The following content adheres to the “David Claude Landscape Design” persona, targeting Melbourne homeowners with authoritative, data-backed advice while strictly following the alternating First Person Plural constraints.
The Decking vs Paving Question
We find that the “deck or pave” debate in hardscaping is rarely about preference alone; it is usually about the land itself. Melbourne’s north-eastern and inner-eastern suburbs are famous for their rolling terrain, which makes this decision critical.
Our team approaches this by looking at your block’s topography first. Level ground offers you endless choices, but a slope demands a specific strategy.
We see many homeowners struggle with this trade-off between cost, maintenance, and longevity. The following guide breaks down the data, costs, and local regulations to help you choose the right surface for your home.
Timber Decking: The Slope Tamer
The Functional Advantage
We consider decking the superior engineering solution for uneven ground. A timber structure can float above a sloping site, which eliminates the need for expensive excavation and retaining walls.
Our experience shows that on steep blocks in suburbs like Eltham or Ivanhoe, a deck is often the only cost-effective way to create a usable flat area. You also gain easy access to underground services, as boards can be lifted without destroying the structure.
We recommend this option for homes with timber architecture, as it creates a seamless visual flow from indoors to outdoors.
Best Suited For
- Sloping Sites: Spans drops and gullies without earthworks.
- Bushfire Prone Areas (With Care): Specific timbers meet BAL-12.5 and BAL-19 requirements.
- Hot Afternoons: Timber generally retains less surface heat than dark stone.
- Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Matches internal floor levels perfectly.
Melbourne Material Costs & Options (2026 Estimates)
Merbau (Kwila)
- Cost: Approx. $350 - $550 per m² installed.
- Why we use it: It is a Class 1 durable hardwood with a rich reddish-brown hue.
- Warning: It is prone to “tannin bleed,” so you must wash it thoroughly before sealing near porous stone.
Spotted Gum
- Cost: Approx. $500 - $700 per m² installed.
- Why we use it: This Australian native timber is incredibly dense and varies in colour from pale straw to chocolate.
- Bonus: It is naturally fire-resistant and often suitable for BAL-12.5 and BAL-19 zones.
Composite (e.g., Trex, Ekodeck)
- Cost: $350 - $600+ per m² installed.
- Why we use it: It offers consistency and requires zero oiling.
- Trade-off: It can get hotter underfoot than natural timber in direct sun.
Treated Pine
- Cost: $200 - $300 per m² installed.
- Why we use it: It is the budget-friendly entry point.
- Reality: You will need to stain it frequently, and it lacks the structural density of hardwoods.
Maintenance & Lifespan
We advise clients that a timber deck is a living thing that needs care.
- Annual Oiling: You must coat natural timber every 12 months to prevent greying and splintering.
- Inspection: Check for loose nails or screws annually.
- Lifespan: Expect 15-25 years for hardwood if maintained well.
Paving: The Forever Floor
The Durability Factor
We classify paving as a “set and forget” investment for flat areas. Once laid on a proper concrete base, quality stone paving provides a solid, immovable surface that can last a lifetime.
Our designs often utilize paving for high-traffic zones because it does not scratch, dent, or require refinishing. It also offers “thermal mass,” meaning it absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly at night.
We prefer this for pool surrounds where water resistance and slip ratings (aim for P4 or P5) are non-negotiable safety factors.
Best Suited For
- Flat Terrain: Requires minimal excavation or retaining.
- Pool Areas: Superior water resistance and slip safety options.
- Heavy Loads: Perfect for driveways or heavy outdoor kitchens.
- Low Maintenance: No sanding, oiling, or staining required.
Material Costs & Options (2026 Estimates)
Natural Stone (Bluestone, Granite)
- Cost: $140 - $220+ per m² installed.
- Why we use it: Victorian Bluestone is iconic to Melbourne and hides marks well.
- Tip: Ensure you choose a “honed” or “sawn” finish for comfort underfoot.
Concrete Pavers
- Cost: $60 - $90 per m² installed.
- Why we use it: They are uniform and economical.
- Trade-off: Colour can fade over time, and they may crack under heavy shifting.
Permeable Paving
- Cost: $90 - $150 per m² installed.
- Why we use it: These allow water to drain through the surface, satisfying council permeability requirements in leafy suburbs.
Maintenance & Lifespan
We love paving because the maintenance list is incredibly short.
- Sealing: Natural stone needs a high-quality penetrating sealer every 3-5 years.
- Cleaning: A pressure wash once a year keeps it looking new.
- Lifespan: Expect 30-50+ years easily; many stone paths last centuries.
Direct Comparison
| Feature | Timber Decking | Stone Paving |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Cost (Avg) | $350 - $700 / m² | $140 - $220 / m² |
| Lifespan | 15 - 25 Years | 40+ Years |
| Slope Suitability | Excellent (floats over land) | Poor (requires retaining walls) |
| Maintenance | High (Annual oiling) | Low (Seal every 3-5 years) |
| Permit Required? | Yes (if attached to house) | Rarely (unless draining issues) |
| Surface Temp | Warm | Can get very hot |
| Bushfire Risk | High (Requires specific species) | Low (Non-combustible) |
The Hybrid Approach
We often find the most striking gardens refuse to pick a side. A “hybrid” design uses each material where it performs best mechanically and aesthetically.
Our team frequently designs raised timber decks to step out from the living room, transitioning down to a paved patio for the fire pit or BBQ area.
Why this works:
- Cost Management: You use expensive decking only for the transition/slope and cheaper paving for the main flat area.
- Visual Interest: The contrast between warm wood and cool grey stone creates depth.
- Zoning: The change in material naturally defines separate “rooms” in your garden.
Making Your Decision
Choose Decking If:
- Your block is steep: You want to avoid the high cost of retaining walls and fill.
- You want indoor flow: You need the outdoor floor level to match your indoor floorboards perfectly.
- Heat is a concern: You want a surface that cools down relatively quickly in the evening.
Choose Paving If:
- Your block is flat: You can lay a slab without major earthworks.
- You hate maintenance: You never want to sand or oil a surface again.
- You have a pool: You need a surface that handles constant chlorine or salt water exposure without rotting.
The “Permit” Reality Check
We remind all clients that building regulations in Victoria are strict.
- Decks: Almost always require a building permit if they are attached to the house or over 800mm high.
- Paving: Generally exempt from building permits, though you must ensure it does not direct stormwater into your neighbour’s property.
- Bushfire Zones: If you are in a BAL zone (Bushfire Attack Level), you may be legally required to use non-combustible materials, which often rules out standard timber.
Professional Advice
We believe that poor installation is the most expensive mistake you can make. A cheap deck with incorrect joist spacing will bounce, and cheap paving on a thin base will crack within a year.
Our standard is to engineer the sub-structure for longevity, ensuring drainage is calculated so water never pools near your home’s foundations.
Contact us to discuss the best approach for your Melbourne outdoor living project.
