Wooden & Composite Decking Prices in South Africa (Labour & Price per m2)

Installing wooden or composite decking can transform your outdoor living space. This guide provides comprehensive cost estimates for decking projects in South Africa, covering various materials, labour, and other influencing factors to help you budget effectively and make informed decisions.

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Understanding Decking Costs: A Brief Summary

The cost of decking in South Africa typically ranges from R1,100 to R4,000 per square meter, depending largely on the material chosen (wood or composite), the project's scale, and labour rates.

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Factors Affecting Decking Costs

Several factors can influence the overall price of your decking project:

• Scale of Project: The size of your deck is a primary cost driver. Larger areas naturally require more materials and labour. Additionally, complex designs such as multi-level or terraced decking, which involve steps, balustrades, or pergolas, will significantly increase the total cost due to added materials and intricate labour.
• Wood Type Used: The type of wood chosen for your decking profoundly impacts the price. Different timbers offer varying aesthetics, durability, and maintenance requirements, all of which contribute to their cost.
  • Teak: A durable and premium timber, well-suited for the South African climate. While a great choice for longevity, it tends to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. Rhodesian Teak decking can cost around R950.00 per m².
  • Saligna: A more cost-effective alternative, though it generally requires more maintenance. Saligna decking can be found in the range of R600.00 to R1,040.00 per m².
  • Pine: A budget-friendly option, but not always recommended for decks exposed to full sunlight as it may require more frequent maintenance and treatment. S.A. Pine CCA H3 decking can start from R93.93 to R140.42 per linear meter, which translates to a lower per square meter cost than hardwoods. Installed pressure-treated pine decking can range from R1,000 to R1,270 per m².
  • Balau: A very good choice for coastal areas due to its natural moisture content, making it resistant to certain conditions. However, it might not be ideal for drier climates like Gauteng. Balau decking can range from approximately R168.00 to R372.60 per plank (various lengths), which translates to a higher per square meter cost than softwoods. Installed Balau/Hardwood decking typically costs between R1,270 and R2,000 per m².
• Wooden Decking vs. Composite Decking: This is a crucial decision that impacts both upfront costs and long-term maintenance.
  • Wooden Decking: Offers a natural, rustic beauty. While the initial installation cost for wood is generally lower than composite, it requires annual maintenance (e.g., sanding, sealing, staining) to prevent structural and aesthetic degradation. With proper care, a wooden deck can last 20-30 years.
    • Wooden Decking (soft or hardwood) can range from R1,100 to R2,000 per m2.
  • Composite Decking: A blend of wood fibers and plastic compounds, designed to mimic natural wood. It's a popular choice for its minimal upkeep and longevity. Although the upfront cost is significantly higher than natural wood, the reduced maintenance over its 25-30 year lifespan often makes it a cost-effective investment in the long run.
    • Composite Decking can range from R1,345.50 to R4,000 per m2 for materials. Installed composite decking typically costs between R1,800 and R4,000 per m2.
• Compliance with Local Planning Laws: While composite and other decking materials aren't always considered permanent structures, many councils have regulations regarding covered garden space. Building clearances might also be required if the deck is elevated and could impact a neighbour's privacy or residence. Failing to comply can lead to significant additional costs.

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Necessary Decking Installation Requirements

Proper installation by a professional is crucial for maintaining guarantees and ensuring the longevity of your deck. Key requirements include:

• Joist Spacing: For residential decks, the joists (which provide stiffness to the subfloor sheathing) should be spaced 350mm from the center of one joist to the center of the next. Closer spacing increases strength.
• Hidden Fasteners: When using decking planks that don't allow for screws directly through them, clips are essential for securing the planks.
• Butting Planks: Proper techniques are needed to butt planks together seamlessly.
• Full Clips: Regardless of plank length, a full clip must be used at the beginning and end of each plank.
• Support Structure: Plank ends must sit on a support structure; they cannot be floating.
• Batten or Beam Support: Planks need to be supported with a batten or beam and cannot sit directly on the surface.
• Wide Support Beams: Where planks are back-to-back, the support beams need to be joisted or wide enough to accommodate two full clips with a 5mm gap between them.

