DIY decking may look like the cheapest option. Professional decking may look easier. The question that most home-owners in Australia ask: which of the two options is budget-friendly over the entire life of the deck?
The following comparison is simple and includes a breakdown of costs, hidden expenses, and long-term value, in order for you to make a decision on how to tackle your next decking designs Melbourne project.
What really drives the cost of a deck?
It is very beneficial if you first comprehend the distribution of the expense before deciding between DIY and hiring a professional team:
- Boards and framing
- Fasteners and hardware
- Footings and supports
- Finishes or coatings
- Tools and equipment
- Council approvals and inspections
- Labour and time
When you are browsing through the decking designs Melbourne homeowners love, every stylish project hides the same reality. A deck is a small building project, not a weekend craft. Your budget has to cover structure, safety and finish, not just the surface boards.
Where DIY can save & where it can blow out
Where DIY can assist your finances
-
No labour fees
You pay only for the materials and permits. You provide your time and energy. In a way, this can reduce the quoted amount significantly.
-
Total control over every upgrade
You can divide the work. One month for framing. Railings afterwards. Lighting when the money is available.
-
Scope flexibility
You determine when to simplify and where to embellish.
If the owners are very handy, have the necessary tools, and possess good construction skills, then DIY can be an option. It can be practical for small platforms, low decks, and simple layouts.
Where DIY starts to cost more
Here is the point where most of the budgets get lost:
-
Tool purchases and hire
Post hole diggers, levels, saws, nail guns, and safety gear are the tools necessary for this kind of job. These costs add up quickly, and for many people, the tool purchase and hire can turn out to be so expensive.
-
Mistakes and rework
If you have wrong spans, poorly aligned joists, or use incorrect fixings or inadequate footwork, you will probably end up tearing the entire section up and starting from scratch.
-
Compliance problems
If you choose the best composite decking Australia, which is above a certain height or size requires a council permit. If an inspector fails the work, you pay again for time, materials and fees.
-
Time away from work and family
What is generally perceived as “free labour” actually is your time, which you could spend on a paid job or rest. A deck that lasts for several months causes stress and spoils the benefit of the space by delaying it.
Many decking designs Melbourne renovators admire online have more structure below the surface than most DIYers expect. That structure is where many hidden costs appear.
How professional installation uses your budget differently
-
Predictable up-front pricing
A professional installation team will quote you on an itemised basis. You will see:
- Materials and supplies
- Labour
- Footings and framing details
- Optional extras such as lighting or screening
There is less uncertainty. The cost of waste, offcuts and fasteners is included. You are paying a bit extra upfront but securing certainty.
-
Faster completion
A renovation crew lets the right tools and the right plan arrive. They lay footings, put up posts, do framing, put down boards and do finishing in no time at all. You receive your deck earlier and avoid a half-built structure outside your house for weeks.
-
Compliance and safety
Experts perform their tasks according to Australian Standards and local regulations. They are fully aware of the rules regarding span, the sizes of footings, the heights of balustrades, and the requirements for load. They supervise the inspections and take care of the signing off, which in turn secures your resale value as well as your insurance status.
-
Long-term savings
A durable deck designed and constructed correctly requires less repair. Evenly framed, right-handled attachments, and good drainage bring down:
- Movements and sagging
- Pulling up and cutting the boards
- Moisture damage at the junction with the house
This means fewer callouts and less money spent on fixes in five years.
Which option suits your budget and situation?
Use this quick comparison to decide where you fit:
DIY suits you if:
- You have developed strong carpentry skills
- You comprehend spans, loads and local codes
- You possess almost all the necessary tools
- You have plenty of spare time
- You have no problem dealing with permits and inspections
Professional installation suits you if:
- You are looking for a set price and a definite time frame
- You prefer to have professional input in the design
- You need the deck done quickly and without any safety hazards
- You take into consideration resale value in the long run
- You want material and labour warranties
If there is any doubt about the structure being safe or the council rules, professional installation often comes out to be the safest choice, even under budget constraints. It minimises the possibility of paying twice.
Conclusion: Spend once, spend wisely
Both DIY and professional installation can deliver a good-looking deck. However, the professional one comes with a signature high-end durability and an easy process of getting permits for your project done the way Melbourne buyers demand.
If your main concern is the structure, the cost and time for smooth approvals and high-end decking designs Melbourne buyers are usually after, then hiring an expert is usually the best investment.
SND Trade makes it possible for homeowners to have a budget that fits in with their design and performance preferences, so they get the best from their outdoor project, whether it is the classic timber or modern composite decking.
Learn how SND Trade can transform outdoor area with a deck that reflects great appearance and strong durability.
Have a look at our decking designs today.