Decking Services

Trusted Decking Professionals

ALKEN Built has been designing and constructing outdoor living spaces for over 15 years.

Your deck should be more than just an addition; it should be a natural extension of your home. Whether it’s hosting friends or unwinding at the end of the day, we design and build custom decks made for everyday living.

We work with a carefully selected range of materials, from beautiful Australian hardwoods to high-performance composite decking, creating outdoor spaces that combine timeless style with long-lasting durability and minimal maintenance.

COMPOSITE

Why choose composite decking?

Composite decking is manufactured from a blend of recycled timber fibres and recycled plastics, combined with bonding agents and protective coatings to create a highly durable outdoor decking board. The result is a long-lasting, low-maintenance surface designed to handle Australian outdoor conditions. At ALKEN Built, we install a range of high-quality composite decking products from some of Australia’s leading manufacturers, giving our clients a variety of colours, textures, and finishes to suit different homes and styles.

One of the biggest advantages of composite decking is the minimal maintenance required. Unlike traditional timber, composite boards don’t require ongoing oiling, staining, or sealing, and they won’t splinter, making them a great option for families with children and pets. Most modern composite decking ranges are also designed to resist fading and staining, maintaining consistent colour over time. Many products come with warranties of 25 years or more, making them a durable and practical choice for busy households, investment properties, poolside areas, and outdoor spaces that see regular use.

This option allows homeowners to enjoy the look of a modern deck without the ongoing upkeep, while still providing a strong, stable surface built to last through Central Victoria’s changing seasons.

HARDWOOD

Why Choose Australian Timber Decking in Central Victoria?

For homeowners across Central Victoria,Australian hardwood decking remains a timeless and reliable choice. Spotted gum, Victorian ash, and blackbutt are three of the more popular Australian hardwoods, known for their natural beauty, strength, and durability in Australian conditions. Each board features unique grain patterns and colour variations, creating a warm, authentic finish that adds real character to your outdoor space. Another popular option is merbau decking. While it’s not an Australian species, merbau has long been a fan favourite thanks to its rich colour, durability, and proven track record in outdoor environments. With the right installation and maintenance, hardwood decking offers a natural, long-lasting finish that suits both modern homes and classic outdoor spaces.

Our Process

We start with a quick phone call to learn more about your project, the space you’re working with, and what you’d like to create.

1. Initial Conversation

If the project looks like a good fit, we arrange a site visit to assess the area and talk through suitable options, including Australian hardwood or premium composite decking solutions. We can also bring along samples of various decking boards so you can see the colours and finishes in person.

2. Site Visit & Options

Where required, we can arrange concept designs to help visualise the layout and overall look of your new outdoor space.

3. Design & Planning

You’ll receive a detailed scope of works outlining exactly what will be included in your project, along with a clear fixed contract price.

4. Scope of Works & Fixed Price

If permits are required, we assist in navigating the building permit and council process before scheduling construction and bringing your project to life.

5. Approvals & Construction

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Spotted Gum and Merbau are both popular hardwood decking options known for their strength and durability, but they differ in colour, origin, and maintenance requirements.

    Spotted Gum is an Australian native hardwood with natural colour variation ranging from light browns through to darker earthy tones. It has a distinctive grain pattern and is highly durable, making it well suited to Australian conditions. Many homeowners choose Spotted Gum for its natural appearance and because it is locally sourced.

    Merbau is an imported hardwood commonly used for decking. It has a rich reddish-brown colour that gives decks a warm, classic look. Merbau is also very strong and long-lasting, however it can release natural tannins when new, which may cause staining on nearby concrete or paving if not managed during installation.

    Both timbers are excellent choices for outdoor decking. The best option often comes down to the appearance you prefer and the surrounding environment of your home. During our site visits, we are happy to show timber samples and talk through the pros and cons of each option to help you choose the right material for your project.

  • Australian hardwood decking is extremely durable. When properly installed and maintained, timbers such as Spotted Gum, Vic Ash, and Blackbutt can last 25–40 years or more.

    These dense hardwoods are naturally resistant to rot, insects, and harsh weather, making them ideal for outdoor decking in Australian conditions. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling will help maintain the timber’s appearance and extend its lifespan.

  • Hardwood decking benefits from annual cleaning and oiling to keep it looking its best and protected from the elements.

    If left untreated, the timber will naturally weather to a soft grey patina over time, while still remaining structurally strong and durable. Regular maintenance simply helps preserve the timber’s original colour and extends the life of the deck.

  • Spotted Gum and other Australian native hardwoods are locally sourced within Australia. We aim to use timber supplied through certified and sustainable suppliers, giving homeowners confidence in the quality and environmental responsibility of the materials used.

    Merbau, on the other hand, is typically imported from Southeast Asia, but reputable suppliers provide Merbau that is sourced through regulated and certified supply chains.

  • It often comes down to the look you’re drawn to. Merbau features deeper, richer tones that suit more traditional or classic home styles, while Spotted Gum offers lighter shades with natural colour variation, making it a great fit for contemporary designs.

    Both timbers provide excellent strength and durability. During your consultation, we’re happy to bring samples so you can see the colour and grain in person and choose what best suits your home.