Quick answer: In Melbourne, replacing individual deck boards costs around $50–$100 per board, a full sand and re-oil runs $25–$40 per square metre, and a structural restoration (boards, some joists, refinish) typically lands between $1,000–$3,500. A complete new timber deck costs $320–$650+ per square metre — so restoring a structurally sound deck is usually a fraction of replacement.
Deck repair pricing at a glance
| Job | Typical Melbourne price |
|---|---|
| Replace individual deck boards | $50 – $100 per board |
| Re-secure loose boards / fix nail pops | $150 – $350 |
| Sand and re-oil (per m²) | $25 – $40/m² |
| Typical 20m² deck refinish | $500 – $800 |
| Replace a joist or bearer section | $200 – $500 each |
| Full restoration (boards + structure + finish) | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| New timber deck (per m²) | $320 – $650+/m² |
Typical 2026 metropolitan Melbourne ranges, labour and standard materials. Hardwood boards cost more than treated pine.
What affects deck repair costs?
1. Surface vs structure
Boards are cheap; structure is not. Grey, splintery boards on a sound frame is the best-case repair. Soft or bouncy spots underfoot mean joists or bearers are involved, which raises the price — but is still usually far cheaper than rebuilding.
2. Timber type
Matching hardwood boards (merbau, spotted gum) costs more per board than treated pine, and older board profiles sometimes need sourcing.
3. Deck height and access
Low decks close to the ground are harder to inspect and repair underneath — sometimes boards must come up to access structure, adding time.
4. Finish condition
Decks oiled every 1–2 years just need a clean and re-coat. Decks left bare for years need heavy sanding first, roughly doubling refinish cost.
How to keep deck costs down
- Re-oil on schedule. $500 every couple of years prevents the $3,000 restoration.
- Fix soft spots immediately. Rot spreads — one joist today, three next year.
- Keep it clean. Leaf litter trapped between boards holds moisture against timber.
- Get a structural check if the deck is 15+ years old — see our repair or replace guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my deck can be repaired or needs replacing?
If the posts, bearers and joists are sound, almost anything above them is repairable economically. We probe the structure with a screwdriver — solid timber means repair, soft crumbling timber across multiple members points to replacement. We give an honest call either way.
How often should a Melbourne deck be re-oiled?
Every 12–24 months for most decks. North-facing decks in full sun dry out fastest and need the shorter interval.
Can you repair just part of my deck?
Yes — partial repairs are most of our deck work. New boards will look different until they weather; staining can blend them immediately.
What areas do you cover?
Deck repairs across Epping, Wollert, South Morang, Mernda, Mill Park, Thomastown, Lalor, Craigieburn, Bundoora, Doreen, Mickleham and Greensborough.