How much does decking cost in New Zealand?
When building a home, much of the budget is often allocated to interior design choices and finishes, from sleek kitchens to polished flooring and luxurious bathrooms. However, one essential feature that frequently takes a backseat is the deck.
Often considered an afterthought, the decking project tends to depend on whether there's any budget left over after the main build. Yet, in New Zealand's outdoor-loving culture, a well-designed deck can be a cornerstone of the home, offering space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the country's stunning natural landscapes.
Understanding the costs of decking is crucial for homeowners looking to plan ahead, ensuring the money spent is worthwhile and the chosen material is durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance.
Cost In Use — What is the expected cost of the product over its lifetime? Does it require recoating or staining every couple of years? How much will this add up to over time?
Maintenance — What maintenance is required? How often? What does it cost?
Installation — How easy is it to install? Is a specialist trade required or can your builder handle it?
Location — Where is your home located? Is the material designed to withstand specific New Zealand climates?
Below we'll discuss common decking materials and the costs involved in installation and ongoing maintenance, to see how they stack up against Millboard Mineral Decking.
Please note: pricing provided is approximate per m² (excl. Millboard) and may vary depending on supplier. To provide a like-for-like comparison, a standard cost of $230 per m² for structure, fixings and labour has been applied across all materials.
Millboard is a high-performance timber alternative crafted from mineral limestone that is durable, weather-resistant, and — unlike every other option on this list — requires no staining, oiling, or recoating. Ever.
Where timber decks demand regular upkeep to prevent rot, warping, and colour fade, Millboard simply needs an occasional clean with soapy water. That's it. No annual staining costs. No resurfacing. No ongoing trade bills. Over the life of the product, this makes a significant difference to the true cost of ownership.
Millboard's wood-free composition means it resists algal growth, won't rot or warp, and is built to handle New Zealand's demanding outdoor environments — from coastal salt air to harsh UV exposure. Its UV-stable finish ensures the boards retain their colour without any intervention, while the durable Lastane® surface layer is non-porous (spills won't stain) and slip-resistant even in wet or icy conditions.
Installation follows the same process as natural timber, but the Lastane® surface layer also allows for hidden fixings — no visible screws for a cleaner, more refined finish.
Available in two collections — Enhanced Grain (moulded from prime grade oak for a smoother finish) and Weathered Oak (moulded from 100-year-old reclaimed oak for a more rustic look) — there's a style to suit any application.
Price:
Enhanced Grain: $348 per m²
Weathered Oak: $380 per m²
$230 per m² structure, fixings and labour
Residential Warranty: 25 years
Lifespan: 35–40 years — significantly longer than any timber alternative
Kwila Decking
Kwila is a robust hardwood originating from Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Known for its water resistance and visual appeal, it performs well in wet conditions and can be finished with stain, oil, or left to weather naturally.
While Kwila is inherently resistant to decay and pests, it requires regular cleaning every six months and annual staining to preserve its colour and protect against moisture damage. A second application of stain is also needed 3–6 months after initial installation. Due to its density, it is more labour-intensive to install — holes must be pre-drilled and counter-sunk for every fixing.
Price:
Kwila 140×19 — $92 per m² incl. GST (prices may vary with availability)
Staining: $20 per m² (material cost, applied annually)
$230 for structure, fixings and labour
Warranty: None
Lifespan: 15–25 years
Pine Decking
Pine is a cost-effective softwood, widely used for its availability and low upfront cost. While not as durable as hardwood alternatives, it can last several years with consistent upkeep — making it a practical option for budget-conscious homeowners or temporary installations.
Pine is commonly treated with chemical preservatives to extend its life, though it remains prone to bending and warping over time. Restaining is required every 1–2 years, with high-traffic areas needing more frequent attention.
Price:
Pine 140×32 — $70 per m² incl. GST
Staining: $20 per m² (material cost, every 1–2 years)
$230 per m² for structure, fixings and labour
Warranty: None
Lifespan: 15 years
Vitex Decking
Vitex is a durable, water-resistant hardwood well-suited to coastal environments. It is a sustainable and relatively easy-to-work-with option that offers good longevity with periodic maintenance.
In New Zealand, restaining every 7–10 years is recommended to preserve its appearance, along with routine cleaning to keep it looking its best.
Price:
Vitex 140×19 — $124 per m² incl. GST
Staining: $20 per m² (material cost, every 7–10 years)
$230 per m² for structure, fixings and labour
Warranty: None
Lifespan: 15–25 years
Garapa Decking
Garapa is a durable South American hardwood favoured for its rich natural colour, insect resistance, and long potential lifespan. It is sustainably harvested, easy to work with, and less prone to splintering than some alternatives.
However, Garapa requires an initial stain after installation, followed by restaining every 1–2 years depending on climate and usage, along with regular cleaning to prevent mould and mildew build-up.
Price:
Garapa 140×19 — $112 per m² incl. GST
Staining: $20 per m² (material cost, every 1–2 years)
$230 per m² for structure, fixings and labour
Warranty: None
Lifespan: Up to 30 years (dependent on regular maintenance)
Decking is an essential part of many New Zealand homes — a space to relax, entertain, and connect with the outdoors. But not all decking materials are created equal, and the upfront price is rarely the full story.
Every timber option on this list requires ongoing staining, maintenance, and eventual replacement. Millboard requires none of that. With a lifespan of 35–40 years, a 25-year residential warranty, and zero restaining costs, it is the only decking material here where the price you pay upfront is essentially the price you pay in total.
For homeowners planning ahead and thinking about long-term value, Millboard Mineral Decking is the clear choice — a deck that looks great, lasts longer, and costs less to own over time.