This is by far our most common question. The answer is- it depends!
Spruce Quality Decks are custom made, and the variables that need to be considered are:
Timber or Composite decking boards?
Size & Height
Steps, handrails, ramps, gates & balustrading?
What Bushfire rating is the property?
As a guide for a standard 4000mm x 3000mm x 200mm high deck costs between $5,400 – $10,200

Maybe- Send it though and we’ll do our best! Just make sure we are comparing apples with apples (See above)

We are the decking specialists! Our decks are built by experienced specialised carpenters. They are built with Termite and rot resistant framing timber. We install a termite barrier between the deck and your home. We use galvanised brackets to all joist junctions. We install weed mat under decks (Where needed) We oil the undersides of timber decking boards prior to installation. We install decking boards with countersunk stainless steel screws. All our timber decks are sanded and oiled on completion. We will leave your yard clean and tidy. 

No. We do not offer finance options on your deck/pergola, and we do not work with any ‘buy now pay later’ companies.

It depends on how the deck will be used. It is very easy to get carried away and plan on a huge deck, only to change your mind when you find out how much it will cost. A good way to work out how big your deck needs to be is to mark it out. You can then mark out any furniture that will be on the deck and get a feel for the size. We can discuss the size and design when we meet onsite for a measure up.

No. a Concrete path is cheaper. There are far more materials and labour involved in building a deck. A ground deck will cost approximately 3 times as much as a concrete path to the same area.

No. Paving is cheaper. There are far more materials and labour involved in building a deck. A ground level deck will cost approximately 4 times as much as paving the same area.

No. There is no discount for paying cash. We prefer payment via bank transfer.

Composite decking boards are man made decking boards rather than timber. Composite decking boards are usually made from a combination of sawdust and recycled plastics. Composite decking boards never need sanding or oiling, they will not split or splinter, and are termite proof. You can find out more about the Composite decking on our composite decking page.

Most composites decking boards hold significantly more heat than timber. Darker composites get the hottest, with lighter composites holding less heat. Some Composites such as Deckorators Voyage, and Millboard hold a similar amount of heat to timber. Others, such as Trex, Ekodeck, and NewTechWood are significantly hotter than timber in the summer sun. If you are unsure how hot your deck will be, get in touch and we can arrange for some samples to be dropped off for you to test.

We source our composites from a number of suppliers. Ridgewood supply our NewTechWood, Softwoods supply our Trex, Bluechip group supply our Deckorators, APR supply all APR products, and Bunnings supply our Ekodeck.

No. Composites have been designed to have traction when wet. Deckorators Voyage is particularly slip resistant when wet.

The most common composites we install are Trex, Deckorators, NewTechWood, Evalast, EkoDeck and APR. You can find out more about each on our website here.

We have also installed Modwood, Millboard, TimberTech, HardieDeck, EnduraDeck, EzyWood, FutureWood, BriteDecking and more.

Yes. All composites are termite proof.

No. All composite decking boards are maintenance free.

No. Your composite deck will never need sanding.

Each timber species has unique characteristics. The most dense decking Timber is Ironbark. Ironbark is an Australian hardwood that is extremely hard wearing and has fantastic colour variations. You can find out more decking timbers on our Decking timbers page.

We use a range of timber species. Ironbark, Spotted Gum and Blackbutt are the most common Australian native species. Merbau and Kapur are popular imported hardwoods. You can find out more about decking timbers here.

Although we specialise in quality hardwood decks, we do occasionally install treated Pine decking. Treated Pine is the cheapest decking material available and comes with its limitations. Wherever possible we recommend using hardwood decking instead of treated pine.

Yes. All timber decks need maintenance. We oil the undersides of all timber decking boards prior to installation. We sand and oil every timber deck on completion. After the first coat of oil we have applied, your deck will need an additional coat within a month.

Decks exposed to the weather will need a coat of oil every six months. 

undercover decks only require a coat of oil every year. 

Any deck close to a pool, spa, or in a coastal area  will need a coat of oil more frequently.

We source our timber from a number of suppliers in South Australia and further afield. We source timber from Ridgewood, Bettawood, Softwoods, and Pyrenees Timber

Some timber species such as Ironbark, Spotted Gum and Merbau are naturally termite resistant. There are also some softwood timber decking boards that are treated against termites such as IronAsh and LOSP Pine.

We use Intergrain nature’s timber oil on our decks. It is a penetrating oil that preserves timber. Penetrating oils do not need to be removed before additional coats are applied. Penetrating oils will enhance the natural beauty of your deck. 

If you want to preserve your timber deck but would like the colour to naturally bleach and silver in the sun, we recommend using universal timber oil. 

We strongly urge against using any film-forming deck finishes. These finishes sit on top of timber instead of penetrating into it. Film-forming finishes look more like paint than oil, and may need to be removed before a fresh coat of finish can be applied. Though often sold as a quick and easy solution, film-forming finishes require a lot more work than penetrating oils in the long run.

Intergrain natures timber oil is available from Bunnings, Inspirations, and most mitre 10’s 

Find your nearest stockist here.

