A deck or external stair is a piece of building work that lives outside in the Brisbane sun and rain — which means the right material choice, the right fixings and the right detailing matter more than they do for an indoor space. Cardinal Point builds timber decks, external stairs, balustrades and pergolas with finishes intended to last in this climate, not just look good on handover day.
The deck build sequence
Most decks fail at the connections — the bearer-to-post junctions, the flashings against the house, the balustrade fixings. We over-detail the things that nobody sees so the visible parts hold up.
Frequently asked
Do you cover Paddington and the Brisbane northwest for this service?
Yes — Cardinal Point is based in Paddington and we work across Red Hill, Alderley, Newstead, Chapel Hill, Albany Creek and the surrounding inner-northwest suburbs. If you are slightly outside that footprint, call us anyway. We routinely take on jobs further out when the project suits the team and we can schedule the trades efficiently. The first conversation is free and we will tell you up front whether your address is workable for us.
How does pricing work for decks & external stairs?
We do not publish fixed prices for decks & external stairs because every project is different — the scope, the existing structure, the finishes you want and the access on site all affect the number. After a free initial site visit we will give you a written quote that lays out the scope, the inclusions and the assumptions. From there pricing is straightforward and there are no hidden line items. If something changes during the build, we issue a written variation before the work happens, not after.
Are you licensed and insured for this work?
Yes. Cardinal Point Building Services holds QBCC Licence 1301792 (registered in the name of Cardinal Point Building Services Pty Ltd, ABN 24 159 620 989). All residential building work is covered under the QBCC's regulatory framework and statutory warranties apply where required. If you want to verify the licence yourself, the QBCC public register lets anyone search the licence number directly.
How long does a typical decks & external stairs project take?
Realistic timeframes depend on scope — a small carpentry repair might be a single day on site, while a two-storey extension can run for several months once council approvals are in. We give you an honest schedule estimate as part of the quote, including any sequencing dependencies (engineer sign-off, council approvals, lead times on imported materials). If something is genuinely difficult to estimate up front, we say so rather than pretend to know.
What does the booking and quoting process look like?
Send us an enquiry through the contact form or call David on 0410 620 890. We will book a site visit at a time that suits you — usually within a few days. The visit is free and David handles it personally. After that, you receive a written quote covering scope, inclusions, exclusions and a realistic timeline. Once you sign off, we schedule the start date and order any long-lead materials. We do not lock you in until you are ready.
What happens if something goes wrong after the job is done?
Workmanship on residential building work in Queensland is covered by QBCC statutory warranties — that is set by legislation, not by what we choose to offer. Beyond that, we do not vanish after handover. If you find a defect during the defects-liability period, contact David and we will come back to address it. The team takes pride in repeat work and referrals across Brisbane northwest, which only happens if previous clients are happy a year or two later.
What timber options do you recommend for Brisbane decks?
There is no single right answer — it depends on budget, the look you want and how much maintenance you are prepared to do. Hardwoods like spotted gum and blackbutt are the premium options and weather to a beautiful silver-grey if left unfinished. Treated pine is more affordable and works well when oiled or stained regularly. Composite decking has come a long way and is worth considering if you want zero-maintenance. We will walk you through the trade-offs at the site visit.
