If you’ve been daydreaming about lazy summer afternoons on a timber deck, or hosting barbies with friends in the backyard, now’s the time to turn those dreams into plans. While it might feel a bit chilly in August, that’s exactly why this month is the perfect time to get started on your deck project.
Waiting until spring or summer to organise everything often means tradies are booked out, suppliers are low on stock, and you end up paying more or settling for rushed jobs. By planning ahead now, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to design the deck you actually want – not the one you had to compromise on.
Let’s break down why August is the ideal month for planning (and even starting) your deck, what steps are involved, and who to call when you’re ready to get it built.
Spring in Australia is prime time for home improvement. As soon as the weather warms up, everyone’s suddenly thinking about outdoor spaces – new decks, fresh landscaping, pool fencing, pergolas, you name it.
The problem? Tradies get snapped up quickly. Carpenters, builders, and even landscapers can book out weeks (sometimes months) in advance. If you wait until October or November to start making calls, you may struggle to find someone available before summer really kicks in.
By reaching out in August, you’re ahead of the pack. You’ll have your pick of experienced tradies and can lock in the best ones before everyone else comes knocking.
A good deck isn’t just a flat surface nailed together. It needs planning – the right size, layout, materials, and compliance with council regulations. Rushing through this stage often leads to headaches down the track.
August gives you breathing room to:
Decide on the design – Do you want a simple rectangle or something more custom?
Think about functionality – Will you need built-in seating, storage, or space for a barbecue?
Choose materials – Timber (like spotted gum or merbau) has a different look and lifespan compared to composite decking.
Get quotes – Comparing prices now saves you from inflated “peak season” costs later.
This planning phase doesn’t feel stressful in winter because you’re not racing against the clock to finish before Christmas.
You might think cold weather is a barrier, but August is actually a great month for outdoor construction.
For one, tradies prefer working in cooler conditions – nobody enjoys laying a deck in the middle of a 35-degree scorcher. On top of that, the timber itself is easier to handle in mild weather, reducing issues like warping or expansion.
By the time your deck is ready, spring will have just rolled around – and you’ll be set to enjoy it as soon as the first warm weekend arrives.
Everyone knows costs can creep up when demand is high. Tradies are flat out in late spring and summer, which means quotes may reflect that busy period. Suppliers can also run out of popular timber varieties, forcing you to choose alternatives you may not love – or pay more for them.
Starting in August means you’re ahead of price spikes and shortages. You can source the exact decking boards you want, and tradies may be more flexible with their rates when their calendars aren’t yet full.
In many councils around Australia, decks over a certain height or size require approval. Depending on where you live, this process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.
If you leave your planning until September or October, there’s a chance your paperwork won’t be approved in time to build before Christmas. By starting in August, you’ve got a clear runway to sort through any red tape.
A good tradie can guide you through this process, ensuring your deck ticks all the right boxes.
Here’s the best part: if you plan now and get building underway soon, you’ll have your deck ready by spring. That means you get to enjoy it for the full stretch of warm weather – from the first September brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations and beyond.
Wait too long, and you might not have it ready until halfway through summer – or worse, autumn. Planning in August gives you the maximum return on your investment in terms of usable time.
Thinking about a deck is one thing – actually getting it built is another. Here’s a simple way to kick things off this August:
Gather inspiration – Look at magazines, Pinterest, or neighbours’ decks for ideas.
Measure your space – Work out how much room you want to dedicate to the deck.
Set a budget – Factor in not just materials, but also labour, permits, and extras like lighting or railings.
Post your job – This is where ServiceSeeking.com.au makes life easy. You can post your decking job online, set your budget, and get quotes from local tradies quickly.
Compare and choose – Check reviews, compare pricing, and pick the tradie who feels like the best fit.
Finding the right tradie can feel overwhelming – there are just so many options, and it’s hard to know who’s reliable. That’s where ServiceSeeking.com.au takes the hassle out of the process.
Fast quotes – You’ll get multiple responses from interested tradies in your area.
Verified reviews – See what other Aussies say about the tradies before you hire.
Budget-friendly – Compare prices and choose someone who matches your budget.
Peace of mind – The tradies on the platform know they’re competing for your business, so they’ll put their best foot forward.
Instead of cold-calling and waiting for callbacks, you can have tradies reach out to you, ready to get started.
August might not be the month most people associate with outdoor entertaining, but that’s exactly why it’s the best time to plan your deck. You’ll avoid the spring rush, get better access to tradies and materials, and have everything ready just in time for the warm weather.
So, if a new deck is on your wishlist this year, don’t wait until the crowds catch on. Post your decking job on ServiceSeeking.com.au, connect with skilled tradies near you, and get the ball rolling today.
By the time summer hits, you’ll be clinking glasses, flipping snags, and enjoying your brand-new deck – knowing you were smart enough to plan ahead.