Choosing decking is often treated as a question of upfront price. But the price you pay on day one is only part of what a deck can cost over its lifetime.
Timber and advanced PVC take very different approaches. Timber offers the natural look and feel many homeowners love, but maintaining that appearance usually requires regular surface treatment. Advanced PVC generally involves more investment upfront, with fewer recurring maintenance requirements later.
For homeowners looking for a budget-conscious solution, the better question is not simply “Which decking is cheaper today?” but “What will it cost me to own over time?”
Timber vs Advanced PVC at a Glance
| Factor | Timber | Advanced PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Can be lower depending on timber species | Generally higher upfront |
| Oiling / staining | Usually required | Not required |
| Maintenance | Regular surface treatment | Routine cleaning |
| Moisture resistance | Depends on ongoing protection | Very high |
| Rot | Can occur if timber deteriorates | No wood fibre to rot |
| Termites | Requires consideration | No termite concerns |
| Appearance | Authentic natural timber | Timber-look finishes |
| Long-term cost predictability | More dependent on recurring maintenance | More predictable |
The biggest difference is not simply which material costs more at installation. It is when the costs occur.
Timber may start with a lower upfront price, but keeping it looking and performing well often means repeated sanding, oiling or sealing. In Melbourne, professional deck sanding and oiling currently sits at roughly $26-$63 per square metre, including labour, depending on the condition of the deck and scope of work.
Advanced PVC still needs normal cleaning, like any outdoor surface, but it does not require the same recurring sanding, staining or oiling cycle. With no wood-fibre core, it is also highly resistant to moisture and is not subject to timber rot in the same way. This can make ongoing maintenance simpler and long-term ownership costs easier to predict.
This is where the idea of affordable decking becomes less about the lowest upfront quote and more about what you are likely to spend and maintain over the life of the deck.
What Could a 30 m2 Deck Cost Over 25 Years?
A simple example makes the difference easier to see.
| 25-year example - 30 m2 deck | Hardwood Timber | Advanced PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Initial installed cost (materials + labour) | ~$9,600-$15,000 | ~$10,500-$19,500 |
| Professional sanding and oiling over 25 years | ~$6,240-$22,680 | Not required |
| Illustrative 25-year total | ~$15,840-$37,680 | ~$10,500-$19,500 |
Note: This is an illustrative 30 m2, 25-year example only. Actual costs vary with timber species, product range, site conditions, labour rates, weather exposure and maintenance frequency. Routine cleaning, repairs, inflation and replacement are excluded. The timber maintenance range assumes professional sanding and oiling approximately every 2-3 years.
The point is not that every timber deck will cost more than every PVC deck. Timber species, product ranges and individual projects vary too much for that.
The point is that upfront price and long-term affordability are not the same thing. With timber, part of the ownership cost continues after installation. With advanced PVC, more of the spend happens upfront, while recurring surface-treatment costs are substantially reduced.
For homeowners who value authentic natural timber and are comfortable maintaining it, timber can still be an excellent choice. But if low maintenance, moisture resistance and fewer recurring costs are higher priorities, advanced PVC becomes worth considering.
A Low-Maintenance Alternative for Australian Outdoors
EVERTEX advanced PVC decking is designed for Australian outdoor conditions, with a focus on low maintenance and long-term outdoor performance. It does not require the recurring sanding, oiling or sealing associated with timber and is available across different finishes and project budgets.
Planning a deck? Get a free quote from EVERTEX, or visit our Blackburn showroom to see the colours and finishes in person before making your decision.