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Cost Breakdown for Decking Services (Estimated)

• Call-Out Fee: Some decking professionals may charge a call-out fee, especially for initial assessments and quotes, which can range from R450 to R800. However, many reputable professionals offer free quotes.
• Emergency Fee: Decking projects rarely involve emergency situations in the same way plumbing might. Therefore, a specific "emergency fee" is not typically applicable to decking services.
• After-Hours Rate: Similar to emergency fees, after-hours rates are uncommon for decking installations, which are generally planned projects.
• Cleaning or Disposal Fee: This fee covers the removal and disposal of old decking, construction debris, and packaging materials. Rubble removal costs can range from R500 to R4,500 per load depending on volume and type of waste. A site cleanup service can cost an additional R1,000 to R2,500.
• Typical Materials Cost:
  • Wooden Decking (materials only): R950 - R2,000 per m2 (depending on wood type like Pine, Saligna, Balau, Teak).
  • Composite Decking (materials only): R1,345.50 - R4,000 per m2.
  • Joists, screws, clips, and other fasteners: These are typically included in the overall material cost quoted per m2 by installers, but can add R70 to R110 (ex VAT) to the per square meter price of the deck planks.
• Typical Labour Cost:
  • Labour for standard installation: R300 - R470 per m2.
  • This labour cost is often incorporated into the overall installed price per square meter.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a typical decking installation take?
‍The duration depends on the size and complexity of the deck. A smaller, straightforward deck might take a few days, while a larger, multi-level or intricately designed deck could take one to two weeks or more.

Does the height of the deck affect the cost?
‍Yes, a raised deck requires a more extensive and robust sub-structure, including foundations, additional support beams, and potentially steps and railings, all of which increase material and labour costs.

What kind of maintenance is required for wooden decking?
‍Wooden decking typically requires annual cleaning, sanding, and re-sealing or re-staining to protect it from weather damage, rot, and fading. This regular maintenance helps extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance.

Is composite decking completely maintenance-free?
‍While composite decking is low-maintenance compared to wood, it's not entirely maintenance-free. It still requires occasional cleaning with soap and water to prevent dirt, mould, and mildew buildup.

Are permits required for building a deck in South Africa?
‍It's crucial to check with your local municipality. While some smaller, low-level decks may not require permits, larger or elevated structures, especially those close to property boundaries, often do. Non-compliance can lead to fines or forced removal.

Can I install decking myself to save costs?
‍While it's possible to DIY a small, simple deck, professional installation is highly recommended for larger or more complex projects. Decking requires specific knowledge of structural integrity, drainage, and material handling to ensure safety and longevity, and incorrect installation can lead to costly repairs down the line.

What is the expected lifespan of wooden versus composite decking?
‍With proper maintenance, a good quality wooden deck can last 15-30 years. Composite decking, due to its durable composition and low maintenance needs, typically has a lifespan of 25-30 years or even more, often coming with longer warranties.

Do I need to prepare the ground before decking installation?
‍Yes, proper ground preparation is essential. This includes ensuring the ground is level, free from debris, and has adequate drainage. For ground-level installations, a compacted gravel base is often recommended to support the framework and prevent moisture issues.

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Summary of Decking Costs

• Budget Cost (low end): R1,100 per m2 (for basic treated pine wooden decking, smaller project, minimal features)
• Average Cost: R1,800 - R2,500 per m2 (for good quality hardwood or standard composite decking, average size project)
• High End Cost: R3,500 - R4,000 per m2 (for premium composite or exotic hardwood decking, large and complex designs with added features like steps, balustrades, and intricate layouts)
• Cost Range: R1,100 - R4,000 per m2

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