How Much to Paint a Deck in NZ? (2025 Ultimate Guide)
Painting your deck is one of the easiest ways to give your outdoor area a facelift and protect it from New Zealand’s weather. But how much does it actually cost in 2025?
In this guide, we’ll break down the average costs, what affects prices, and help you budget properly for your deck painting project.
Quick Summary
- Average cost: $25–$50 per square metre
- Small deck (10m²): $250–$500
- Medium deck (20m²): $500–$1,000
- Large deck (40m²+): $1,000–$2,000+
Prices include prep, materials, and labour.
Average Deck Painting Prices in NZ
| Deck Size | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10m²) | $250 | $500 |
| Medium (20m²) | $500 | $1,000 |
| Large (40m²+) | $1,000 | $2,000+ |
Remember:
If your deck’s in bad condition and needs more prep, pay towards the high end.
What Affects the Cost of Painting a Deck?
Some things drive your project cost up or down:
| Factor | How It Affects Cost |
|---|---|
| Deck size | More costly decks but can potentially have higher rates per square metre |
| Preparation required | Stripping, sanding, and cleaning add more labour time |
| Deck state | Mould or damaged wood requires extra prep |
| Paint quality | More durable paints but more costly to purchase |
| Complexity | Stairs, balustrades, and trouble spots add to labour |
| Location | Labour rates vary around NZ — typically higher in urban areas |
| Professional or DIY | DIY saves on labour but costs more in time |
Labour vs. DIY Costs
Professional painters: Pay $50–$70 an hour or $25–$50 per square metre
DIY project:
- Paint & supplies: Around $150–$300
- Time: at least 1–2 days, depending on how big your deck is
If you’ve got the time and ability to do it yourself, DIY could save you a pretty penny, but do ensure you prepare things properly for a long-lasting finish.
What’s Involved in Professional Deck Painting?
When you hire a pro, the cost will generally include:
- Deck cleaning (old finish removal, dirt, moss)
- Sanding rough or delaminating patches
- Spot touch-up if required
- Priming if required
- Two coats exterior-grade decking paint
- Clean-up and rubbish disposal
Always make sure to know what’s included in your quote to avoid the surprise.
How Often Do I Paint My NZ Deck?
Every 2–5 years repaint under New Zealand’s extreme weather, depending on:
- Quality of paint used
- Sun
- Moisture and humidity
- Traffic
A good top-quality paint and decent preparation can get it to last 5 years or longer.
Tips for Saving Money on Deck Painting
- Prep the deck yourself to save on labor costs
- Get multiple bids from local painters
- Paint during the proper time of year — dry, warm weather is optimal
- Maintain your deck regularly to keep it clean and extend time between painting
What To Do Next
On average, painting a deck costs NZ $25–$50 per square metre, but the real price depends on the size, condition, and complexity of your deck. A professional finish ensures it lasts and looks great, or you can do it yourself and save money if you have the time.
What to do next:
- Measure your deck to get an idea of costs
- Get quotes from painters in your area
- Visit our other guides to painting for more tips
