5 Decking Options For Your New Zealand Deck! (Pro’s & Cons)
{Tauranga Deck Builders}
Before building your deck it pays to be informed about your material options and the pros and cons of different materials including; style and longevity.
There are three main choices when it comes to decking in New Zealand;
Hardwood, softwood and composite decking.
Composite decking is low to no maintenance and unlike alot of composite decking, we've sourced a product that doesn't burn your feet in the sun more than hardwood timber would. With it's low to no maintenance it's a great choice, however it's not for the budget conscious, as the materials work out roughly three times the price of hardwood.
Softwood such as pine, although the most affordable tends to warp and bend easily in the harsh New Zealand sun. We would only recommend this product if you're very budget conscious, or trying to match an existing deck.
Hardwood species tend to cost more than softwood but are longer lasting. Examples of hardwood decking in NZ include Kwila, Vitex and Garapa. Any of the above hardwoods are great decking options if you're looking for a long lasting and comparatively affordable yet good quality decking.
Kwilla- (Hardwood)
Pros
Beautiful warm red colour when kept oiled, otherwise can be left to grey off.
Hardwood timber so lasts longer than softwood.
Durable & Natural product.
Cons
Costs more than softwood timber.
Regular maintenance is best to keep it in optimal condition for longer including staining and cleaning.
2. Vitex (Hardwood)
Pros
Attractive light-coloured pale yellowish to creamy-grey appearance which will quickly age to a driftwood grey if left to weather.
Sourced from low-impact, village-based operations in the Solomon Islands
Naturally durable hardwood – chemical free.
Cons
Costs more than softwood timber.
Yearly cleaning important as can be prone to surface mould build-up.
Regular staining is best to keep it in optimal condition for longer.
3. Garapa (Hardwood)
Pros
Garapa is a beautiful golden coloured timber which will quickly age to a driftwood grey if left to weather
Durable, and good value.
Hardwood timber so lasts longer than softwood.
Cons
Costs more than softwood timber.
Regular maintenance is best to keep it in optimal condition for longer including staining and cleaning.
4. Pine (Softwood)
Pros
Versatile and affordable decking choice.
Natural product.
Cons
Often warps and shrinks with time. A pine deck in a sheltered spot for example under a porch, may continue to look great for years while the same deck exposed to the harsh NZ sun may warp quickly (sometimes within months).
Regular maintenance is best to keep it in optimal condition for longer including staining and cleaning.
5. Composite- Millboard Decking
Pros
NO PLASTIC - Unique resin-mineral core does not rot or deteriorate
Virtually no maintenance - Supplied pre-coloured, does not require any staining, oiling or colouring over the period of its life
Fade resistant, stain resistant & splinter free
Provides exceptional slip resistance, even in the wet
Environmentally friendly & Tested for UV and weathering (less than 5% fading over 25 years)
Low expansion & contraction rate (up to 0.2% over the length of a board)
Cons
Material is three times the price of hardwood timber.
Based in Tauranga or surrounds and ready to build your new deck? Get a no obligation quotation here now.