Home extensions: Decks and pergolas

Oct 28
20:08

2020

Nancy Whitman

Nancy Whitman

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Timber decks and pergolas are the must-have basics during the summertime. Whether your background is a sprawling jungle or a compact oasis, you have to put that space to good use. However, a lot of research is required when it comes to figuring out how to set up your backyard into the entertaining space of your dreams.

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Timber decks and pergolas are the must-have basics during the summertime. Whether your background is a sprawling jungle or a compact oasis,Home extensions: Decks and pergolas Articles you have to put that space to good use. However, a lot of research is required when it comes to figuring out how to set up your backyard into the entertaining space of your dreams. 

We got in touch with Richard Armstrong, director of The Makeover Group, to find some answers to the most common questions like What is the cost of a deck per square metre? And the price of a pergola per square metre?

“Twenty years ago an outdoor deck board consisted of some treated pine timbers that could house an outdoor dining table,” replied Richard.

“Nowadays, people want convenience, style and beauty.”

How much does a deck cost?

Prices will vary according to the material that is being used. Expected prices are as follows:

  • $170-$200 per square metre for treated pine decking.
  • $320 approx. Per square metre for bamboo decking and hardwood.
  • $350 approx.per square metre for composite decking. Although the initial cost is slightly higher than timber, composite decking will last longer so you won’t be replacing it as often. This will save your money on repairs and maintenance in the long-run.
  • $450 approx. Per square metre for aluminium decking.

 

Building a timber deck does seem pretty easy—especially if you have some skills at hand and like to put them to use. However, it is always secure to enlist the help of a professional carpenter to make sure that the job is done properly—not a bolt too tight, not a nail too loose. The safety concerns are bound to arise if solid foundations are not put into place by an expert. 

What is the cost of a pergola?

Usually, a pergola costs up to $2,700/ square metre depending on the site and the materials required. According to Richard, a cheap pergola will cost around $20,000 while a mid-range pergola will cost around $35,000. Those looking for something exceptional can expect to pay around $54,000.

The layout and design of such areas should depend upon the lifestyle you live. Keeping in mind, how do you entertain? What do you like to cook? Do you or the other cook enjoy an audience? How you picture your night at these areas to be like?”

The cost required for building pergola will generally cover:

  • Concrete stumps
  • Subfloor (joist & bearers)
  • Merbau decking
  • Glass balustrade
  • Merbau steps
  • Plastered ceiling
  • Guttering & drainage
  • Steel engineering/beams
  • Lights
  • Fans/heaters

Below are the few points to keep in mind when deciding on what style and type of pergola best caters to your needs: 

  • Gable shaped roofs are a little bit on the expensive side but are cooler and feel brighter when compared to flat roof pergolas.
  • Roof sheeting can be put in to use to adjust the light and heat. For example, steel roof sheets should be positioned on the side that is in direct contact of sunlight for the most part of the day; polycarbonate (or laserlite) sheets should be placed in areas otherwise.
  • If you do go for polycarbonate roof sheets, it is notable that they require a minimum roof slope of 5 degrees. Consider this if you are building a flat roof pergola by connecting it to the house eave. You may find that the roof gets too low to be legal. To remove this problem, you can somewhat alleviate it by connecting the pergola to a higher point on the house, for example: through the roof tiles with extended roof bracket. However, doing this may change the overall appeal of the pergola.
  • You will have to decide whether you would like more posts and smaller beams going between them, or a fewer post but with chunky beams. It does not bring a massive difference in the matters of cost. But it may help you to decide which material should you go for.