Deck Builders Lake Macquarie Area

Both perform well here — it comes down to look, budget and maintenance. Hardwoods like Merbau, Spotted Gum and Blackbutt give you natural Australian grain at a lower upfront cost, but need oiling and an occasional sand to stay their best in the coastal sun and salt air. Composite (such as Ekodeck or ModWood) costs more upfront but resists salt, UV, splitting and termites, and only needs an occasional hose-down. For low-maintenance coastal decks we often lean composite; for natural character, hardwood. We’ll walk you through both at your free assessment.

As a general guide, decking in Australia typically runs from about $200–$700 per square metre installed, depending on material and design. Treated pine is the most affordable (from ~$200/m²), quality hardwoods like Merbau sit higher (~$320–$350/m²), and composite generally starts around $350/m². Access, height, stairs, balustrades and design all move the final figure. The only accurate number is a measured quote — which we provide free, with no obligation.

Sometimes. Under NSW planning rules a deck can be “exempt development” (no DA) if it meets set limits — generally 25 m² or less, floor no more than 1 m above ground, set back at least 900 mm from boundaries, behind the building line and not affecting drainage. Anything larger or higher usually needs a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Development Application (DA) to Central Coast Council. Overlays like flood or bushfire can change things, so we’ll check what your project needs and help guide the approval. Always confirm with Central Coast Council before building.

For pool surrounds we usually recommend composite decking. It’s slip-resistant underfoot even when wet, non-porous so it won’t absorb splash or pool chemicals, and it won’t splinter on bare feet — all important around a pool. It’s also termite-resistant and low-maintenance. Quality hardwoods can look stunning poolside too, but need regular sealing to handle the constant moisture. Whichever you choose, we design the surround to suit your pool’s barrier and safety requirements.

Central Coast decks face salt air, strong sun and storms, so materials matter. We build with durable, weather-resistant decking — coastal hardwoods (Merbau, Spotted Gum, Ironbark, Blackbutt) or composite — fixed with corrosion-resistant stainless steel fixings (marine-grade 316 is the gold standard near the water) so the structure won’t rust and loosen over time. Solid footings, proper drainage and quality framing all help your deck stand up to coastal weather for the long haul.