Best Decking Materials to Support a Pergola in Australian Conditions

August 27, 2025

Best Decking Materials to Support a Pergola in Australian Conditions

A pergola with a deck makes an excellent addition to your home. The deck extends your living space and provides an even surface for outdoor furniture, while the pergola offers shade and helps protect your deck from the elements. Together, they can transform a simple backyard into an attractive, functional outdoor space for you to enjoy year-round. When looking into materials for outdoor structures like decking, patios, and pergolas, it’s important to take our Australian weather conditions into consideration. Durable materials are essential if you want to ensure they stand up against harsh sun, relentless rain, and more.

Building a Deck for a Pergola: Your Top Choices for Decking Materials

When building a deck, choosing high-quality materials is key. Not only does your deck need to withstand a range of environmental factors and weather conditions, it also needs to be strong enough to support a pergola. Today, there is an array of decking materials to choose from, with options that cater to different budgets, aesthetics, and levels of maintenance. These include:

Hardwood Timber

Classic hardwood timber suits modern and classic homes alike. Its durability makes it the ideal choice for supporting a pergola, as well as enduring harsh weather conditions. Popular varieties of hardwood timber for decking include Merbau, Ironbark, Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, and Jarrah. Choosing hardwood timber for your deck offers several benefits, such as:

Natural Resistance to Environmental Conditions: Many hardwoods are naturally resistant to rot, moisture, mould, and mildew, making them well-suited to Australia’s unpredictable climate.
Pest Resistance: Many species of hardwood have a natural resistance to pests such as termites, which are deterred by the wood’s natural oils.
Timeless Appeal: From the warm reddish-brown hue of Jarrah to the unique grain pattern of Spotted Gum, the classic charm of natural timber suits homes in a variety of styles. Painting or staining your timber deck allows for endless customisation.

Composite Timber

Looking to install a modern, low-maintenance deck for your pergola? Composite timber decking combines the aesthetic appeal of wood with the longevity of synthetic materials for a modern outdoor solution that suits a variety of homes. Composite timber also offers a range of benefits, including:

Resistance to the Elements: The synthetic element of composite timber helps prevent it from suffering moisture damage, rotting, and fading in the sun, allowing it to maintain a consistent appearance over its lifespan.
Pest Resistance: Pests such as termites typically don’t target composite timber, due to its synthetic nature.
Low Maintenance: Composite timber is very easy to maintain. With regular sweeping and the occasional scrub with soap and water, you can keep your composite timber deck in top shape.

Materials for Your Pergola on the Deck

While your choice of decking is paramount, the materials you choose for your pergola are of equal importance. This versatile outdoor structure must work double-duty to provide shade for you as well as helping to shield your deck. You also want to ensure that the materials you choose complement your deck design and boost the aesthetic appeal of your home. Some popular choices for pergolas include:

COLORBOND® Steel: This hard-wearing material is resistant to corrosion, fading, chipping, and flaking – ideal for standing up against harsh weather.
Polycarbonate Roofing: The perfect pick for a contemporary home, polycarbonate roofing lets in ample light while shielding you from glare and UV rays.
Timber: Timber accents add a warm, rustic feel to your pergola. Many varieties of timber are highly durable and will stand the test of time.

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Materials

Still trying to narrow down your choice? Questions to ask yourself include:

Do you live in a humid or coastal area? Ensure you choose materials that can hold up well against humid conditions. Composite decking is great for this purpose, as well as certain varieties of hardwood such as Jarrah and Merbau.
Are you looking to build a poolside deck? As your poolside deck will be frequently exposed to water, be sure to choose a material that’s resistant to moisture damage.
How much maintenance do you have the capacity for? Hardwood timber decking can be a great choice if you’re prepared to maintain it, while composite decking is ideal if low maintenance is your priority.
What is the aesthetic of your home? Sleek modern builds are suited to different combinations of materials than traditional, rustic homes.

The Importance of Quality Deck and Pergola Construction

If you want to ensure your decked pergola is secure and will withstand Australian conditions, enlisting the help of skilled professionals is essential. Reliable pergola, deck, and patio builders in Sydney can make sure that:

Your deck is built sturdily enough to withstand the added weight of a pergola
Your pergola is attached securely to the deck to ensure stability
High-quality materials are used in construction to ensure your pergola on the deck lasts

Professional Deck and Pergola Builders Near You

Ready to enhance your backyard with the perfect decked pergola? At Austek Home Improvements, we pride ourselves on our expert craftsmanship, as well as our use of sturdy, premium materials that are sourced from trusted manufacturers. Whether you’re planning your dream deck in Castle Hill or are seeking shade with a pergola in Blacktown, you can rely on us to create an outdoor oasis you can enjoy for years to come. Get in touch with us today for your free quote!