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✅ Quick answer: Exterior painting in Melbourne typically costs $7,000–$10,000 for a single-storey weatherboard home, or $5,000–$8,000 for a single-storey brick home, depending on surface condition and whether scaffolding is required. For an exact figure,
get a free on-site quote.
🎯 Key Takeaways: 2026 Exterior Snapshot
- Cost Per m²: Exterior rates generally range from $20 to $70 per square metre, depending on the surface.
- Weatherboard Premium: A single-storey weatherboard home typically costs between $7,000 and $10,000 to paint.
- Double-Storey: For 2-storey homes, expect costs to range from $10,000 to over $15,000 due to scaffolding and access needs.
- Scaffolding: Access equipment is a major variable that can add thousands to the final quote.
Investing in Curb Appeal
Whether it’s exterior painting in Northcote’s heritage weatherboards or exterior painting in Brighton’s modern brick builds, Melbourne’s diverse landscape demands a tailored approach.
At Golden Deco, we’ve completed exterior repaints on hundreds of homes across Melbourne — from heritage weatherboards to modern brick builds — so we know exactly how local conditions affect your exterior painting cost Melbourne-wide.
1. Cost per Square Metre: Surface Matters
When comparing exterior painting cost per square metre in Melbourne, the biggest factor is surface type. A painting cost brick vs weatherboard comparison typically shows brick and render costing less per m² (less prep needed), while weatherboard costs more due to the extra scraping, sanding, and priming each board requires.
In 2026, the material of your home is the primary driver of painting costs.
- Brick & Render ($25 – $45 per m²): Newer brick properties often require less preparation—typically light priming and top coats—keeping costs at the lower end.
- Weatherboard ($40 – $70+ per m²): These homes incur higher costs due to the need for extensive scraping, sanding, and gap filling. Weatherboards require a specialized primer to ensure the paint adheres to the timber effectively.
2. Total Estimated Costs by House Size
Labour rates in Victoria typically range between $45 and $80 per hour, influencing the total project price.
| House Type | Estimated Cost Range | Why? |
| Single-Storey Brick | $5,000 – $8,000 | Standard prep, easy access. |
| Single-Storey Weatherboard | $7,000 – $10,000 | High prep (sanding/filling) required. |
| Double-Storey Weatherboard | $10,000 – $15,000+ | Requires scaffolding and longer labour hours. |
Scaffolding and safe access are essential for multi-storey exteriorwork. This scaffolding cost typically adds thousands of dollars to a standard quote, depending on building height and site access.
3. The Hidden Cost: Scaffolding & Access
One of the most significant variables in an exterior quote is accessibility.
Multi-storey or “high-set” homes require scaffolding to meet Australian safety regulations. This isn’t just a safety measure; it ensures the painter can apply the paint evenly and properly.
- Impact: Access equipment can add thousands of dollars to a standard quote.
- Steep Sites: Properties on slopes requiring specialized rigging will see increased labour costs due to complexity.
4. Specialist Tips for Melbourne Weatherboards
Melbourne’s fluctuating climate demands proactive maintenance.
- Priority on Prep: Ensure your quote includes “extensive sanding and priming.” Skipping this leads to peeling walls within a few years.
- Mould Resistance: In damp suburbs, use mould-resistant paints to prevent rot.
- Bundle & Save: Consider painting fences, garage doors, and gutters in the same project to negotiate a package deal.
At Golden Deco, we are fully licensed and insured, carrying $20 million in public liability insurance, and have 20 years of hands-on experience painting exteriors across Melbourne. We’re happy to provide our ABN (88 639 630 069), insurance certificate of currency, and (where applicable) registration details on request. You can verify a builder’s registration directly through the Victorian Building Authority.
What Our Clients Say
Robin Rogers
Fantastic job by max and crew . Highly recommend. Fast , neat , courteous. No hassle. What so ever. Turn up on time and work the whole day . Cover everything and leave no mess . Would definitely use again
amir akhavan
Really happy with the painting and plastering work. The team was professional, on time, and paid attention to detail. Clean finish, great communication, and fair pricing. Highly recommend!
Conclusion
Think of painting a weatherboard home like maintaining a vehicle; you wouldn’t wait for the engine to fail before changing the oil. Applying a high-quality coat before the wood rots acts as “preventative maintenance,” saving you from the massive cost of replacing timber later.
Curious how exterior costs compare to interior work? Check out our complete house painting cost Melbourne guide for a full breakdown of both.
Ready to protect your home for the next decade?
Don’t let Melbourne’s weather damage your biggest asset. Get a detailed, itemized quote that covers everything from scaffolding to the final coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a 2-storey house in Melbourne?
A full exterior repaint for a two-storey weatherboard home typically ranges between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on access difficulty and surface condition.
Do I need scaffolding to paint my house in Melbourne?
Yes, for most double-storey homes, scaffolding is required to comply with safety regulations. It ensures painters can work safely and deliver a high-quality finish.
Is painting over brick expensive?
Painting brick is generally cheaper than weatherboard because it requires less intensive preparation (scraping/sanding). Costs for brick usually sit at the lower end of the spectrum.
What is the best time to paint exterior in Melbourne?
Spring and Summer are ideal for faster drying. Booking in the “off-peak” season (early Spring) can sometimes secure better pricing and flexibility.
How long does exterior paint last in Melbourne’s climate?
A quality exterior paint job typically lasts 7–10 years in Melbourne, depending on sun exposure, surface type, and paint quality. Weatherboards in harsh, sun-exposed positions may need attention sooner than sheltered brick or render surfaces.
Can I paint my house exterior myself to save money?
DIY exterior painting can save on labour costs, but scaffolding hire, surface preparation, and paint materials still add up — and mistakes in prep (like skipping primer on weatherboard) often cost more to fix later than a professional quote would have. For anything above single-storey or with scaffolding involved, hiring a licensed painter is safer and usually more cost-effective long term.
Does exterior painting cost more in winter?
Exterior painting cost Melbourne-wide doesn’t usually change by season, but availability does — many painters are busiest in spring and pre-summer. Booking in the quieter winter months can sometimes mean more flexible pricing and scheduling, though weather-dependent delays are more likely.