Yes. All timber changes colour as it ages. The sun and rain will lighten the colour of your timber deck. Regular oiling will minimise the bleaching effect and add colour back to the timber. If you would like your deck to naturally bleach and silver in the sun, Intergrain universal oil will protect your deck while it fades. 

Regularly oiling your deck will minimise the need for sanding. If your deck is left unmaintained the timber grain will begin to open and splinter. Once the grain starts to open and splinter your deck will need to be sanded before it is re-oiled. If your deck has been oiled with a film forming finish, and the finish is unevenly worn, the finish will need to be removed before your deck is re-oiled.

No. We only maintain decks we have built. You’re best to get in touch with a decking maintenance specialist.

Absolutely! Just get in touch and we will arrange a time to meet with you, discuss and measure up your project. 

No.  Decking boards cannot be fixed directly to a concrete slab. Battens are  fixed to the concrete slab first, and then decking boards are fixed to the battens.

 If you have more than 60mm between your concrete slab and your finished deck height, get in touch and we will meet you onsite and measure up and quote your deck.

If you have less than 60mm clearance, unfortunately there is not enough clearance for a deck.

No. Deck framing needs to sit above the ground. Deck framing is a load bearing structure. It needs to be supported  by much more than by just sitting on the ground.

Absolutely! Replacing old decking boards while leaving the existing deck frame is called a “Re-clad”. As long as your existing deck frame is in good condition we can re-clad your deck. If you are unsure if your frame is in good condition, get in touch and we will arrange a time to meet with you onsite to assess your deck.

We source our fixings from a number of suppliers. We source most of our fixings from All fasteners and SA Building supplies.

Occasionally decks require council approval This depends on a few things- deck height, distance from your boundary, and BAL rating. Get in touch and we can meet you onsite to assess whether we will need to submit your deck for council approval.

We use PBS, a private certifier, for all council submissions. Typically Council approval takes between 6 and 10 weeks.

Absolutely! We regularly build decks around pools and spas. We strongly recommend using composite decking around pools as timber decking around pools requires a lot of maintenance.

All covered pergolas will need council approval. Other factors such as Distance from boundary and BAL rating may also trigger council approval. We can discuss this with you when we meet onsite.

• You get in touch with Spruce via phone, email or online enquiry form 
• We will book a time to meet with you onsite
• We meet onsite to measure up and discuss designs
• We email you a quote and plan for the works we discussed
• You make any adjustments to the design or scope of works you would like
• Once you are happy with the design, scope of works and price, you sign the quote and return it to us
• We submit to council (if needed)
• If required by council we adjust the design
• Council approval granted
• We send you a deposit invoice of 50% of the total cost for you to pay
• We schedule your works
• We order materials and arrange their delivery to site
• We start works. The first day onsite we will meet with you and run through our plan for the entire project.
• We finish works
• We leave the site clean and tidy
• We send you a Final invoice.
• You enjoy your new deck/pergola

No. Delivery can be made with no one home.  If there is a particular place you would like the materials dropped, let Spruce know prior to delivery. Please keep in mind the majority of timber deliveries will be with a small crane truck. Unfortunately we cannot tell you the time materials will be delivered.

The Gap between decking boards is 5mm. This is the same for timber decking and composite decking. The gap allows decking boards to expand and contract with the seasons. If installed without a gap, boards can buckle cup and twist as they expand with the seasons.

Yes! Ventilation of your deck is important when using timber decking boards. If your deck is low, ventilation is especially important.

Yes! Rain water will fall between your decking boards and onto the ground beneath your deck so drainage is important. If the area you would like your deck built holds water or is flooded in winter, install a drain or slope the soil to make sure water will not pool under your deck.

If you are handy and have the required tools, it is possible to build your own deck. Just keep the Australian building standards span charts in mind when selecting structural members. Take your time, plan out your deck before you start, and don’t underestimate the amount of labour required!

No. Decking tiles are a DIY solution. The decks we built are permanent structures, built to Australian building standards.

Yes. All our framing timbers are treated to a minimum of H3 level. This treatment is to prevent termites and rot. All our decks are built with posts treated to a minimum of H4. This treatment allows them to be concreted in the ground. If you live in an extreme termite area we can increase the termite resistance of your deck/pergola by using alternative materials. You can find out more about H-level treatments here.

We work throughout the  Adelaide CBD and in every suburb of Adelaide, plus the Adelaide Hills. We will also travel further afield into rural South Australia for some jobs.

Spruce was founded in July 2014. We have been specialising in decks and pergolas since July 2015.

We specialise in decks and timber pergolas. We also build decked screens, decked bench seats, decked planter boxes, decked ramps and timber steps.

Payments can be made via bank transfer (preferred), cheque, or cash.

“A pergola is a great way to add value to your property while also adding to the beauty of your home, making it a good and worthwhile investment…” Read more here

No. We install a termite barrier between our deck and your home. The barrier is to protect your home from termites. It is important to check that our barrier is compatible with your existing home protection system. If you are unsure, get in touch with Spruce to discuss.

It depends on what will suit the area. Decking is often used to complement Paving, grass, concrete, and soft landscaping.