\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUpdated:<\/p>
21.7.2023<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Share on:<\/h4><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>I<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nf you\u2019re planning to add a new deck to your home, this is a great time to compare the best decking materials available in New Zealand and how they stack up against each other.<\/p>\n
Done well, a deck can improve your indoor-outdoor flow, create the perfect space for entertaining and will make for a great showpiece for years to come (with the right upkeep).<\/p>\n
But with plenty of decking options to choose from, which materials will give you that flawless, long-lasting deck you see in magazines?<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/i><\/div>Keeping reading to discover:<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n- \n
Our decking material comparison guide<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- Your decking material options: composite, concrete and timber decking<\/span><\/li>\n
- The pros and cons of popular decking materials<\/span><\/li>\n
- Expert advice on decking materials in NZ<\/span><\/li>\n
- Costs of repairing and building a deck<\/span><\/li>\n
- Finishing touches: \u201cShould I oil or stain my deck?\u201d <\/span><\/li>\n
- Three questions to ask your tradesperson or supplier.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Decking-material-1200x800-1.jpg\" "\\"Decking")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The star of any outdoor space is typically a deck.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>Decking Materials Comparison Guide<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\nBefore choosing a suitable material for your deck, it\u2019s good to consider the following:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n- \n
Budget:<\/b><\/p>\n
When you’re budgeting for your project, allow 20% as a backup for potential changes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- Aesthetics: <\/b>Explore deck designs and decide which look and feel appeals to you most (Pinterest and home magazines are full of ideas).<\/span><\/li>\n
- Environmental impact:<\/b> If this is important to you, discuss this with your builder or materials supplier. There are plenty of new, sustainable decking options (more on this below). <\/span><\/li>\n
- Maintenance:<\/b> Consider how much you\u2019re willing to invest in maintaining your deck over its lifespan.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Durability: <\/b>Factor in the weather conditions and climate of where you live, as this can heavily impact the lifespan of your decking materials.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Building consent:<\/b> Some decks will need a consent, so investigate the options with your local council or discuss with your builder or project manager.
<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Decking-material-1200x800-1.jpeg\" "\\"Decking")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Weather conditions can heavily impact the lifespan of your deck.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Composite, Concrete or Timber Decking Materials – Which Option is Better?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\nThere are three major types of decking materials typically used in a deck build: composite, timber and concrete.
\n<\/b><\/p>\nComposite decking <\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n- Details: <\/b>Composite decking, otherwise known as composite lumber or eco-decking, is a recycled plastic and wood fibre blend that has a timber-like finish. It is a popular option that is tidy, durable, and has lower maintenance requirements. It can be environmentally sustainable and creates a seamless finish that is known to be longer lasting than natural timber.\n<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/li>\n
- Types: <\/b>ModWood, Futurewood, Ekologix, TimberTech, Permadeck to name a few.\n<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/li>\n
- Costs: <\/b>Approx.<\/span> <\/b>$120m2 to $200m2.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nTimber decking<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n- \n
Details:<\/b><\/p>\n
The most desirable type of timber decking is hardwood, however softwood is typically more cost effective and the difference is in the density. Hardwoods have a slower growth rate (than softwood), and are therefore usually more dense, which is why they\u2019re known to be more durable. No matter the type, all timber decks require regular maintenance and will last for years when correctly maintained. Links to deforestation makes some timbers a less environmentally sustainable option.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- Types: <\/b>Hardwood (kwila, garapa, vitex) and Softwood (New Zealand-grown pine and macrocarpa) are the most commonly found decking materials in New Zealand.\n<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/li>\n
- Costs: <\/b>Approx.<\/span> <\/b>$80m2 to $155m2 (Hardwood), approx. $30m2 to $65m2 (Softwood).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\nConcrete (aka patio)<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n
\n- \n
Details:<\/b><\/p>\n
A less popular alternative is concrete or concrete tiling, which offers a durable and weather-resistant finish, and doesn\u2019t splinter or warp. These options are typically more costly, but are hard-wearing and tidy so may require less maintenance in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n- Types:<\/b><\/span> Stone pavers, concrete pavers, ceramic pavers, cement, fibre cement decking.\n<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/li>\n
- \n
Costs: <\/b><\/p>\n
Approx. $120m2 to $450m2.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Decking-materials-1200x800-1.jpg\" "\\"Decking")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Concrete (in the form of a deck) is an alternative that is durable and long lasting.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>Pros and Cons of Decking Materials<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nComposite<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>- <\/i><\/span>Durable and long-lasting<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Seamless finish<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Can come with a warranty<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Higher resistance against scratches and termites<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Doesn\u2019t contribute to deforestation<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Low maintenance (sweep and wash)<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Suitable for most climates<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Generally don\u2019t warp or splinter<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>Plastic-look more obvious over time<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Temperature underfoot on hot days<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Chemicals used in manufacturing process<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Environmental concern for end of lifespan recycling<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>Prone to slipping with build up of grime<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
I<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n f you\u2019re planning to add a new deck to your home, this is a great time to compare the best decking materials available in New Zealand and how they stack up against each other.<\/p>\n Done well, a deck can improve your indoor-outdoor flow, create the perfect space for entertaining and will make for a great showpiece for years to come (with the right upkeep).<\/p>\n But with plenty of decking options to choose from, which materials will give you that flawless, long-lasting deck you see in magazines?<\/p>\n<\/div> Our decking material comparison guide<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The star of any outdoor space is typically a deck.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div> Before choosing a suitable material for your deck, it\u2019s good to consider the following:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Budget:<\/b><\/p>\n When you’re budgeting for your project, allow 20% as a backup for potential changes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Weather conditions can heavily impact the lifespan of your deck.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> There are three major types of decking materials typically used in a deck build: composite, timber and concrete. <\/span><\/li>\n <\/span><\/li>\n Timber decking<\/span><\/p>\n \n Details:<\/b><\/p>\n The most desirable type of timber decking is hardwood, however softwood is typically more cost effective and the difference is in the density. Hardwoods have a slower growth rate (than softwood), and are therefore usually more dense, which is why they\u2019re known to be more durable. No matter the type, all timber decks require regular maintenance and will last for years when correctly maintained. Links to deforestation makes some timbers a less environmentally sustainable option.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/span><\/li>\n \n Details:<\/b><\/p>\n A less popular alternative is concrete or concrete tiling, which offers a durable and weather-resistant finish, and doesn\u2019t splinter or warp. These options are typically more costly, but are hard-wearing and tidy so may require less maintenance in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/span><\/li>\n Costs: <\/b><\/p>\n Approx. $120m2 to $450m2.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n Concrete (in the form of a deck) is an alternative that is durable and long lasting.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>Keeping reading to discover:<\/h2><\/div>
\n
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Decking Materials Comparison Guide<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
\n
<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Composite, Concrete or Timber Decking Materials – Which Option is Better?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
\n<\/b><\/p>\nComposite decking <\/b><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n
<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\nConcrete (aka patio)<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Pros and Cons of Decking Materials<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n\n
\n Composite<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>