A range of  factors will affect the total outlay of your deck:

• Size of the area you plan to build on
• Type of material you use (timber/softwood/hardwood/ composite)
• If you include a balustrade, verandahs and pergolas or stairs
• Foundations to be constructed on (soil type can affect this)
• Council permits (if any)
• If the area is elevated/ slanted then this can create challenges in the built and add further expense/ labour costs

Most customers will normally see costs of around

• $200/m2 for treated pine decks
• $320+ /m2 for hardwood timber
• $350+ /m2 for composite
• $800+ /m2 for deck with roofing and/or stairs
• $1000+ for elevated cyclone rated decking

The overall cost of labour and materials for constructing decking is lower than that of paving. However, the maintenance cost of pavers is less than decks. Pavers will have a longer lifespan with very little maintenance required for paver slabs for patios, whereas decking does require maintenance as discussed above.

The average pergola will cost around $2,700 per m2, with a low end pergola costing $20,000. A mid range pergola will cost you approx $35,000 with a higher end costing anywhere up to $55,000.

The lifespan of decks depends on the type on the types of materials. For instance, softwood decks will last up to 15 years or sometimes more, while hardwood decking can last up to 20 years. However, the important thing is the deck substructure. Timber rails can last up 25 years when treated and maintained.

Both timber and composite can scratch, though the tendency is higher in wood than in composite. Moving furniture or heavy play is the primary cause of scratches on decking boards. The solution varies with the manufacturer and type of scratches.
While scratches might make your deck ugly, it is advisable not to repair them because, over time, they blend in with the rest of the deck. However, your composite deck has a noticeable scratch use a soldering iron to level the scratch as well as blend it with other parts of the deck.
You can also touch up small scratches, and scuffs using a tough-up concealer.
For wood deck boards, you can paint or stain the deck.
For heavier scratches or substantial damage on the deck, a replacement me be required.

Decking will lose its colour over time. But it is easy to restore colour if the deck with a new lick of paint and sealer to protect it… However, the selection of the paint matters:

• Oil or paraffin paints are a better option if you don’t want the wood decks to absorb moisture and soak up with water.
• Paint using one that has UV blockers to preventing fading or loss of colour from your decks.
• To protect your decks from wood-eating bugs, use paints laced with insecticides.

If you choose to restore the colour of your deck, ensure that use a stain-blocking oil or an alkyd primer before painting.

And when you apply the paint, use a paint roller or pump-style sprayer. Ensure you get an even coat while painting.