Cost to Restore a Deck in Melbourne: 2026 Price Guide

Trying to figure out the cost to restore a deck Melbourne homeowners are facing can be a frustrating process. You get one cheap quote, another that seems sky-high, and you’re left wondering who to trust. The biggest fear? Paying for a quick ‘sand and seal’ that looks good for a few months, only to watch your deck crack, peel, or start ‘cupping’ before the year is out. That’s not a genuine investment; it’s a costly mistake that forces you to pay all over again.

This guide cuts through the noise with honest advice. We’ll give you a detailed breakdown of the real costs for 2026, explaining what a quality, long-lasting restoration *actually* involves – the kind Deck Rejuvenation stands by – from meticulous sanding to premium oil penetration. By the end, you won’t just have a realistic budget. You’ll have the confidence to evaluate any quote, spot the red flags, and make a smart investment in a beautiful deck that lasts.

The Bottom Line: Average Deck Restoration Costs in Melbourne

Let’s get straight to it. The average cost to restore a deck in Melbourne for 2026 ranges from $50 to over $100 per square metre (m²). The final price depends entirely on the current condition of your timber and the level of work required to bring it back to life correctly. A simple recoat is cheap, but often a waste of money. A full rejuvenation costs more upfront but delivers a result that lasts.

To give you a clear picture, we’ve broken down the typical pricing into three distinct service levels. This guide is designed to manage your expectations and help you understand what you’re actually paying for.

Price Guide Table: What to Expect in Melbourne

Please Note: These prices are a guide only and exclude GST. Costs for significant repairs, such as replacing rotten boards or rectifying structural issues, are quoted separately after a thorough inspection.

What’s Included at Each Price Point?

Not all deck “restorations” are created equal. Many companies cut corners to offer a lower price, leading to a finish that fails within months. Here’s what you should expect:

• Level 1: Basic Re-Oil/Recoat. Frankly, this is often a waste of your money. Applying a new finish over old, degraded timber without proper preparation is a temporary fix that traps dirt and moisture, leading to peeling and flaking. We almost never recommend this approach.
• Level 2: Standard Sand & Refinish. This is the proper maintenance for a deck in good condition. The process involves a full sand to remove the failed coating and a light layer of damaged timber, followed by the application of premium penetrating oil. It’s effective, but won’t fix deeper issues like cupping.
• Level 3: Full Rejuvenation. This is our specialty and the solution for most weathered Melbourne decks. It involves an aggressive, deep sand to rectify cupped boards and remove all sun-damaged fibres. This process is about genuine timber health; proper wood preservation techniques are essential to ensure the new coating penetrates deeply for long-term protection. This is where our meticulous 9-step process delivers a superior, long-lasting result.

Ultimately, a fixed quote can only be provided after an on-site assessment. An honest expert needs to see the timber, check for damage, and understand your goals to provide an accurate cost to restore a deck melbourne homeowners can rely on.

What REALLY Drives Your Quote? Key Cost Factors Explained

When you’re researching the cost to restore a deck melbourne, you’ll see a lot of per-square-metre estimates. Frankly, they’re misleading. A genuine quote is based on the work required, not just the size. Two decks of the same size can have wildly different restoration costs. Here’s the no-nonsense breakdown of what truly determines the price and separates a professional job from a cheap one that fails in 12 months.

Factor 1: The True Condition of Your Deck

This is the single biggest factor influencing labour. We’re not talking about age; we’re talking about specific, solvable problems. Grey, splintering timber requires intensive preparation to open the grain for oil penetration. The real challenge is cupped and warped boards. Rectifying this damage requires a multi-stage, precision sanding process to level the timber. Many companies simply sand over the surface, which does nothing. We do the hard work to restore the foundation of your deck.

Factor 2: Previous Coatings to Be Removed

What’s currently on your deck dictates the initial, and often hardest, part of the job. Sanding off a faded penetrating oil is straightforward. Stripping thick, flaky deck paint or a cheap, film-forming stain from a hardware store is a different beast entirely. These coatings clog our sanding equipment, gum up the timber, and demand significantly more time and materials to remove properly. Skipping this meticulous stripping process is the #1 shortcut competitors take, and it guarantees the new coating will fail.

