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Melbourne’s climate — wet winters, UV-intense summers, and occasional frost — means timber decks need regular maintenance to look their best and last their full lifespan. A well-maintained hardwood deck can last 25–40 years; a neglected one may need replacing in 10–15.

Annual Maintenance Schedule

1. Clean (spring) — Pressure wash at low pressure or scrub with deck cleaner to remove dirt, mould, and algae.
2. Sand (if needed) — Light sand to remove raised grain and prepare for oiling.
3. Oil/stain — Apply quality decking oil when timber is clean and dry. Two coats on new timber, one on maintained decks.
4. Inspect — Check for loose boards, popped nails/screws, and structural issues.

For professional maintenance, see garden maintenance services or explore decking services.

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In Victoria, elevated decks require building permits when they exceed certain height thresholds. Understanding these requirements before you start saves time, money, and potential compliance headaches.

When You Need a Permit

• Decks more than 800mm above ground level generally require a building permit
• Decks attached to dwellings may require compliance with the National Construction Code
• Decks near boundaries have setback requirements
• Decks over a certain size may require a planning permit in heritage overlay zones

Your qualified deck builder should handle the permit process. See our council approval guide for details or explore decking services.

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Composite decking has matured significantly, with modern products that look remarkably like natural timber while offering zero-maintenance performance. Here are the leading brands available in Melbourne.

Top Brands

• Trex — Market leader. Transcend range offers the most realistic timber look. 25-year warranty. $180–$250/m² (materials only).
• ModWood — Australian-made from recycled materials. Good value. 10-year warranty. $120–$180/m².
• NewTechWood — Capped composite with UV protection. Wide colour range. 25-year warranty. $150–$220/m².
• Ekodeck — Australian brand using recycled timber and plastic. Competitive pricing. $100–$160/m².

See decking costs or explore decking installation services.

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Merbau (also known as Kwila) is Melbourne’s most popular hardwood decking timber. Its rich reddish-brown colour, natural durability, and resistance to rot and insects make it ideal for Melbourne’s temperate climate with wet winters and warm summers.

Cost

Merbau decking costs $350–$550 per square metre installed in Melbourne, including bearers, joists, and finishing. A standard 20m² deck typically costs $7,000–$11,000.

Maintenance

Annual oiling is essential to maintain colour and prevent greying. Use a quality decking oil (Cutek, Intergrain) applied every 12 months. Without maintenance, merbau turns silver-grey — attractive to some, undesirable to others.

Compare with all decking options or see full cost breakdown.

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The timber vs composite debate is Melbourne’s biggest decking decision. Both have compelling advantages, and the right choice depends on your budget, maintenance willingness, and aesthetic preferences.

Quick Comparison

Timber: Natural beauty, warm underfoot, $300–$600/m². Requires annual oiling/staining. Lifespan 15–30 years depending on species. Merbau, spotted gum, and blackbutt are Melbourne’s most popular species.

Composite: Zero maintenance, fade-resistant, $400–$800/m². No oiling or sanding ever. Lifespan 25–50 years. Brands like Trex, ModWood, and NewTechWood available in Melbourne.

See decking costs or explore decking services.

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Permeable paving allows rainwater to drain through the surface into the ground below, reducing stormwater runoff and helping recharge groundwater. With Melbourne councils increasingly requiring on-site stormwater management for new developments, permeable paving is becoming both an environmental and regulatory consideration.

Types of Permeable Paving

• Permeable interlocking pavers — Standard pavers with wider joints filled with drainage aggregate.
• Porous concrete — Concrete mixed without fine aggregate, creating a sponge-like structure.
• Gravel-fill systems — Plastic grid systems filled with gravel, supporting vehicle loads while allowing full drainage.

Learn more about paving options or check council requirements.

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If your existing driveway is structurally sound but looking tired, resurfacing is a cost-effective alternative to full replacement. Melbourne homeowners can choose from several resurfacing options depending on the existing surface condition and desired finish.

Resurfacing Options

• Spray-on concrete coating ($30–$60/m²) — Covers existing concrete with a textured, coloured finish.
• Exposed aggregate overlay ($50–$80/m²) — Thin layer of exposed aggregate concrete bonded to the existing slab.
• Paver overlay ($60–$100/m²) — Thin pavers laid over the existing concrete with adhesive.

For full replacement options, see driveway costs or driveway services.

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Stamped concrete creates the appearance of natural stone, brick, or timber at a fraction of the cost. A poured concrete slab is stamped with pattern moulds and coloured to replicate premium materials — popular for patios, pool surrounds, and driveways across Melbourne.

Popular Patterns

• Ashlar slate — Natural stone appearance
• Cobblestone — European courtyard style
• Timber plank — Wood-look without maintenance
• Random stone — Organic, natural look

Cost

Stamped concrete costs $80–$150 per square metre in Melbourne, positioning it between standard concrete and natural stone paving. See concrete cost guide or paving services.

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Exposed aggregate is Melbourne’s most popular driveway finish, combining durability with a decorative stone texture that complements any architectural style. The exposed stone surface provides excellent grip in wet conditions — essential for Melbourne’s rainy winters.

Cost

Exposed aggregate driveways cost $85–$130 per square metre in Melbourne. A standard double driveway (50–60m²) typically costs $4,250–$7,800 installed. This includes excavation, sub-base preparation, concrete pour with aggregate, and finishing.

Compare with all driveway cost options or explore driveway services.

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Natural stone paving brings unmatched character and prestige to Melbourne properties. Each stone is unique, and the material develops a rich patina over time that synthetic products cannot replicate.

Popular Stones in Melbourne

• Bluestone — Melbourne’s iconic stone. Dark grey, extremely hard-wearing, and sourced locally from western Victoria.
• Granite — Available in grey, black, pink, and gold. Extremely durable and low maintenance.
• Sandstone — Warm honey tones. Softer than bluestone but beautiful in low-traffic garden paths.
• Travertine — Light, elegant, stays cool underfoot. Popular for pool surrounds in Brighton.

See paving costs or explore paving services.

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