5 Best Materials For Your New Deck

The top five decking woods suitable for New Zealand: 1. Radiata Pine (Treated) - Pros: Widely available, affordable, easy to work with, and sustainably grown in New Zealand. - Cons: Requires regular maintenance (staining, sealing) to prevent rot and insect damage. 2. Macrocarpa - Pros: Naturally resistant to rot and insects, attractive grain and color, and locally grown. - Cons: Softer wood, can be prone to scratching and denting, and requires regular maintenance. 3. Kwila (Merbau) - Pros: Very durable, resistant to rot and insects, beautiful reddish-brown color. - Cons: Can bleed tannins initially, needs regular maintenance, and concerns about sustainable sourcing. 4. Vitex (Vitex cofassus) - Pros: Hard and durable, naturally resistant to rot and insects, attractive appearance. - Cons: More expensive, can be hard to source, and requires maintenance to maintain its color. 5. Thermally Modified Wood - Pros: Enhanced durability and stability, eco-friendly, less prone to warping and shrinking, can use local woods. - Cons: Can be expensive, limited availability, and still requires some maintenance. These options offer a good balance of durability, aesthetics, and sustainability, making them well-suited for decking projects in New Zealand.