How much does a deck cost in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs?

Deck costs vary depending on size, materials, and site conditions. A small timber deck starts from around $8,000–$12,000. Composite decks and larger builds typically range from $15,000–$40,000+. The Decksmith provides fixed-price quotes with no hidden extras.

Do I need council approval for a deck in Sydney?

Many decks in NSW can be built under exempt development if they meet height and size requirements. Greg assesses each site and advises on whether council approval is needed before quoting.

Is The Decksmith a licensed builder?

Yes. Greg Weinbren holds NSW Builder's Licence 272840C, verifiable at the NSW Fair Trading licence register.

Is composite or timber decking better for coastal Sydney?

Both work well in coastal conditions when installed correctly. Composite requires less maintenance and resists salt air well. Hardwood timbers like Blackbutt and Spotted Gum are naturally durable. Greg recommends the best option based on your specific site, aspect, and budget.

Which suburbs does The Decksmith service?

The Decksmith specialises in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs including Bondi, Coogee, Bronte, Maroubra, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Double Bay, Dover Heights, Randwick, Kensington, Kingsford, Tamarama, Matraville, Pagewood, Little Bay, and Malabar.

Does The Decksmith use subcontractors?

No. Every project is personally designed and built by Greg Weinbren. No subcontractors are used at any stage.

Does The Decksmith provide fixed price quotes?

Yes. All quotes are fixed price with a detailed written scope of works. The price quoted is the price charged.

What timber species does The Decksmith use for decking?

The Decksmith builds with Merbau, Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Ironbark, and Tallowwood hardwood, as well as composite brands including Millboard, Trex, and WoodEvo.

Architectural Hardwood Decking

Sydney's Eastern Suburbs · 500+ Decks · Lic # 272840C

Why the Right Timber Matters in Sydney's East

Sydney’s coastal climate is beautiful, but it’s brutal on timber. Between the salt spray and the intense UV of the Eastern Suburbs sun, your deck needs more than just a good finish — it needs the right DNA.

At The Decksmith, Greg doesn’t just “install wood.” He selects species that are biologically suited to survive and thrive in the local environment.

My Top Recommendation: Spotted Gum

If you want the “holy grail” of decking, this is it. Spotted gum is Greg’s #1 recommendation for a reason: it’s the perfect marriage of Class 1 Durability and high-end aesthetics.

The Look: Famous for its incredible variety of hues — ranging from light honey to chocolate browns and deep reds.
The “Cake and Eat It” Factor: It provides the warmth of natural wood with the density of a hardwood that resists the typical “weathering” of softer species.
Best For: Families who want a low-maintenance lifestyle without sacrificing the natural feel of real Australian timber.

Specialty Selection: Irondeck by Ironwood

For clients seeking that “Rustic Wharf” aesthetic, I specialize in Irondeck. This isn’t your standard hardware-store timber; it’s a specialty product that brings a sense of history and immense character to your outdoor space.

The Vibe: Bold, weathered, and incredibly strong.
The Edge: It offers a rugged, architectural look that feels like it’s been part of the Sydney landscape for decades.

Ironbark

One of Australia’s hardest and most durable timbers, Ironbark offers a striking dark chocolate to red-brown colour that deepens beautifully over time. Exceptional Class 1 durability makes it ideal for Sydney’s coastal conditions.

Blackbutt

A Queensland and NSW native with a warm honey-to-pale-brown tone, Blackbutt is popular for its straight grain and consistent colour. A Class 2 hardwood — highly durable and slightly more accessible in price than Spotted Gum.

Tallowwood

Tallowwood has a naturally oily grain that gives it exceptional resistance to weathering without heavy oil maintenance. Its warm yellow-brown tones and wavy interlocked grain make every board unique.

Merbau

A South-East Asian hardwood beloved for its rich reddish-brown colour and affordability. Merbau is a Class 1 timber and one of the most popular decking choices in Sydney — great value without compromising on durability.

The Hardwood Hierarchy

While I can source and install almost any specialty timber, these are the heavyweights I trust for Sydney builds:

Timber Species	Durability Class	Aesthetic Profile	Best Use Case
Spotted Gum	Class 1	Multi-hue, rich grain	The All-Rounder / Premium Choice
Ironbark	Class 1	Deep reds, extremely dense	High-traffic “forever” decks
Blackbutt	Class 1	Light, blonde, modern	Coastal / Contemporary homes
Tallowwood	Class 1	Honey-blonde, oily texture	Exposed coastal boardwalks
Merbau	Class 1/2	Consistent reddish-brown	The Reliable, Budget-Friendly Classic

Specialty Projects: New Guinea Rosewood

For luxury pool surrounds and bespoke privacy screens, I often turn to New Guinea Rosewood. Its stable nature and stunning finish make it the go-to for “barefoot luxury.” It feels incredible underfoot and adds a furniture-grade finish to vertical screens and pool areas.

New Guinea Rosewood pool surround, Bronte

“

The Decksmith is true to their name — expert tradespeople in the way you rarely find. The way in which they crafted our deck was truly a thing of beauty with hard work, precision and care.

Matt H. · Google Review ★★★★★

The Decksmith Difference: Building for Longevity

I’m a builder, not a maintenance man. My focus is on the structural integrity and precision install of your deck.

Expert Install

I don’t cut corners on joist protection or fixing methods. Every board, every screw — installed by Greg.

Honest Advice

I help you choose the timber that will look best in five years, not just on the day I finish.

The Hand-Off

I provide every client with a “Maintenance Blueprint” — exactly what products to use and how to look after your investment.

★ 5.0 Google Rating | Lic # 272840C | hipages Verified | 500+ Decks Built

Ready to Choose Your Timber?

Tell Greg about your project and he’ll call you back personally.