Find a deck builder in Adelaide
A good timber deck extends your living space outdoors, and in Adelaide it gets used for most of the year. Whether it’s a low deck off the back door, a raised deck on a sloping block or a deck around a pool, tell us what you have in mind and we’ll connect you with a local carpenter who builds decks to talk it through and quote.
Carpenter Adelaide is a free referral service. We don’t build decks ourselves: the carpenter quotes, contracts and does the work, and you deal with them directly.
Timber decking projects we can help with
- New hardwood decks
- Raised and split-level decks
- Decks for sloping blocks
- Pool decks
- Decks with built-in steps, seating or planter boxes
- Board replacement and repairs
- Sanding, oiling and deck restoration
Which timber should you choose for your deck?
Hardwoods are the usual choice for Adelaide decks because they’re dense, hard-wearing and handle the heat well.
Merbau
Merbau is a rich reddish-brown hardwood that’s been a favourite for Australian decks for decades. It’s stable, durable and takes oil well. Expect some tannin bleed in the first few months: rain can wash a brown stain from new boards onto paving, so ask your carpenter how they manage it.
Blackbutt
Blackbutt is an Australian hardwood with a pale, golden-brown colour that suits modern homes. It’s strong and durable and is a popular local alternative to imported timbers.
Other options
Spotted gum, jarrah and treated pine are also common. Treated pine is the budget option and is often used for the hidden frame under a hardwood deck. If you want to skip the oiling altogether, look at composite decking.
For a deeper comparison of colours and species, see our guide to wood decking types and colours.
Looking after a timber deck
Timber decks need regular care to stay looking good. Most Adelaide decks need a clean and a fresh coat of decking oil about once a year. Keep leaves and dirt from building up between the boards, and check for loose nails or screws each spring.
If your deck has gone grey, has a few cracked boards or feels bouncy underfoot, a carpenter can tell you whether it can be restored or needs rebuilding. Mention the age and condition of your deck in your enquiry.
What to ask before you sign
- Which timber species and grade, and what size boards?
- What’s the frame made of, and how far apart are the joists?
- How will the boards be fixed: face-nailed, screwed or hidden clips?
- Does the quote include oiling, steps, balustrades and removing an old deck?
- Does the deck need development approval, and who will lodge it?
Our guide on how much it costs to build a timber deck explains what affects the price.
