How much does a deck or patio cost on the Gold Coast?
As a 2026 guide, deck and patio cost on the Gold Coast runs from about $8,000 to $22,000 for a paved patio, $12,000 to $28,000 for a hardwood deck and $16,000 to $35,000 for a composite deck. A roofed alfresco adds $22,000 to $55,000. Size, height, materials and any approval needed set the final price.
Last updated: October 2026
Complete Homes is a family-owned Gold Coast renovation business, operating since 1985 and run by Fouad and his father William. We build decks and patios on the Gold Coast, and we often plan the outdoor area as part of a whole-home renovation on the Gold Coast, so the inside and outside work as one.
For a lot of homeowners, the outdoor area is the most underused part of the property: a patch of tired concrete, an old timber deck that has seen better days, or nothing at all. Here's what you need to know before you start.
What's the difference between a deck, a patio and an alfresco?
A deck is a raised or ground-level platform, a patio is a paved area at ground level, and an alfresco is a covered outdoor living space. The right choice depends on your home, your yard and how you want to live.
Many outdoor projects combine two or three of these, such as a paved alfresco dining area under a roof with a timber deck stepping down to the garden or pool.
What does deck and patio cost on the Gold Coast in 2026?
Deck and patio cost on the Gold Coast depends mostly on size, materials and how complex the structure is. These ranges match our Gold Coast renovation cost estimator:
| Project type | Typical cost range | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timber deck (hardwood/merbau) | $12,000 – $28,000 | Depends on size, height and balustrade |
| Composite deck | $16,000 – $35,000 | Lower maintenance, higher upfront cost |
| Paved patio (porcelain or stone) | $8,000 – $22,000 | Size, material and drainage |
| Pergola (open rafter) | $15,000 – $35,000 | Structure only, no roof |
| Roofed alfresco (Colorbond) | $22,000 – $55,000 | Includes roof, lighting and fans |
| Louvre pergola system | $28,000 – $70,000+ | Adjustable roof blades |
| Outdoor kitchen | $15,000 – $45,000 | Added to an alfresco structure |
If you're planning other work at the same time, the estimator lets you add kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas together for one budget.
Do you need council approval for a deck or patio on the Gold Coast?
Many decks and roofed patios on the Gold Coast need building approval, but small, low structures are often exempt. The City of Gold Coast sets out the limits.
- An elevated deck smaller than 10m² and less than 1m high
- A deck sitting on natural ground with no posts or supports
- A small roofed patio or unroofed pergola under 2.4m high, 10m² and 5m long, outside setback areas
- Most new timber decks, and any deck over 1m high
- Roofed patios and alfrescos above the small-structure limits
- Structures in a boundary or waterfront setback
- Pool surrounds and barriers
Have any approvals finalised before you contact a builder. A private building certifier can tell you what your project needs, because the rules depend on your lot, its setbacks and how close you are to the water. Allow around 4–8 weeks for approval.
Which outdoor upgrades are worth the money?
On the Gold Coast, a roof over your outdoor area and materials that handle the climate matter more than size.
"The Queensland lifestyle is only as good as the outdoor space that supports it."
What are Gold Coast homeowners choosing for outdoor areas?
Popular outdoor projects on the Gold Coast connect the living areas to the yard and add shade.
Outdoor areas work best when they're planned with the rooms that open onto them. In Gaven, we renovated the kitchen, dining and living areas together, the rooms that most often open onto an alfresco. Our renovations in Robina, Arundel, Carrara and Lower Beechmont were each delivered as one whole-home renovation, which is the easiest time to plan an outdoor area with the rest of the house.
How long does a deck, patio or alfresco take to build?
A standard alfresco with paving usually takes 6 to 10 weeks to build, and a complex outdoor project takes around 10 to 16 weeks.
If approval is required, allow 4–8 weeks for it, and have it finalised before you contact a builder. Start planning 3 to 6 months ahead, so your outdoor area is ready for the warmer months rather than finished halfway through them. Spring and summer storms on the Gold Coast can also pause outdoor work for a few days at a time.
What should you check before you start?
Before you start, know how you want to use the space, what approvals you need and who will build it.
- Your brief: quiet morning coffee, big family gatherings, kids playing while you cook or evening entertaining. The answer shapes the layout, the roof and the materials.
- Your approvals: confirm with a private certifier and have them finalised before you contact a builder.
- Your builder: in Queensland, residential building work over $3,300 must be done by a QBCC-licensed contractor and is covered by QBCC home warranty insurance.
- The rest of the house: if a kitchen or living area opens onto the new space, read how much a kitchen renovation costs on the Gold Coast and what happens during a whole-home renovation, week by week.
Free on-site consultation for your outdoor living project
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Book your free consultationFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a deck cost on the Gold Coast?
As a 2026 guide, a hardwood or merbau timber deck on the Gold Coast typically costs $12,000 to $28,000, and a composite deck costs $16,000 to $35,000. Size, height, balustrade and site access drive the final price. Adding a roof or an outdoor kitchen is priced on top of the deck itself.
How much does a patio or alfresco cost on the Gold Coast?
A paved porcelain or stone patio on the Gold Coast typically costs $8,000 to $22,000. An open-rafter pergola costs $15,000 to $35,000, a roofed Colorbond alfresco $22,000 to $55,000, and a louvre pergola system from $28,000 to $70,000 or more, depending on size and finishes.
Do I need council approval for a deck or patio on the Gold Coast?
Often, yes. An elevated deck needs approval unless it is under 10 square metres and less than 1 metre high, and most roofed patios need approval unless they are very small. A private building certifier can confirm what you need. Have approvals finalised before you contact a builder, and allow around 4 to 8 weeks.
How long does an alfresco or patio take to build?
A standard alfresco pergola with paving usually takes 6 to 10 weeks from demolition to handover. Complex projects with a louvre roof, outdoor kitchen, pool surround or deck take around 10 to 16 weeks. If approval is required, allow another 4 to 8 weeks, and have it finalised before you contact a builder.
Is a covered alfresco better than an open deck?
For most Gold Coast homes, yes. A covered alfresco with ceiling fans is usable all year, while an uncovered deck is hard to enjoy in summer sun and heavy rain. If the budget forces a choice, a more modest covered area usually gets far more use than a larger open deck.
What decking material lasts best on the Gold Coast?
Composite decking and quality hardwoods such as merbau handle Gold Coast salt air, strong UV, humidity and summer rain far better than cheap treated pine. Composite costs more upfront but needs less maintenance. For paved areas, large-format porcelain holds up better than basic concrete and is easy to keep clean.