Factor 3: Deck Size and Complexity

Square metres are only part of the story. A simple, rectangular 20m² ground-level deck is far quicker to restore than a complex 20m² deck with multiple levels, stairs, balustrades, and built-in bench seats. Every edge, corner, and vertical surface adds significant time for detailed work. Tight access or having to work around fixed obstacles also increases labour hours, impacting the final price.

Factor 4: Necessary Timber Repairs

A restoration is only as good as the timber it’s applied to. We won’t coat over problems. During our assessment, we identify any rotten, split, or structurally compromised boards that must be replaced. We also ensure every popped nail or screw is countersunk below the surface. Ensuring your deck is structurally sound is a critical safety issue, as outlined in this official deck safety and maintenance guide. For full transparency, all necessary timber repairs are quoted as a separate line item, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Decoding Your Quote: Labour vs. Materials

When you receive a quote, it’s easy to focus on the final number. But a professional quote tells a story about the quality of the job you’re about to receive. Understanding the breakdown between labour and materials is the key to spotting a genuine restoration expert versus a “slap-and-go” operator who will cost you more in the long run.

A cheap quote almost always means corners are being cut. We believe in honest advice, so let’s break down where your money actually goes.

Why Labour is 70-80% of the Cost

A genuine, long-lasting deck restoration is all about meticulous preparation. The materials are important, but the time and skill invested in the prep work are what create a flawless, durable finish. This is where the bulk of the cost to restore a deck melbourne homeowners invest should be.

You aren’t just paying for someone to apply a can of oil. You are paying for expertise and time. This includes:

• Precision Sanding: Our 5-wave sanding process is time-consuming but non-negotiable. It’s the only way to properly rectify cupped boards, remove old coatings, and create a perfectly flat, porous surface ready to absorb the oil. Most competitors skip this entirely.
• Meticulous Cleaning: Proper cleaning and brightening of the timber is a multi-step process that requires skill and the right products to ensure the wood is sterile and ready for coating.
• Skilled Application: Applying the oil correctly for even penetration and a perfect finish takes experience. Rushing this step leads to a blotchy, amateur result.

The Difference in Decking Oils

While labour is the biggest component, material quality is critical. Using a cheap, hardware-store oil is a recipe for disaster. These products often look good for about six months before they start to peel, flake, and fade under Melbourne’s harsh sun.

We exclusively use premium, Australian-made water-based oils. Here’s the difference:

• They penetrate, not coat: Premium oils soak deep into the timber grain, nourishing and protecting it from within. Cheaper oils form a thin film on the surface, which is prone to failure.
• Superior UV Protection: Our chosen oils are formulated with high-grade ingredients to withstand Australia’s extreme UV levels, preventing your deck from greying prematurely.
• Long-Term Value: A premium oil application lasts significantly longer, saving you from costly re-sanding and re-coating cycles every year.

When you invest with Deck Rejuvenation, you’re paying for a proven process and premium materials that deliver a result built to last. No shortcuts. Just an honest job done right.

The Hidden Cost of a ‘Cheap’ Deck Restoration Quote

It’s tempting. You get three quotes, and one is significantly lower than the others. But in the deck restoration industry, a rock-bottom price is almost always a sign of corners being cut. What seems like a bargain today quickly becomes a costly mistake. This isn’t about spending more; it’s about investing wisely in an asset that adds value to your home. We believe in transparency, so let’s pull back the curtain on what those ‘cheap’ quotes really mean for your timber.

Red Flags: Why a $30/m² Quote is Too Good to Be True

When you see a price that seems unbelievable, it is. Companies offering this rate are not performing a genuine restoration. They are doing what we call a ‘wash and recoat’, a superficial treatment that hides problems instead of fixing them. Here’s what they skip:

• No Proper Sanding: They’ll skip the most critical step entirely. Without meticulous sanding, the new coating can’t penetrate the timber, leading to peeling and flaking.
• Aggressive Pressure Washing: Instead of a proper clean, they blast the timber with a high-pressure hose. This damages the wood fibres, causing furring and allowing moisture to get in.
• One Thin Coat of Cheap Oil: They apply a single, thin layer of a low-grade decking oil that offers minimal UV protection and will fade within months, not years.

