Outdoor Decking Systems

Timber decking is popular, and arguably a quintessential part of residential New Zealand architecture. Locally grown pine and macrocarpa and tropical hardwoods are generally the top choices for timber decking, with pine and macrocarpa the most cost-effective option.

Hardwoods are generally tropical timbers such as kwila, garapa, jarrah, purple heart and vitex, which are much stronger than pine, and less likely to cup and warp over time. Kwila is generally accepted as the best performing hardwood for New Zealand conditions.

Outdoor Timber decking requires yearly maintenance, including staining, sanding to remove any splinters, and cleaning to remove any moss or mould growth. 

Composite timber decking is manufactured with a combination of materials, most commonly a mix of recycled wood fibre, plastic and a binding agent to create a timber-look product that is stronger and generally more durable than its solid timber counterpart. 

Visually, it is almost indistinguishable from solid timber, which has led to its rising popularity in New Zealand as a solid timber alternative.

Composite decking can create a very natural look while offering a virtually maintenance-free decking option. Due to its makeup, it doesn’t require staining, oiling, painting or other regular maintenance as solid timber does. Depending on the type of composite chosen, it can also be non-slip, an advantage when used around the pool or wet areas. 

Also unlike solid timber, composite decking won’t warp, cup or splinter over time. However, depending on the type of composite chosen, it can be affected by exposure to UV light. This is more so with those composites that incorporate a higher ratio of plastic so it’s important to understand what the product you choose is made with. 

Bamboo is a newcomer to the outdoor decking market, but its benefits are many. Bamboo is known as one of the most renewable plant sources due to its ability to reach maturity in as little as five years, with wood being harvested repeatedly from the same plant. 

Bamboo eco decking is manufactured with dried strips of bamboo that is glued together into a solid plank. This process allows for a hard-wearing, durable decking material that, like composite decking, can create a very natural aesthetic while removing the need for ongoing maintenance.

Most timber decking, including composite decking boards, has a non-slip treatment factory applied to it to reduce the risk of falls when wet. 

A great solution for DIY deck builders, modular decking is generally sold in kits, with pre-cut lengths of decking, a frame and joists. Many modular outdoor decking come in squares, which can be used together to create a level or split-level decking.

There are various different ways to install a deck, with a range of systems available. Many of the latest iterations of outdoor decking systems incorporate hidden deck fastening systems that allow for all the fixings to be concealed and a seamless surface. 

Decks are one of the known risk areas for waterproofing issues in New Zealand so it is important to ensure any deck is installed correctly and in line with current standards. Find more about deck waterproofing and floating deck systems in NZ