How much does a jetty rebuild cost on the Gold Coast?

Full timber jetty rebuild on the Gold Coast canals runs $1,800–$3,200 per lineal metre depending on width, pile count, and finish. A typical 8m × 2.5m jetty rebuild lands $18,000–$28,000. Add $14,000–$32,000 for a floating pontoon connected via gangway. Heritage hardwood F17 grade and 316 stainless are our default.

How long does a jetty rebuild take?

Standard 8m × 2.5m timber jetty rebuild: 5–8 working days on water. Pontoon installation: additional 2–3 days. MSQ tidal-zone approval coordinated upfront (4–8 weeks) so the build runs unblocked.

Can I rebuild over the existing piles?

Sometimes — if the existing piles are within their service life and meet current loading. We extract one to assess condition. Most 25+ year old jetties need pile replacement; pile lifespan in salt+tide is typically 30–50 years for F17 hardwood.

Real 2026 per-metre numbers

Jetty rebuild costs on the Gold Coast canals.

Three jetty configurations, three honest price ranges, the MSQ tidal approval process, and the F17 hardwood spec that makes a 50-year jetty vs a 20-year jetty.

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The three jetty types, per lineal metre.

Standard timber jetty (2.5m wide) — $1,800–$3,200/lm.

F17 hardwood deck (Spotted Gum, Ironbark, Tallowwood), F17 stringers, galvanised steel pile sleeves over 316 stainless rod core, full 316 stainless fixings. 1200mm freeboard at MHW. Lifespan 30–50 years.

Wide timber jetty (3.5m wide) — $2,400–$4,200/lm.

Same hardwood spec, wider for entertaining or boat-launching. Extra piles, extra deck area. Common at premium Sanctuary Cove and Sovereign Islands properties.

Pontoon (concrete-floating) — $14,000–$32,000 turnkey.

BIA-approved concrete-floating pontoon. Galvanised steel piles (mooring), aluminium gangway from fixed jetty. Sizes range from 6m × 3m up to 12m × 4m. Pontoon installation page.

Worked example

What an 8m × 2.5m Hope Island rebuild costs.

Demolition of existing jetty + barge removal: $4,200
New piles (6 piles, F17 hardwood + 316 SS core): $11,400
F17 hardwood deck stringers + decking: $8,800
316 SS fixings + handrail: $1,640
MSQ tidal-zone approval + drawings: $1,840
Marine engineer’s certification: $1,200
Barge access fee (canal entry permit): $640
Total: $29,720 incl. GST

$1,485/m² for the new jetty + demo. Lower-mid range for Hope Island canal-frontage work.

The MSQ approval process.

Maritime Safety Queensland regulates ALL works in the tidal zone, including jetty rebuild. Process:

Application lodged with engineered drawings (we handle): $620 lodgement fee
MSQ assessment (4–8 weeks)
If approved: 6-month construction window granted
Marine engineer’s certification at completion
MSQ final inspection

For like-for-like rebuilds (same footprint, same height), the process is typically smoother. For larger rebuilds, expect to add 4–6 weeks for community consultation and possible objection period.

F17 hardwood standard

Why we don’t use anything else.

F17 is a strength grade for hardwood timber under AS 1684 / AS 1720. F17 hardwoods (Spotted Gum, Tallowwood, Ironbark, Turpentine, Grey Box) are the only species suitable for marine in-ground structural use.

Class 1 durability (heart) in salt-water immersion
Bending strength 17 MPa — double softwood
Density 800–1100 kg/m³ — resists marine borers and worms
50–80 year typical service life in tidal zone

F17 hardwood costs ~$3,600/m³ supplied. F8 softwood (treated pine) costs ~$1,200/m³. Lifespan ratio is 4–6x. Honest economics choose F17 every time for marine work.

Where we work.

Paradise Point Sovereign Islands Sanctuary Cove Hope Island Runaway Bay All Gold Coast canal frontage

Free canal survey + condition report.

We assess your existing jetty in 60 minutes, send written report and quote within 5 business days.

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