Which Decking Should You Choose? NZ Timber Guide (with a Builder’s Opinion)

jbuild7
Aug 7
3 min read

When it comes to building a deck in New Zealand, there are plenty of timber options — but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Each type of timber has its own pros, cons, and price tag. As a builder with 20+ years on the tools, I’ve worked with all of them — and here’s how I rank them.

This guide covers the 5 most common decking materials in NZ:

Garapa
Vitex
Kwila
Pine
Composite

You’ll get the facts — and my personal opinion.

🪵 1. Garapa — My Top Pick

Summary: Beautiful colour, stable, great durability, not as oily as Kwila.

Garapa is a blonde hardwood from South America. It’s incredibly popular right now for good reason. It starts a light golden honey colour and silvers off nicely if left to weather. Unlike some hardwoods, Garapa is more stable and less prone to movement when installed correctly.

Pros:

Great stability and lifespan (25+ years)
Easy to oil or let silver
Less leaching than Kwila
Sustainable FSC options available

Cons:

Slightly higher cost than pine
Can show surface checking in dry climates

Builder’s take: If the budget allows, this is usually my first recommendation. It looks sharp, wears well, and is less temperamental than Kwila.

🪵 2. Vitex — Excellent Value for a Hardwood

Summary: Pale, durable, sustainably harvested, a solid choice.

Vitex is a Pacific Island hardwood (often from the Solomon Islands or PNG) that performs similarly to Garapa but is usually a bit softer underfoot and slightly lighter in colour. It can silver off to a soft grey or be oiled to maintain its creamy tone.

Pros:

Affordable for a hardwood
Easy to work with
Sustainable plantation sources (some FSC certified)
Less prone to bleeding than Kwila

Cons:

Can dent more easily
Boards can vary in colour slightly

Builder’s take: A really solid mid-range option. It gives that hardwood feel without the Kwila hassle.

🪵 3. Kwila (Merbau) — Classic But Bleeds

Summary: A dark, dense hardwood with a history in NZ — but it's high-maintenance.

Kwila’s rich reddish-brown colour looks great when first installed, but it comes with a downside: it bleeds. The natural tannins will run down your concrete or tiles when it rains unless it’s heavily pre-washed or sealed.

Pros:

Hard and durable
Nice rich tone
Widely available

Cons:

Tannin bleeding is a real issue
Can cup or twist if not properly installed
Can be slippery if not grooved or treated

Builder’s take: I’ve laid heaps of Kwila in the past, but I’m steering away from it now unless the client specifically requests it. Better options exist for similar money.

🪵 4. Pine (H3.2 Treated) — Affordable & Functional

Summary: The entry-level option — cheap and cheerful, but not fancy.

Pine is pressure-treated NZ timber that’s budget-friendly and easy to source. You’ll usually find it used on entry-level homes, rental properties, or where cost is the main factor. With proper maintenance (regular oiling or staining), it can last over 15 years — but don’t expect it to age like hardwood.

Pros:

Cheapest option
Easy to work with and replace
Readily available

Cons:

Prone to warping and splitting
Knots, cracks, and sap common
Needs frequent oiling or painting

Builder’s take: If budget’s tight and you just want a usable outdoor space, pine is fine. Just know it won’t look flash for long unless maintained religiously.

🪵 5. Composite Decking — Low Maintenance, But Looks “Plastic”

Summary: Made from recycled plastic and wood fibre — marketed as low-maintenance.

Composite decking is popular for its no-paint, no-oil appeal. You can install it and forget about it (in theory), but it doesn’t always look or feel like timber. It can also get hot underfoot and often requires its own proprietary fixing systems.

Pros:

No need for staining or sealing
Resistant to rot, splinters, and pests
Some brands are made from recycled materials

Cons:

Expensive upfront
Can warp or fade if cheap brand
Feels artificial underfoot
Difficult to repair (can’t sand or plane)

Builder’s take: Some love it, but personally I’d rather build in timber. Composite doesn’t wear as gracefully and can look cheap unless you go top-end.

💬 Final Thoughts: What I Recommend

If you want a deck that looks great, lasts well, and won’t bleed or twist — I’d go with Garapa or Vitex. Pine is fine if cost is the top concern, and composite is good for those who want a "set and forget" solution — just expect to pay more upfront.

Want help choosing? I’m happy to walk you through it based on your home, sun exposure, and budget.

📍 Jbuild Construction – Deck Builder Kapiti & Wellington