The best decking materials in New Zealand

There are many different decking materials available in New Zealand which can make choosing the best option for your home, all the more challenging. Each has its own characteristics in terms of form and function, suited to different applications and environments. Luckily, we’ve covered the most common types of decking materials that you can get in this country, looking at their strengths and weaknesses so you can decide what will be the best fit for your home.

Natural wood is the classic and most popular option for decks in New Zealand with many different types of wood species to choose from. This includes both native and exotic softwood and hardwood timbers, with differences in physical characteristics that may just surprise you. The pros and cons of the main types of timber decking materials are as follows.

Cedar

The cedar deck is a favourite material for many deck builders because of its natural aesthetic. It fits well with several housing styles and naturally resists rot and insects. It's also an excellent material for winters in cold parts of the country as it won’t crack easily in low temperatures.

Macrocarpa

A macrocarpa deck is one that you will be able to trust. Naturally resistant to rot and damage from insects, it’s an especially ideal choice for humid locations. Its tight grain and honey-like colour give warm and welcoming vibes to all.

Pine

A readily available and cost-effective choice, pine decking represents a solid softwood timber choice that is easy to work. It is often treated to increase its resistance, make it more durable, and increase its lifespan.

Kwila

If you’re looking for a reliable hardwood decking choice, then Kwila, also known as Merbau is a great option to consider. As a tropical hardwood, it is naturally durable and resistant to insects and rot. Its appearance features both light and dark brown colourations.

Related article: 15 timber decking options - which is best for your home?

Another possibility is composite decking which is essentially a wood-plastic option that uses recycled wood composite and low-density plastics to create a durable material.

The presence of low-density plastic increases its longevity and helps keep the deck surface cool in the summer. It can also resist many potential threats, too, such as rot and insects.

Sometimes it can be more expensive than other options, however, it is a low-maintenance choice which means you will save money in the long run with less ongoing maintenance to worry about. It is also available in a wide range of styles and colours so you can really tailor the look quite specifically.

Another choice of deck material is aluminium which is a great long-term solution. It is a high-end option in terms of costs but it does have many strong qualities going for it which makes it quite an appealing choice.

First, aluminium is a durable and lightweight material. It requires less maintenance than many other materials, including popular wood choices. Aluminium decks also don't warp or crack so repairs are fairly uncommon. It can also look extremely stylish and modern, increasing your home’s visual appeal effortlessly. This also makes it a popular decking material option amongst designers and architects.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of. Metal decks can quickly become hot underfoot if the outdoor temperatures are high and they’re fully exposed to the sun. They sometimes also have less traction compared to other materials which could be an issue after wet weather.

The final decking option we'll discuss is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking materials. This option is 100% man-made and generally uses recycled materials.

Like wood composite materials, PVC decking is an almost maintenance-free option. You can also find it in several choices of colours and textures, giving you some great aesthetic options to explore. It often also resembles wood so you can achieve the classic aesthetic of wooden decking if you choose.

PVC decking materials also have a high degree of scratch resistance. It also avoids heat retention, allowing the deck to feel comfortable underfoot.

However, some homeowners feel that this material has a faux look which doesn’t suit their own tastes.

Related article: How to set up an ideal deck for New Zealand

As you can see, there are some fine choices available when it comes to decking materials, each with its own unique traits and benefits. The key is understanding the nature of your local climate and your own priorities in terms of budget, maintenance, longevity and aesthetics. In doing so, you’ll be able to quickly narrow down your options and pick a great material for building your dream deck in your home.

Top banner image credit: ShadowDeck™ BLACKBUTT Decking Timber by ShadowDeck