Thread: New timber deck

Hello everyone,
I have received three quotes to replace a timber deck (from treated pine to a hardwood) and to make some timber slat screens (with gates).

Deck is 3.5m x 8m ... is about a foot off the ground (if that makes any difference!).
Screens will both be about 5m wide and about 1.8m high. One screen needs a "normal" gate (screen is at rear of carport) and the other screen needs a pool safe gate (and pool safe gaps between slats).

I have two questions (because I have been receiving conflicting information from the guys giving me quotes):

1. What is the best timber to use for an outdoor deck that has a sun shade over it, but is exposed to the elements a little bit.
2. Approximately how much does a good hardwood decking board cost? One quote I've had for the deck and the two screens is $10k. Does that sound reasonable to anyone?

I'd like to know how much say, Merbau is per metre and then I can at least know what the materials are costing these fellows so that I can then determine what they are charging me for labour.

Any help would be appreciated.