Timber Decking

Q: What is the ideal distance between decking boards?

The ideal gap size between individual decking boards is 1/8 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch. This will allow any water or debris to flow through the gaps while ensuring the surface is flat and safe to walk on. Larger gaps pose a tripping hazard, particularly for smaller children.

Q: What kind of maintenance will my timber decking need?

Experts recommend you maintain your deck at least once a year by cleaning, sanding, and staining the wood. Cleaning more regularly will prevent dirt and mould buildup, which in turn decreases the frequency of staining. Sanding is key to a smooth, splinter-less deck, which is a must for poolsides.

Q: How much timber decking will I need for my project?

The amount of decking you require will depend on the size and scope of your project. Measure out how long and wide you want your decking to be. A general rule of thumb is to determine the surface area in square metres, then divide this number by the width of your selected decking boards.

Q: Do timber decks last a long time?

If maintained properly, timber decks will last an estimated 10 to 15 years. Composite decking can last even longer, from 25 to more than 30 years. This is because of the complex composition of materials that resist decay and damage. It is important to treat your deck regularly to prevent premature ageing.

Timber decking is popular, and arguably a quintessential part of residential New Zealand architecture. Kwila timber, Vitex and locally grown pine and macrocarpa and tropical hardwoods are generally the top choices for timber decking. At ArchiPro, we offer a meticulously curated selection of timber decking products.

Millboard Weathered Oak Collection

Purple Heart Hardwood Decking

Timberline

Bamboo X-treme Decking Stairs

Plantation Bamboo

Thermory Organic Ash Decking

Timberline

JSC Premium Garapa Timber

JSC

Trans-Tex 220 | Non-slip Truck & Trailer Decking - Plytech Panels

Big River Group

From

$140.00

Millboard Embered Oak

Forté

Nail-Free ShadowDeck™ Kwila Dome Decking System

ShadowDeck™

Millboard Driftwood Oak

Forté

Decking Macrocarpa Timber

Lumber Processors

Decking - Spotted Gum - Grey Iron Bark

Hardwood by LMA Timber

Garapa Hardwood Decking

Timberline

Thermory Nordic Organic Pine Decking

Timberline

Tonka Exterior Hardwood Posts, Beams & Boardwalk Decking

Rosenfeld Kidson & Co.

AUS Blackwood (Tasmanian)

ITI NZ

Decking | Grey and red iron bark

Hardwood by LMA Timber

Vitex

ITI NZ

Millboard Ebony Grey Decking

Forté

Millboard Ashwood Decking

Forté

American Black Walnut

ITI NZ

JSC Timber Species Range

Hardwood by LMA Timber

Spotted Gum NSW | Organic Timber Decking

Hurfords

Garapa PRIME Hardwood Decking

South Pacific Timber

American Red Oak

ITI NZ

Spotted Gum QLD | Organic Timber Decking

Hurfords

Ironbark | Organic Timber Decking

Hurfords

What is Timber Decking?

Timber decking is a material used to build outdoor decks and patios. It can be manufactured using a wide range of hard and softwood, depending on the desired aesthetic and functional properties of the finished structure.

What are the benefits of timber decking?

Timber decking provides a natural and inviting look that enhances the appearance of outdoor spaces. It is strong and durable, able to withstand exposure to the elements, and a cost-effective option that can offer a good return on investment.

Timber is also a renewable resource that can be sustainably harvested and replanted, making it an eco-friendly choice. Additionally, timber decking boards can be customised to fit a variety of design preferences and functional requirements. Overall, timber decking offers a range of benefits that make it a versatile and attractive option for outdoor construction projects.

What are the top decking timbers in New Zealand?

Kwila Decking

Kwila decking is a durable and attractive hardwood decking native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Its water-resistant properties make it ideal for wet environments, and it can be customised through staining, oiling, or weathering. Kwila decking is highly resistant to decay, rot, and insect damage, making it perfect for wet environments and poolside decks.

Pine Decking

Pine decking is a popular and affordable option made from softwood pine trees. While less durable than hardwoods, it can still provide several years of use with proper care. Pine is customisable and widely available, making it attractive for those on a budget or looking for a temporary decking solution.

Vitex Decking

Vitex decking is a durable hardwood that's ideal for outdoor use, particularly in coastal areas, due to its strength and water-resistant properties. It requires minimal maintenance and can last for several years. Vitex is also sustainable and easy to work with, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Bamboo Decking

Bamboo decking is a sustainable and durable option for outdoor construction. Its eco-friendliness, resistance to moisture, and low-maintenance requirements make it an attractive choice. Bamboo decking comes in various colors and patterns, is easy to install, and requires occasional cleaning and resealing.

Garapa Decking

Garapa decking is a popular hardwood for outdoor projects, known for its durability, natural color, and insect resistance. Sustainably harvested in South America, Garapa wood is easy to work with and can last for decades with proper maintenance. It is also less prone to splintering and warping, making it a safe and comfortable option.

Purpleheart decking

Purpleheart decking is a dense and durable hardwood known for its striking purple color. It is naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. Its unique beauty and strength make it a popular choice for outdoor construction.

Macrocarpa decking

Macrocarpa decking is a durable and versatile softwood sourced from the Monterey Cypress tree. It offers natural resistance to decay and insects and features a distinctive grain pattern and coloration. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for outdoor construction and custom designs.

More hardwood timber decking materials:

Jarrah decking is a dense hardwood sourced from Western Australia. It features a deep, rich red color and a distinctive grain pattern, making it a popular choice for high-end outdoor projects. Jarrah wood is also highly resistant to rot and insect damage, making it a durable and long-lasting option for decking.
Tonka decking is a durable hardwood known for its resistance to rot, insects, and decay. It is commonly used in outdoor construction projects due to its strength and durability, as well as its unique coloration and grain pattern.
Saligna decking is a durable hardwood sourced from Africa. It is commonly used in outdoor construction projects due to its resistance to decay and insect damage, as well as its natural strength and durability.
Teak decking is a highly prised hardwood known for its durability and resistance to weather and insect damage. It is a popular choice for outdoor construction projects, particularly in marine environments, due to its natural resistance to saltwater and sunlight. Teak wood also features a distinctive golden brown coloration and a beautiful grain pattern, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

Bamboo decking: why is it considered an eco decking material?

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

Decking accessories and systems

Just as there are many options for the types of timber and material available for decking in New Zealand, so too are there various systems for deck construction. Whether it’s a floating or cantilevered deck system, or the type of deck bearers, jacks or hidden fastening systems, the options are vast.

What is the average thickness of timber decking?

The standard thickness for timber decking boards in New Zealand is about 1 inch thick. For home builders, this is the ideal decking thickness, while commercial areas may require greater deck board thickness. Greater thickness can sustain greater loads, which is good for regions with higher foot traffic.