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Timber decking

Timber decking built properly for Newcastle homes

I’m Liam Sharpe, a licensed carpenter. I build timber decks from the frame up for homes across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland.

Book a free on-site quote 0402 499 810

5.0 on Google
Licence 383930C
10+ years in the trade

Liam Sharpe and his apprentice in Sharpe shirts and tool belts — Pictured: Liam Sharpe and his apprentice

What goes into a timber deck

A timber deck is two jobs in one. Underneath is the frame: posts set in the ground, bearers across the posts and joists across the bearers. On top are the boards, the steps and any balustrade. I build both myself with my apprentice, and you get the price for the whole deck before any work starts.

Timber decks are one part of the deck building I do around Newcastle. The merbau deck in my recent jobs runs around a spa, with 140 x 18 boards and a step the full width of the deck down to the lawn.

What our customers say

Google5.0 See all reviews

tom payne

3 months ago

Really happy with the work from Sharpe Building & Construction. We had a pretty tight timeline, and even when a few unexpected issues came up, they handled everything without any fuss. The job was completed by the deadline, and the whole process was smooth and stress-free. Would definitely recommend them

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thank you, Tom! We really appreciate your kind words and are glad we could deliver the project on time despite the unexpected challenges. It was a pleasure working with you, and we are thrilled you’re happy with the result. Thank you for choosing Sharpe Building & Constructions. We truly appreciate your recommendation !

Dot Hodder

3 months ago

Thanks Liam. You did a beautiful job of working out what I wanted. My home feels complete with the new additions, plus the pergola. I found you by word of mouth and you certainly didn't disappoint.

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thank you so much, Dot! It was a pleasure working with you and bringing your ideas to life. I’m really glad you’re happy with the end result and that your home feels complete with the new additions and pergola. Thank you for trusting Sharpe Building & Constructions. We truly appreciate your kind words and support!

Renee & Brendon Harley

3 months ago

Needed some windows installed. Easily done, no fuss. Polite crew.

Response from the owner3 days ago

Thanks Renee and Brendon. Glad the new windows went in smoothly. If there is anything else you need done around the house, Sharpe Building & Constructions is happy to help across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Liam

Recent timber decks

Which timber is a deck built from?

Treated pine for the frame
Most deck frames are treated pine. Treatment is graded by where the timber sits: H3 for timber outdoors and off the ground, H4 for posts set in the ground. Using the right grade is what stops a frame rotting from the bottom.
Merbau boards
Merbau is a dense hardwood with a deep red-brown colour. It is the most common decking board in Newcastle and the timber on my spa deck.
Spotted gum and blackbutt
Australian hardwoods with a lighter, warmer colour. Both are hard-wearing and suit a deck in full sun.
Treated pine boards
The lowest-cost timber board. It takes paint or stain well and needs a coat more often than a hardwood.

How do you look after a timber deck?

Timber decking is a natural product, so it moves and weathers. Three things keep it looking good for years.

Freshly oiled merbau boards around a spa

Oil it once a year

A coat of decking oil feeds the timber and keeps the colour. Most decks in the Newcastle sun need it about once a year, more often on a deck that faces north or west.

Even gaps between merbau boards on a deck step

Gaps between the boards

Boards are laid with a small gap so water drains through and the timber can swell in wet weather. Leaves and dirt that fill the gaps hold water, so sweep them out.

Treated pine deck frame of bearers and joists before the boards go on

Air under the deck

A frame that can breathe stays dry. A deck built tight to the ground or boxed in all round holds damp underneath, which is where rot starts.

Do I need council approval for a timber deck?

Many decks in NSW are exempt development, which means no council approval, as long as they meet every rule in the state’s planning code. The main limits, from the NSW Government page on decks and patios:

No more than 25 m² in area, and all decks, patios and pergolas on the block together no more than 15% of the house’s ground floor area (25 m² on a block up to 300 m²).
Floor no more than 1 m above the ground, and no part higher than 3 m.
Set back at least 900 mm from the side and back boundaries (5 m in rural zones), and behind the building line of the street.
On bushfire prone land within 5 m of the house, built from non-combustible materials.

A deck bigger or higher than that needs a complying development certificate or a development application through your council: City of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland or Cessnock. I check your deck against these rules when I measure up.

What changes the price of a timber deck?

Every deck is priced on site. These change the cost the most:

Size: The square metres of deck, which sets how much frame and how many boards it takes.
Timber: Treated pine, merbau, spotted gum and blackbutt all cost different amounts per metre.
Height: A high deck needs taller posts, bracing, a balustrade and stairs.
The ground: A sloping yard or a tight side path for carrying timber in adds time.
Finish: Oiling or staining the boards once they are down.

The quote is free, and you get the price before any work starts. Residential building work over $5,000 also needs a licensed contractor and a written contract under NSW law, as NSW Fair Trading sets out. Every job over that amount comes with one.

How a deck job runs

1Send the job
Use the form or call 0402 499 810. Photos of the spot help.
2Free on-site quote
I come out, measure up, talk through timber and height, and give you a price.
3Frame, then boards
Posts, bearers and joists first, then the boards, steps and balustrade.
4Walk-through
We look over the finished job together.

Get a free on‑site quote.

Tell me the job and your suburb. I’ll call you to book a time, come out, measure up and give you a price before any work starts. Or call 0402 499 810.

5.0 on Google reviews
Licence 383930C, check it on the NSW register
Free on‑site quote

Questions about timber decking

What is the best timber for a deck in Newcastle?

For the boards, a hardwood such as merbau, spotted gum or blackbutt lasts the longest and takes the sun well. Treated pine boards cost less and need more upkeep. The frame is usually treated pine.

How often does a timber deck need oiling?

About once a year for most decks, and more often for a deck in full afternoon sun. When water stops beading on the boards, it is time for another coat.

Why is my new merbau deck leaving brown stains?

Merbau bleeds tannin, a natural brown dye, when it first gets wet. It settles after a few rains or a wash, which is why I keep it off light paving where I can.

Can you build a timber deck on a sloping block?

Yes. A sloping block means taller posts on the low side and sometimes steps or a landing. I work that out when I measure up.

Do you build the whole deck yourself?

Yes. I build the frame and lay the boards myself with my apprentice. I’m on site for the whole job.

Where do you build timber decks?

I’m based at 4 Nightingale Crescent, Cameron Park NSW 2285 and build across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland. There’s no showroom: I come to you to look at the job.

Call 0402 499 810 or email sharpeconstructions@aol.com. Licence 383930C, ABN 27 866 451 671.