A timber deck is a raised or ground-level outdoor platform, built from a timber or steel frame and decking boards, that turns an awkward or sloping section of yard into a usable outdoor living space.
Timber floors are currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity with people renovating their outdoor living areas. Used as the flooring for balconies, decking is still popular around pools because of its natural looks and heat absorption properties, unlike some pavers that can get too hot to walk on with bare feet.
The timber decks Adelaide residents have custom built by Hand Made Gardens are made from hardwoods, making them extremely durable and highly resilient to Adelaide's hot Summer sun, while looking, feeling and even smelling great. The most popular hardwoods requested include Jarrah, Spotted Gum and Merbau, which is the most common decking timber used across Adelaide.
Create a living area outside complete with weather-proof furniture, a fire pit and spa on your timber deck. Matching privacy screens and lights complete the look and help create an outdoor room within your garden — a private area for couples to enjoy romantic evenings, or for larger families an outdoor kitchen with dining table and chairs to make a space the whole family can use, or a great place to entertain friends.
Many people have timber floors inside their house, and these days, with people wanting to spend more time entertaining outside, decking can be used to complement the internal flooring and form a natural flow from indoors to outdoor living spaces under an alfresco or verandah. Built over the natural lie of the land, timber decks Adelaide residents request can be economically built over many levels with steps. Low voltage deck lighting can create a relaxing ambiance, extending the time you spend being outside in your garden.
Timber deck paths with pebbles either side make for a stunning entrance and can suit any garden theme, modern or country, depending on the wood you choose and of course the stain.
Timber Decks FAQ
Do I need council approval for a deck in South Australia?
Generally not if no part of the deck floor is higher than 500mm above natural ground level and it sits at least 900mm from a property boundary. A higher or closer-to-boundary deck needs Development Approval, and some zones (Hills Face areas, heritage zones, bushfire-prone suburbs) switch off these exemptions entirely, so it's worth checking for your specific site.
Hardwood or composite decking — which is better?
Hardwood (like Merbau) gives a classic look and can be oiled to maintain its colour, but needs periodic maintenance. Composite decking costs more upfront but needs virtually no ongoing maintenance — though darker composite boards can get noticeably hot underfoot on a hot Adelaide summer day, more so than timber. The right choice depends on how much upkeep you want to do and how the deck will be used in Summer.
How long does a timber deck last?
A properly built frame is what matters most — done right with the correct timber sizes and fixings, a deck lasts decades. Maintenance (sealing/oiling for hardwood) affects how good it looks over that time, not whether it survives.
Can a deck be built on a steep slope?
Yes — decks are one of the best solutions for a steep or awkward slope, since the frame can be built up on posts rather than needing the ground reshaped like paving would.
How much does a timber deck cost?
Size, height above ground and decking material all affect the price, so every deck is quoted individually after a proper look at the site.
Would you like a timber deck? If you know what your budget is and have something in mind, ask us to quote on it.
Book a Site Consultation