Spotted gum decking typically costs $25-$55 per square foot installed in the United States, with imported boards, labor, deck height, and availability driving the quote. For a 300-square-foot deck, that is roughly $7,500-$16,500 before major framing repairs or complex railings.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decking boards | $8/sq ft | $12/sq ft | $18/sq ft | Board grade, width, and import availability |
| Installed deck surface | $25/sq ft | $38/sq ft | $55/sq ft | Labor and standard fastening included |
| 300-sq-ft project | $7,500 | $11,400 | $16,500 | Assumes existing framing is serviceable |
| Oil finish | $1/sq ft | $2/sq ft | $4/sq ft | Usually quoted separately |
What Spotted Gum Decking Costs for a 300-Square-Foot Deck
Budget about $7,500-$16,500 for a straightforward 300-square-foot installation. Lower quotes generally assume standard-width boards, accessible ground-level framing, and a simple rectangular layout. Higher quotes may reflect premium or wider boards, elevated construction, regional labor rates, or added stairs and trim.
Material-only pricing often falls around $8-$18 per square foot, before waste and freight. A typical installed estimate for standard boards and ordinary site access is about $30-$45 per square foot. Spotted gum is a dense Australian hardwood, so installers may need predrilling and hardwood-rated fasteners; it should not be priced like basic pressure-treated lumber.
Assumptions: U.S. retail supply, standard-grade boards, 10% waste allowance, and sound existing framing.
How Board, Labor, and Fastener Charges Shape the Quote
Boards and installation labor usually make up most of the surface-decking price. Imported hardwood supply can vary, so quotes should identify board grade, dimensions, shipping, and whether prices include sales tax.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers | Common price driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotted gum boards | $8-$18/sq ft | Decking stock before installation | Grade, width, and supply |
| Installation labor | $10-$22/sq ft | Cutting, fitting, and fastening | Layout and access |
| Fasteners and clips | $2-$5/sq ft | Stainless screws or compatible clips | Hidden versus face fastening |
| Freight and delivery | $250-$1,200/job | Supplier-to-site transport | Distance and order size |
| Oil and application | $1-$4/sq ft | Initial finish, if specified | Product and preparation |
For planning, hardwood decking labor may run $60-$100 per worker-hour; a 300-square-foot surface can take a two-person crew roughly 3-5 workdays, depending on cuts and access.
Why Board Width, Deck Height, and Waste Change the Price
Board specifications and site geometry can shift the estimate by several dollars per square foot. Wider boards or specialty profiles may cost 10%-30% more than standard stock when available, while a diagonal or intricate pattern can add 10%-20% in labor and offcut waste. A simple straight-board layout is generally the least labor-intensive.
Allow about 8%-12% extra board length for a rectangular deck; diagonal layouts or many corners can require 15%-20%. Elevated decks more than 6 feet above grade may need scaffolding, extra safety measures, or structural upgrades. If existing joists are spaced wider than the decking maker permits, adding blocking or reducing spacing can add roughly $3-$10 per square foot of affected area.
Can a Standard Layout or Board Order Lower Your Bill?
A simple shape and a carefully measured order are two controllable ways to limit waste. Keep board direction consistent, reduce small jogs, and confirm the actual coverage width before ordering. A supplier’s stated board width may include a gap or refer to nominal dimensions, so the installer should calculate coverage using the proposed spacing.
Ask for separate prices for boards, freight, fasteners, labor, and finish. Compare at least three quotes using the same board dimensions and fastening method. Avoid choosing a low bid that excludes delivery, waste, or predrilling. If the frame is sound, resurfacing can avoid the cost of a full structural rebuild.
What a 300-Square-Foot Installation Quote Might Include
These examples show how scope, rather than area alone, changes the total. They assume the project uses spotted gum boards and does not require a new foundation.
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Basic ground-level surface: 300 square feet at about $30 per square foot, with standard straight layout and existing framing, totals around $9,000.
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Typical mid-range job: 300 square feet at about $40 per square foot, including standard stainless fasteners, moderate trimming, and delivery, totals around $12,000.
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Elevated or detailed deck: 300 square feet at about $52 per square foot, with harder access, added cuts, and premium board selection, totals around $15,600; stairs or railings may be additional.
How U.S. Freight and Local Labor Affect Hardwood Prices
Imported stock and local installation rates can make the same deck price differently across the country. Freight-heavy or lower-stock markets may run 5%-15% above a well-supplied metro quote. In high-cost coastal cities, labor can add another 10%-25% compared with many suburban or rural markets. These differences are not automatic: a large order, nearby distributor, or slow season may offset them.
Confirm whether the quote includes delivery to the property, unloading, and any residential access charge. For remote locations, freight may be quoted as a flat fee rather than a per-square-foot rate. Comparing delivered board prices is more useful than comparing advertised material prices alone.
What Adds Cost Before the First Spotted Gum Board Goes Down?
Removal, frame repairs, and access work are often excluded from a decking-only rate. Removing old boards can add about $3-$8 per square foot, with disposal fees commonly adding $200-$800 depending on volume and local rules. Replacing damaged joists or ledger connections is usually priced after inspection; localized repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, while extensive framing work can add thousands.
Stairs, fascia, railing, and lighting should appear as separate quote lines. A new railing can add roughly $40-$120 per linear foot, depending on material and height. Permit and inspection charges vary by jurisdiction; elevated decks or structural changes are more likely to require review than a simple surface replacement.
Is Spotted Gum Worth Its Price Compared With Ipe?
Spotted gum and ipe are both premium hardwood choices, but supply and installation details matter as much as species. Spotted gum board pricing may be competitive when a local importer has stock, while ipe can cost more or less depending on grade, board length, and market availability. Cumaru is another hardwood alternative and is often quoted at a lower material price, though delivered prices vary.
Compare complete installed quotes, not just the cost per board. Dense hardwoods may all require specialized cutting, predrilling, and compatible fasteners. Ask for written details on finish, spacing, expected color change, maintenance recommendations, and warranty limits. Oil can help preserve a richer appearance, but it does not eliminate weathering or periodic upkeep.