pine is the most affordable. Kwila and hardwood sit in the middle. Composite costs the most up front, partly because the boards cost more and partly because it needs closer joist spacing, so there is more framing underneath.
2. Height off the ground
A deck at ground level is the cheapest to build. As it gets higher you need taller posts, deeper piles, bracing, stairs and a balustrade, so a deck more than a metre off the ground costs noticeably more per square metre than the same deck at ground level, before balustrades and stairs. See raised and sloping-site decks.
3. Your section
Flat, firm ground with good access is the cheapest site. Sloping sections, like many around Aokautere and Summerhill, soft or wet ground, tree roots, buried services and tight access down the side of the house all add time and cost.
4. Shape and size
Simple rectangles are the most efficient to build. Curves, angles, wraparounds and boards laid on a diagonal add labour and waste. Larger decks usually cost a little less per square metre, because set-up costs are spread over more area.
5. What is already there
Pulling out and carting away an old deck adds to the job, depending on size, height and how it was built. Removal is included in the price we quote you.
6. Extras
Stairs, balustrades, privacy screens, built-in seating, lighting, and pergolas overhead are all priced on top of the deck itself.
Common extras and what moves their price
| Item | What moves the price |
|---|---|
| Timber, aluminium or glass balustrade | Material, length, height, gates and corners |
| Stairs | Height, width, landings and handrails |
| Raised deck (over about 1m off the ground) | Taller posts, deeper piles and bracing |
| Removing an old deck | Size, height and how it was built |
| Building consent, if needed | Drawings and council fees, plus a few weeks |
This is a guide, not a quote. Height off the ground, ground conditions, access, board and fixing choice, stairs, balustrade, removal of an old deck and whether consent is needed all move the final number, sometimes a long way. The only price that counts is the fixed written price we give you after measuring up on site.
Three example decks and what drives their cost
To make this more real, here are three typical Palmerston North decks and what drives the cost of each. Remember these are illustrations, not quotes. What deck builders cost depends on the job, not a set rate.
Small pine landing off the back door
About 8m², ground level, one step down, H3.2 pine. Low and simple, with no balustrade and no consent.
Family deck off the lounge
About 25m², around 500mm off the ground, one set of wide steps, no balustrade needed, kwila boards. The hardwood boards and the wide steps are what drive this one.
Raised composite deck on a sloping section
About 30m², 1.2m to 2m off the ground at the far edge, aluminium balustrade around two sides, one flight of stairs, building consent needed. Height, balustrade, stairs, composite boards and consent all add to the cost.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Keep it low. If you can keep the deck under a metre, you usually avoid a balustrade. Under 1.5 metres of fall height, you usually avoid a consent.
- Keep it simple. A rectangle with the boards running one way is the most efficient shape to build.
- Go multi-level instead of high. On a slope, two lower levels can cost less than one tall deck.
- Spend on the frame, save on the boards. A pine deck on a well-built frame will outlast an expensive board on a poor one. You can always re-board later, but only if the frame is spaced for it.
- Get the quote itemised. Ours lists the timber, sizes and what is included, so you can see exactly where the money goes and what to trim.
The fastest way to an accurate number is a free on-site measure. We come out, look at the site, talk through materials, and give you a fixed written price within 48 hours. Ring 0277552948 or use the form above.
What our customers say
We recently engaged Guy from Rowdy Builders to repair a wooden fence blown over in strong winds, and construct a medium size deck at our property. From the outset, Guy was professional, approachable, and communicated extremely well, keeping us updated on progress and ensuring we knew what to expect at each stage of the project. The quality of workmanship was outstanding. The fence repairs were completed to a high standard, and the new deck has completely transformed our outdoor area. It is clear that Guy takes pride in his work and pays attention to detail, delivering a finished product that exceeded our expectations. We are extremely pleased with the result and would not hesitate to recommend Guy and Rowdy Builders to anyone looking for reliable, skilled tradespeople who deliver what they promise.
We recently had Guy and his ream construct a roof over the deck of our new house.He was pleasant and punctual on the site visit and made a number of suggestions on how it could be achieved.His quote was very reasonable and his timeline was stuck to.We are very happy with the result and recommend him to anyone looking for a similar job.
We couldn’t be happier with the work from Guy at Rowdy Builders. From start to finish, he was friendly, professional and incredibly organised. He coordinated all aspects of the work, including arranging the additional trades required, and kept us well informed throughout the entire process. Everything was handled smoothly and professionally, and the end result was fantastic. We would highly recommend Rowdy Builders to anyone looking for quality workmanship and an stress-free experience