Family-owned in Adelaide since 2002
Timber Decking Adelaide
Big Difference designs and builds timber and composite decks for Adelaide homes, in Merbau and Australian hardwoods such as Spotted Gum, or composite boards. Where height is limited, we can use a low-profile steel subframe. Because we also build patios, verandahs and pergolas, one local team can plan the deck and the roof over it together.
- Merbau, Spotted Gum and composite
- Low-profile steel subframes
- Patios and decks by one team
- Free measure and quote
Tap to compare. Real Big Difference projects.
Timber or composite decking?
Big Difference works with species such as Merbau and Australian hardwoods including Spotted Gum, subject to availability and the design. Composite decking boards can also be a good option.
| Board | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Merbau | Can release tannins (red-brown dye) during the first wettings; see the care advice below |
| Australian hardwoods such as Spotted Gum | Subject to availability and the design; dense hardwoods may be required in some bushfire areas |
| Composite | Can be a good option; we can talk through whether it suits your site |
Whether boards are supplied pre-oiled is stated in your quotation.
Decks for the hills and the coast
Where you live changes the right deck. We design for the site's exposure rather than one specification for every suburb.
Hills
Bushfire-prone hills
The species and the complete deck must satisfy the assessed BAL requirements. Suitably rated dense hardwoods may be required.
Coast
Coastal homes
Near the coast, durability, ventilation, stainless or suitably coated fixings and regular oiling matter as much as the species.
Steel or timber subframe?
Yes, we offer low-profile steel subframes. A steel subframe can be considered where height is limited or long-term stability is important. Treated pine remains economical and easy to work with when it is properly detailed.
| Subframe | Strengths | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Low-profile steel | Non-combustible, termite-resistant and stays straight | Needs the correct corrosion protection, isolation from incompatible metals and engineering |
| Treated pine | Economical and easy to work with | Must be properly detailed, kept clear of soil and moisture |
Protecting your deck from termites and rot
In termite-prone areas such as the Adelaide foothills, we keep substructure timbers clear of soil and moisture, use appropriately treated timber or steel, keep visible inspection zones around the building and avoid bridging existing termite barriers.
To prevent cupping and rot, we provide perimeter and cross-flow ventilation, ground clearance where achievable, drainage away from the structure and consistent board gaps. Low decks may need wider ventilation openings or a different subframe, because trapped moisture drives cupping and decay. Site-specific termite management follows the building rules, pest-management advice and your home's existing system.
Merbau tannins: protecting your paving
Merbau can release tannins, a red-brown dye, when it first gets wet. We recommend weathering or washing the boards as directed by the coating supplier, protecting nearby concrete and pavers, cleaning any runoff promptly, and applying a compatible penetrating deck oil once the timber is ready.
How often does a timber deck need oiling in Adelaide?
In exposed Adelaide conditions, inspect your deck every six months and expect to oil it roughly every six to twelve months if you want to keep the richer timber colour.
Shaded or sheltered decks can go longer. Full western sun, pool splash and coastal exposure can mean more frequent cleaning and recoating.
Council approval, privacy screens and balustrades
There is no single height at which every South Australian deck needs approval. It commonly depends on the height above natural ground, the area, location, boundaries, overlooking, bushfire or heritage overlays and whether the deck is attached, so check PlanSA's approval checker or get council advice before building.
| Item | General guide |
|---|---|
| Privacy screening | Elevated decks that overlook neighbours may need screening, often to about 1.7 m above the deck floor with limited openings, depending on the site. Confirmed in the approval assessment. |
| Balustrades | A compliant barrier is generally required where a person could fall 1 m or more from the deck, stair or landing, built to the current National Construction Code. |
Decks with patios, verandahs and blinds
Because Big Difference builds patios, verandahs and pergolas and installs outdoor blinds, we can plan the deck, the roof and the blinds together.
How much does a deck cost in Adelaide?
The cost of a deck in Adelaide depends on its size and height, the boards, the subframe and the site. Big Difference gives a free, no-obligation quote after measuring up. These are the main things that change the price:
Size and height
The deck area and how far it sits above the ground.
Boards
Merbau, Australian hardwood or composite.
Subframe
Treated pine or low-profile steel.
Balustrades and screens
Where the deck height or overlooking needs them.
Site
Slope, access, ventilation and termite measures.
Approvals
Any council approval the deck needs.
Get a clear price for your deck. Book a free measure and quote.
Book a free measure and quoteDecking FAQs
What timber do you use for decks?
Big Difference works with species such as Merbau and Australian hardwoods including Spotted Gum, subject to availability and the design. Composite decking boards can also be a good option.
Do you build low-profile decks with steel subframes?
Yes. A low-profile steel subframe can be used where height is limited or long-term stability is important. Steel is non-combustible, termite-resistant and stays straight, with the correct corrosion protection and engineering.
Will a Merbau deck stain my paving?
Merbau can release tannins during early wetting. Weather or wash the boards as the coating supplier directs, protect nearby concrete and pavers, clean runoff promptly and apply a compatible penetrating deck oil once the timber is ready.
How often should I oil my deck in Adelaide?
Inspect the deck every six months and expect to oil it roughly every six to twelve months in exposed conditions if you want to keep the richer timber colour. Sheltered decks can go longer; western sun, pool splash and coastal exposure need more frequent care.
Does my deck need council approval in Adelaide?
There is no single height at which every SA deck needs approval. It depends on height above natural ground, area, location, boundaries, overlooking, overlays and attachment, so check PlanSA's approval checker or get council advice before building.
When does a deck need a balustrade?
A compliant barrier is generally required where a person could fall 1 m or more from the deck, stair or landing, built to the current National Construction Code.
Does an elevated deck need a privacy screen?
Elevated decks that overlook neighbours may need screening, often to about 1.7 m above the deck floor with limited openings, depending on the site. The exact requirement is confirmed in the approval assessment.
How do you protect decks from termites?
Substructure timbers are kept clear of soil and moisture, appropriately treated timber or steel is used, visible inspection zones are kept around the building and existing termite barriers are not bridged.
What decking is best for bushfire-prone areas?
The species and the complete deck must satisfy the site's assessed BAL requirements, and suitably rated dense hardwoods may be required.
Talk to a local team that designs and builds your deck, since 2002.
Request a QuoteRecent decking projects
A selection of timber and composite decks Big Difference has built for Adelaide homes, many under patios and verandahs.
Deck with a hills view
Deck along a brick home
Pool deck with balustrade
Raised deck under a verandah
Deck under a dark patio ceiling
Large deck with spa and heater
Deck along a weatherboard home
Deck with a wire balustrade
Deck with outdoor blinds
Want a deck like these? We measure up and quote for free.
Request a QuoteFrom Our Clients
The end result was exactly how I imagined it would be
An big shout out to Scott and Will completing the job in three days, one of which was raining.
An excellent job, highly recommended
Special thanks to Jarrod, Ryan, Lewis and Matt who all did a wonderful job.
What a great SA family business would highly recommend them.
They had the two blinds installed in under two hours. I think the guys names were Louie and Matt?
BDHI was recommended by a work colleague and I will definitely be going back happy knowing how professional they are.
They deserve a pat on the back for how good it turned out🙂
The whole process from start to finish was smooth and efficient.
All the people at Big Difference Home Improvements were helpful and friendly.
