cost of deck

[ger]

How much will it cost
for all materials for a deck
4.5 metres X 5.5 Metres
merbau
about 1 foot off the groubd with
1 step down

Thank you

[manoftalent]

I did one last yr slightly larger for $3600....and 900mm off the ground...shop around mate .....

[mg2307]

I did one last yr slightly larger for $3600....and 900mm off the ground...shop around mate .....

manoftalent - was this materials only, or did this include labour? We are in melbourne and wanting a deck of similar size.

If materials only, what would you estimate labour to cost?

Thanks in advance.

[manoftalent]

I charged them $700 for my time .....and I am cheap compared to others so add that to above quote ...

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

I'd say that's probably the bottom end of the price range. As manoftalent said, he's cheap... but be warned that price is no guarantee of quality or customer satisfaction. If you can, ask for references and follow them up. (It's sad when ya gotta say that, but there's too many bloody cowboys out there trying to make a quick buck at your expense nowadays. )

Even if you do it all yourself you'll be looking at the same price range... unless you can cost items at trade prices and know the "cheap" ways to work around things. (ie. are willing to bodge it when the going gets tough. I'll bet you don't & won't... )

Also, if you build yourself then it's an idea to budget an extra thou or so for "changes in plan." Hiring a tradie they'll build what is spec'd (well... if they're a good tradie) & budgeted for. Building it yourself you will have brainstorms partway through and decide to make changes... almost guaranteed. It is the way of woodies.

[manoftalent]

Its hard to give an accurate quote without seeing and measuring up, and also an idea of what materials are going to be used ....while everyone loves a merbu or jarra deck you also have to think about what is going to hold it all up?....steel posts, rails and bearers?....redgum posts, and hardwood rails & bearers?....treated pine posts, rails and bearers ?...all have different costs and longevity of life.....what are you going to fix the top with ? screws or twist nails ?.....desired finish?....all this factors in what you end up spending ....my labour is cheap only because I have virtually no overheads ...I work alone, go in do the job and leave, any time I waste is my time ...not the customers, if I estimate a weeks work and take ten days to finish it ......thats my problem .....then again not everyone works like me ....a fair days work for a fair days pay, no longer seems to be the go these days, but I wont go into that ......
As Skew has said, my quote is at the lower end of the scale ....only because of "industry contacts" allowed me at the time to obtain good timber for a good price ....oh and someone to machine drill 24 post holes ....that saved me heaps of time and effort ....
If you want to do it yourselves thats fine ....my advise is draw up a scale model ....stick it on the fridge ....and look at it for a week ....get comfy with it ......because when you start building one and change your mind a lot of money is about to be wasted .....so stick to the plans

[Waldo]

will[/B] have brainstorms partway through and decide to make changes... almost guaranteed. It is the way of woodies.

[Terrian]

IAs manoftalent said, he's cheap...

yeah yeah, but is he easy (g.d.r!!!!)

ger, budget on about $5k, if it comes in under that then you will be greatfull )

[manoftalent]

easy?? not without dinner and chocolates