Questions people ask
Grouped by topic. Every answer here is also on the page it belongs to, with its source.
Council approvals
Do I need council approval for a deck in Joondalup?
For a single house or grouped dwelling in the City of Joondalup, planning approval is not required for decking 500 mm or less above natural ground level. Decking over 500 mm can avoid planning approval if it meets the R-Code setbacks for the lot's density. Building permit requirements depend on the deck, so confirm with the City on 9400 4000.
Do I need a building permit for a deck in Wanneroo?
Yes. The City of Wanneroo requires a building permit for all decking regardless of height or floor area. Planning approval may also be required for decking over 500 mm above natural ground level.
When does a deck need a privacy screen?
In Joondalup, a deck within 7.5 m of a side or rear boundary needs a privacy screen at least 1.6 m high. In Wanneroo, decking over 500 mm is treated like a balcony with a 7.5 m setback to side and rear boundaries unless a reduced setback is approved, and screening is how most reduced setbacks are approved.
Does the contractor handle the council application?
Only if the quote says so. Ask for the quote to state who prepares the drawings, who lodges, and whose name the application goes in. Nothing on this site is a promise that approvals are included.
Is my lot bushfire prone?
Check your address on the DFES Map of Bush Fire Prone Areas. We do not state on this site whether a suburb is or is not bushfire prone, because the map runs through suburbs and is revised.
Composite and timber
Composite or timber for a deck near the coast?
Both work if the fixings and frame hardware are stainless or galvanised. Composite needs less upkeep and does not rot. Hardwood is warmer underfoot in summer and can be brought back with oil. Our comparison guide sets out the differences.
Does composite decking get hot?
Dark composite in full sun gets hotter underfoot than hardwood. Lighter colours and shade help. On a north or west facing deck the colour choice matters more than the brand.
How often does a timber deck need oiling?
When the colour goes flat and water stops beading. A deck in full sun needs it sooner than a shaded one. There is no fixed calendar.
Which timbers can be used in a bushfire prone area?
AS 3959 lists bushfire-resisting timbers that can be used at certain BAL levels. Merbau and spotted gum are on the list; jarrah is not. Composite depends on the product's own BAL test report.
Can composite boards go on my existing timber frame?
Sometimes. Composite needs tighter joist centres than most timber decks were built with, so the contractor checks the frame and adds joists or replaces it where needed.
Cost
What does a deck cost?
It depends on size, height off the ground, the board material, access to the site, what the footings meet in the ground, and whether approvals and engineering are involved. We do not publish prices because two decks of the same size can be very different jobs. The contractor quotes free after seeing the site.
Is composite more expensive than timber?
The boards usually cost more, and hidden clip systems add to it. Over the life of the deck composite needs no oiling, sanding or board replacement, so the comparison depends on how long you own the deck and whether you would do the maintenance.
Is the quote free?
Yes. The contractor looks at the site and gives you a written quote at no charge and with no obligation.
Why does height change the price so much?
Over 500 mm a deck may need planning approval, needs privacy screens near boundaries, moves to posts and bracing, and at a 1 m fall needs a balustrade and stairs. None of that is visible in the boards.
How it works
Who actually builds the deck?
An independent licensed decking contractor. Northern Decking Co is a referral service operated by West Digital Agency: your enquiry goes to the contractor, who calls you, visits the site, quotes in writing and does the work.
What happens after I send the form?
The contractor calls you to talk through the job and arrange a look at the site. You then get a written quote from the contractor. Nothing is booked until you say so.
Can I send photos of the spot?
Yes. Give an email address on the form and we send you a link to upload photos after you submit.
Are calls recorded?
Calls to the number on this site may be recorded so the contractor has an accurate record of your enquiry.
Which suburbs do you cover?
Perth's northern coastal corridor from Joondalup to Two Rocks, across the City of Joondalup and the City of Wanneroo. The full list is on the areas page.