How much does it cost to build a deck in New Zealand?

ARTICLE Joanna Mathers

Decks are especially effective when it comes to opening up our indoor spaces. They provide the perfect place for outdoor entertaining, add extra square metres to a home’s floor space, and offer sun worshippers a spot to soak up the sun year-round. Installing a deck requires a bit of planning and forethought. There are council rules and regulations to be followed, and decisions to be made about the materials, cost, and colour of your deck. If you are considering installing a deck in your home, here are some tips on materials and costs for different options.

How much does it cost to build a wooden deck?

Wood is the material that springs to mind when we think of decks, and continues to be the most popular decking material. It’s aesthetically pleasing, fits seamlessly into the natural environment, and with regular maintenance can remain attractive for years.
Wooden decks fall into two categories – hardwood and softwood. Each option has its pros and cons, and your choice of wood will be dependent on budget, aesthetics and environmental considerations. 
The Forest Steward Council (FSC) provides independent certification of wood worldwide. They are a global, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management.

Their independent certification lets customers know where timber comes from, and helps them make an informed decision. Softwoods are cheaper than hardwood, but require more maintenance and aren’t as long-lasting. Radiata pine is the most popular and readily available softwood for decks in New Zealand. It’s lighter in colour than the hardwoods and needs regular painting or staining. Macrocarpa is another popular softwood; it looks similar to kauri, and has a fine grain and speckled appearance.

Costs for softwood decking

From $450+* per m2, includes installation, project management + GST.
Looking for inspiration? Check out this softwood deck, installed as part of a $10,000 landscape design.

How much does eco decking cost?

Eco decking is made from recycled materials, usually wood and plastic combined into a comparatively eco-friendly composite material. The wood provides a natural look and feel to the product, while the plastic component protects the wood from moisture and means the finished product is virtually maintenance-free. Composite decking has been used in the United States for around 30 years, but our high UV levels made the plastic components of earlier composite decking warp. Advances in technology have enabled new composites to be developed, which hold up in New Zealand’s harsh UV rays.
As well as being a more eco-friendly option, eco decking has other benefits. Craig Fountain of Outdure explains:  “Unlike wooden decking, our eco decking keeps its colour. A person could spend a million dollars on a house with a wooden deck, but within the year the deck will look old. This doesn’t happen with eco decking.  “It’s is also easy-care, non-slip and splinter-free, which is great for children and pets.” Installation of composite decking is  “not difficult, but different” says Virginia Gibson of Hybrideck. She recommends that builders spend time researching installation techniques before building a composite deck, as it has very different qualities to wood. Both Outdure and Hybrideck have instructional materials to help with the installation of their products.

Costs for eco decking

From $575+ per m2, including installation, project management & GST. *
Looking for inspiration? Check out this composite deck, installed as part of a $50,000 landscaping project.

How much does it cost to build a hardwood deck?

Hardwoods are long-lasting and attractive; they are also significantly more expensive than softwood. They are prized for their attractive grains and rich colour, but can split and discolour if not maintained. The use of some hardwood in decking has attracted controversy. Illegal logging in rain forests has seen many areas of pristine jungle decimated – so it’s important you investigate any hardwood’s provenance before you make a purchase.
Kwila is one of the most popular hardwoods for decking use, but its popularity has led to the decimation of many ancient rainforests in Indonesia. While some kwila is certified as sustainable, there is still a lot of debate around the ethics of using this wood. It is also known for its tendency to bleed – it has water soluble tannins which can stain surrounding tiles or concrete. Vitex is another popular hardwood. This creamy-grey timber bleeds less than kwila, and weathers to an attractive silver-grey colour tone. Mike Gibbs from JSC Timber says that vitex is a “middle of the road timber” in price and quality, and is very popular with customers.
JSC Timber sources their timber from the Solomon Islands. “About 90 per cent of the vitex we source comes from community sawmills there,” says Mike. “So the money goes back into the community.” Other popular hardwoods include Pacific jarrah and garapa. Both of these beautiful South American woods are ideal for decking. It’s important to choose Pacific jarrah and garapa that is certified sustainable – FSC certification is a good example.
Another hardwood option is bamboo - a relatively new product in the decking market. It is the world’s most renewable plant source, growing to maturity in five to seven years, and the wood is harvested over and over from the same plant. After cutting the bamboo strips are bleached, carbonised and dried, then glued together under pressure, and moulded into a solid piece suitable for decking.
Although bamboo is claimed to be environmentally friendly it is important to check the chemicals used during manufacture, as some are nasty and can produce fumes. Be sure to go to a reputable supplier so you can check out the provenance of the product you choose. Evoca is a bamboo decking brand based in Christchurch. Sales manager Kent Ramsay says that bamboo has an edge over other wooden products when it comes to the environment. “Basically, it’s great to know that the product you’re using isn’t decimating rainforests,” he explains. “Additionally, bamboo has excellent density and strength.”
When looking for bamboo decking, it’s a good idea to check that it has been certified by an independent authority such as FSC to ensure it’s not being grown unsustainably. 

Looking for inspiration? Check out this hardwood deck built for $29,000

Costs for hardwood decking

From $650+ per m2, including installation, project management & GST.*
This home renovation advice article featured on page 41 of Issue 009 of New Zealand Renovate Magazine. New Zealand's first and only magazine solely dedicated to home renovations.

Get in touch with Refresh to discuss your home renovation project

If you would like to discuss options and ideas for your outdoor renovation project, please use the enquiry form on this page to provide us with your contact details. We will get in touch with you at a time that suits you to discuss your project. If you would like to provide us with more information about your project, we have a more comprehensive enquiry form on our "Get in touch" page too.
*Costs are rough estimates and are subject to change. For a fixed-quote accurate to your specific project, please consult your local Refresh Renovations specialist. All Refresh Renovations franchises are independently owned and operated.