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Decking vs Paving: Which Outdoor Flooring is Right for Your Melbourne Home?

By Antonio PrimeScape  |  May 2026

When Melbourne homeowners plan an outdoor entertaining area, the first question is usually: deck or paving? Both create beautiful outdoor living spaces, but they differ dramatically in cost, maintenance, feel, and how they handle Melbourne's climate.

We install both — here's an honest comparison to help you choose.

Cost Comparison

Paving (brick pavers): $85–$150/m² installed. Price depends on paver type (concrete, clay, porcelain) and pattern complexity.

Paving (concrete slab): $60–$120/m² installed. Exposed aggregate sits at the higher end.

Timber decking (treated pine): $100–$160/m² — most affordable decking option, lasts 10–15 years with proper care.

Timber decking (hardwood — Merbau, Spotted Gum): $160–$280/m² — premium natural timber, lasts 20–30 years.

Composite decking: $180–$300/m² — low maintenance but higher upfront cost. Lasts 25–30 years.

Bottom line: Paving is typically cheaper than decking, especially when comparing concrete (the cheapest option) against hardwood or composite decking. Standard brick paving and treated pine decking are roughly comparable in cost.

Aesthetics and Feel

This is highly subjective, but here's what our clients tell us:

Decking feels warmer and more natural underfoot. It's the preferred choice for homes with a garden outlook — the timber blends with greenery better than stone or concrete. Decks also work beautifully on sloping blocks where a raised platform is needed to create a level entertaining area.

Paving feels more solid and permanent. It suits modern and contemporary homes, particularly with bluestone, porcelain, or large-format concrete pavers. Paving connects the indoors to the outdoors seamlessly when laid level with interior flooring.

Both can look exceptional — the right choice depends on your home's architecture and personal taste.

Durability and Lifespan

Paving: 25–50 years. Clay brick and natural stone paving can easily last 50+ years. Concrete pavers 25–40 years. Paving is extremely durable in Melbourne's climate — it handles heat, frost, and rain without degradation.

Timber decking: Treated pine 10–15 years. Hardwood (Merbau, Spotted Gum) 20–30 years. Timber will eventually rot, warp, or split, especially if not maintained. Shaded and damp areas accelerate timber deterioration.

Composite decking: 25–30 years. Resists rot, splintering, and insect damage. Colour can fade over time despite UV-resistant formulations.

Winner for longevity: Paving — by a significant margin.

Maintenance Requirements

Paving: Annual pressure wash. Sand joints may need topping every 3–5 years. Weeds may need spot treatment. Sealing optional.

Timber decking: Annual oil/stain application (every 1–2 years depending on exposure). Regular sweeping between boards. Occasional replacement of warped or rotting boards. Sanding and refinishing every 5–10 years. Requires genuine, recurring effort.

Composite decking: Wash with soap and water annually. No staining, sealing, or oiling. Lower maintenance than timber, but higher upfront cost.

Winner for low maintenance: Paving. Composite decking is a close second — less work than timber but still requires cleaning.

Melbourne Climate Considerations

Melbourne's "four seasons in one day" weather is a real factor in this decision:

Heat: Dark-coloured decking absorbs heat and can get very hot underfoot in summer — a problem for barefoot entertaining. Light-coloured paving stays cooler. Composite decking can get even hotter than timber.

Rain: Timber decking can become slippery when wet (especially if moss or algae develop). Certain pavers (textured, tumbled, or honed) offer better slip resistance. Porcelain pavers with slip-rated finishes are excellent.

Cold & frost: Both handle Melbourne's frosts fine. Timber can feel slightly warmer underfoot in winter — a minor consideration.

Shade: In shaded areas (south-facing or under trees), timber decking will develop moss and algae faster than paving. The constant damp shortens timber lifespan. Paving handles shade better.

Sloping Blocks

This is where decking has a clear advantage. On a sloping block, a raised timber deck creates a level outdoor floor without extensive excavation or retaining walls.

Paving on a slope often requires significant earthworks, retaining walls, and drainage — driving up the cost considerably. If your backyard slopes more than 1m across the entertaining area, decking is typically the more practical and cost-effective option.

For flat blocks, paving is usually the better value — no structural framing needed, just a compacted base and pavers.

Resale Value

Both decking and paving add value to Melbourne homes, but in different ways:

Paving is seen as a permanent, low-maintenance improvement. A quality paved entertaining area is a strong selling point, particularly in family-oriented suburbs.

Timber decking appeals to buyers who love the natural look, but aging decks can be a negotiation point — buyers factor in the cost of refinishing or replacement.

Composite decking offers the best resale value of any decking — it's low maintenance and long-lasting, but the higher upfront cost isn't always fully recovered.

Our Recommendation

Choose paving if: Your site is flat or gently sloping, you want minimal ongoing maintenance, you're planning a long-term home, or you want the widest range of material and colour options.

Choose decking if: Your site is steeply sloping, you love the natural warmth of timber underfoot, you're on a tight budget for a raised structure, or you're building a pool deck (timber is gentler on bare feet).

Best of both: Many Melbourne homeowners combine both — a paved patio adjacent to the house with a raised timber deck extending into the garden. This creates visual interest and zones the outdoor space effectively.

For more on paving materials and styles, read our guides on best paving for Melbourne homes and outdoor entertaining area ideas. For decking specifics, see our guide to timber decking types in Melbourne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper — decking or paving?

For flat sites, paving is generally cheaper — concrete starts at $60/m², brick paving at $85/m². Treated pine decking ($100/m²) is comparable to budget brick paving, but hardwood and composite decking are significantly more expensive. On sloping sites, decking can be cheaper because it avoids retaining wall and excavation costs.

How long does a timber deck last in Melbourne?

Treated pine: 10–15 years. Hardwood (Merbau, Spotted Gum, Jarrah): 20–30 years with annual oiling. Composite: 25–30 years. Paving typically lasts 25–50+ years.

Is decking slippery when wet?

Timber decking can be slippery when wet, especially if it's old, smooth, or has moss growth. Composite decking with textured surfaces is better. For paving, choose pavers with a slip-resistant finish — textured, tumbled, or honed surfaces perform well in wet conditions.

Can I install decking over existing paving?

Yes — timber decking can be installed over existing concrete or paving using a sleeper frame. This is a common solution when the existing paving is in poor condition but the base is solid.

Which adds more value to my Melbourne home?

Quality paving adds slightly more resale value because of its durability and low maintenance. However, a well-built hardwood deck in good condition is also highly appealing. Composite decking offers good value retention. Treated pine decks past their 5-year mark typically don't add significant value.

Does decking need council approval in Melbourne?

Decks under 1m above ground generally don't need a building permit. Decks over 1m, or any deck attached to the house, typically require a building permit. Check with your council or builder before starting.