With summer approaching—the season of BBQs, family holidays, and lazy afternoons outdoors—there’s no better time to build a deck. If you ever decide to sell, a well-built deck can transform your living space and add substantial value to your home.
The first challenge when building a deck is choosing the right timber. With so many types of decking available in New Zealand, it can be overwhelming to decide which is best. But don’t worry—we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll break down the most popular decking materials in NZ, highlighting their pros and cons so you can make an informed choice.
Pine: The classic Kiwi choice
First up, pine—specifically radiata pine. Pine is one of the most popular decking materials in New Zealand, largely because it’s affordable and readily available. Treated pine decking is cost-effective yet durable enough to withstand the country’s unique weather conditions. Unlike some other types of decking, pine is usually easy to source, with few supply chain issues affecting its availability.
The Breakdown: Is pine for you?
Pine is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Treated pine will withstand New Zealand’s weather for years with proper maintenance. Pine also takes well to stains and paints, making it ideal if you’re after a custom colour or style that might not suit a pricier hardwood. However, pine decking requires regular staining or painting to protect it from the elements, generally more frequently than hardwood options.
Pine decking could be the perfect fit if you’re looking for an affordable choice and don’t mind some upkeep over the years.
Kwila: The durable hardwood
Next is Kwila, also known as Merbau. This rich, reddish-brown hardwood is renowned for its durability, making it a popular choice for decking. Kwila’s beautiful grain is enhanced with a bit of careful staining, resulting in a stunning, hard-wearing and eye-catching finish.
The Breakdown: Is Kwila for you?
Kwila is highly resistant to weather, rot, and pests, making it ideal for a deck that will last for decades. It’s especially appealing if you like the look of dark wood with a strong, distinctive grain. Another advantage is that Kwila requires relatively low maintenance: a soft wash every six months and an annual re-oiling are usually enough to keep it looking its best.
However, kwila is more expensive than pine, so it might not suit every budget. If you’re looking for a durable, attractive deck with minimal upkeep and are willing to invest a bit more, Kwila could be the right choice.
Mahogany: Premium, premium, premium
Finally, let’s talk about mahogany—a premium hardwood often sourced from tropical regions, such as Fijian mahogany. This luxurious option is popular among Kiwis who want to make a statement with their deck. But mahogany isn’t just for show; it’s incredibly durable, easily enduring New Zealand’s rain, sun, and UV exposure.
The Breakdown: Is mahogany for You?
Mahogany is naturally beautiful, with colours ranging from pinkish-red to rich brown. It’s also one of the most environmentally friendly timbers, often sourced from sustainable plantations. The dense, close-grained wood is highly resistant to weathering, pests, and even UV rays, so it requires minimal maintenance and offers long-lasting performance.
In short, mahogany is a premium material with a price to match. But if you have the budget, its durability and aesthetic appeal make it a worthwhile investment for a dream deck.
Explore our range of decking options at Woodmart
Woodmart offers various decking materials, including pine, Kwila, Vitex, and mahogany, all at competitive prices. Whether after something budget-friendly or premium, we have the perfect timber for your project.
And if you’re unsure which timber suits your needs best, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. We’re here to help you make the right choice for your deck.