The 6-Month Failure Cycle

A ‘wash and recoat’ job looks passable for a few weeks. But without the right preparation, the failure is inevitable. The cheap finish will quickly break down under the harsh Melbourne sun, leaving your deck exposed and vulnerable. Underlying issues like cupping, mould, and timber rot are simply covered up, not rectified. Within 6-12 months, you’ll be right back where you started, needing another restoration and paying for the same job twice.

Investing in a Finish that Lasts

A genuine restoration protects your timber for years, not months. The real cost to restore a deck melbourne homeowners should consider is the long-term value. A meticulous process involving deep cleaning, precision sanding, and multiple coats of premium oil costs more upfront because it protects your asset and enhances your home’s value. It’s the difference between a temporary fix and a lasting investment.

Don’t risk the health of your deck on a cheap quote that promises the world but delivers disappointment. Get an honest assessment from the experts.

Your Deck’s True Value: Beyond the Price Tag

As we’ve explored, the final cost to restore a deck melbourne homeowners face is driven by far more than just square metres. The timber’s current condition, the quality of materials used, and the integrity of the labour are what truly define the value of your investment. Remember, a suspiciously cheap quote is often a red flag for skipped steps and shortcuts that will only lead to peeling, fading, and more expensive problems down the line.

At Deck Rejuvenation, we stand by our process. As a family business built on over 17 years of Melbourne experience, we offer honest advice with absolutely no shortcuts. Our reputation is built on our meticulous 9-Step Rejuvenation Process, which guarantees a superior, longer-lasting finish that protects your timber from the harsh Melbourne climate. We believe in doing the job right, the first time.

If you’re ready for a transparent quote that reflects genuine craftsmanship and lasting results, we’re here to help. Get a No-Nonsense Quote for Your Deck Restoration and let us show you the difference a professional approach makes.

Your beautiful, revitalised outdoor space is closer than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Restoration Costs

Is it cheaper to restore or completely replace my deck?

In almost all cases, professional restoration is significantly cheaper than a full replacement. A new deck build involves demolition, waste removal, and the high cost of new timber and labour, often exceeding A$15,000. Restoration is the best value option, provided your deck’s substructure (the joists and bearers) is structurally sound. We provide an honest, on-site assessment to confirm if your deck is a suitable candidate for restoration, saving you thousands.

How often should a deck be restored in Melbourne’s climate?

Melbourne’s variable weather is tough on timber. For most decks, we recommend a professional restoration every 12 to 24 months to maintain protection and appearance. Decks with high sun exposure may require attention annually, while well-sheltered decks might last longer. Regular maintenance prevents severe timber damage like splitting and cupping, which are far more costly to rectify later on. It’s a crucial investment in your deck’s longevity.

Can I save money by sanding the deck myself before you oil it?

We strongly advise against this. Our sanding process uses heavy, specialised machinery to completely level the boards and rectify issues like cupping-something a hired floor sander cannot do. DIY sanding often creates divots and an uneven finish, which prevents proper oil penetration and looks terrible. Fixing these mistakes costs more than getting it done right the first time. The preparation is the most critical step, and we don’t take shortcuts.

Does the type of timber (e.g., Merbau, Spotted Gum) affect the restoration cost?

Yes, the timber species does affect the price. Dense Australian hardwoods like Spotted Gum or Ironbark require more time and effort to sand back to raw timber compared to softer woods like Merbau. This additional labour and machine time results in a slightly higher cost per square metre. However, the deck’s overall condition and the removal of any previous failed coatings are typically the most significant factors influencing the final price.

What’s a realistic total cost for a standard 25 square metre deck in Melbourne?

For a standard 25m² deck, a realistic cost to restore a deck in Melbourne in 2026 is between A$1,500 and A$2,500. This price typically includes a meticulous sand to remove the old finish and surface damage, followed by the application of two coats of a premium, penetrating oil. The final quote depends heavily on the timber’s current condition, the level of detail required (e.g., stairs, screens), and site access.

Do you charge for a quote or on-site assessment?

Absolutely not. We provide a 100% free, no-obligation on-site assessment and a detailed, fixed-price quote. A proper inspection is the only way to give you an accurate price and honest advice about what your deck truly needs. This allows us to assess the timber condition, check for structural issues, and explain our process thoroughly. It’s a core part of our commitment to transparency and doing the job right from the start.