Timber Decking for Christchurch Outdoor Living
We design and build timber decks across Christchurch and Canterbury that connect your home to the garden and stand up to our weather.
10+ years
A decade of landscaping and groundwork across Christchurch and Canterbury.
Fully insured
Every job is covered, so there are no surprises on your section.
Site Wise Green
Site Wise Green rated for health, safety and site management.
Free quotes
Brett walks your site, talks it through and quotes it — at no cost.
A well-built deck extends your living space outdoors and gives you somewhere to actually use your garden, rather than just look at it. In Christchurch, that means designing for a fair bit of temperature swing across the year, hot dry summers and frosty winters, plus the occasional nor'wester that can catch an exposed deck the wrong way.
We build decking to suit the site, from a simple platform off a back door to a larger entertaining deck that ties into paving, planting or a pergola. Getting the framing, footings and fall right matters more than people expect, since a deck that isn't level or doesn't shed water properly will show it within a year or two.
As part of a wider landscaping project, decking often works alongside paving, planting and retaining to create a cohesive outdoor living space, but we're just as happy to build decking as a standalone project for an existing garden.
Why homeowners choose us for this
Proper footings and framing
We build to correct footing depths and framing spans for Canterbury conditions, so your deck stays solid and level rather than developing a bounce or a lean over time.
Designed to connect with your garden
Decking doesn't have to be an isolated box. We design decks that tie into paving, steps and planting so the whole outdoor space flows together.
Material options to suit budget and look
We can talk through timber species and finishes to suit your budget, from cost-effective treated pine through to more premium hardwood options.
Part of a bigger landscaping picture
As landscapers first, we naturally think about how your deck relates to drainage, retaining and planting around it, not just the deck in isolation.
Designing decking for Canterbury weather
Christchurch's climate is tougher on outdoor timber than people sometimes assume. Hot, dry nor'wester conditions in summer can dry timber out quickly, while winter frosts and damp southerlies bring their own challenges. We consider orientation, shading and drainage under the deck when designing, since a deck that stays consistently damp underneath will age faster regardless of the timber used.
Where a deck sits close to ground level, ventilation underneath and correct falls away from the house are important to avoid moisture build-up. We also think about where the sun sits through the day, since a deck that catches full afternoon nor'wester sun with no shade at all often ends up underused despite looking great on paper.
Choosing decking timber
There's a range of decking timber options, each with a different balance of cost, appearance and maintenance. We'll talk through what suits your budget and how much upkeep you're happy to commit to, since some timbers need more regular oiling or staining than others to stay looking good.
- Treated pine: cost-effective and widely used, needs regular maintenance
- Hardwood species: more durable and premium looking, higher upfront cost
- Composite decking: low maintenance option worth considering for busy households
Decking as part of outdoor living
A deck rarely exists in isolation. We often design decking alongside paving pathways, steps down to lawn or garden areas, and sometimes a pergola or shade sail for extra protection from the sun. Thinking about outdoor living as a whole, rather than a single deck in the middle of an otherwise unfinished section, tends to give a much better result.
If you're planning decking as part of a bigger landscaping project, it's worth bringing us in early so the deck height, steps and drainage are coordinated with the rest of the garden design, rather than retrofitted afterward.
How the job runs
- Step 01
Site visit and design
We check ground levels, drainage, sun and how you plan to use the space, then design a deck size and shape that suits both the house and the section.
- Step 02
Quote and material selection
We talk through timber and finish options and provide a clear quote before any work begins.
- Step 03
Footings and framing
Footings are set to appropriate depths for our ground conditions, and framing is built square and level to support the decking boards properly.
- Step 04
Decking and finishing
Boards are laid, edges finished, and any stairs, balustrades or handrails installed to complete the space.
Questions
Decking FAQs
- What timber do you recommend for decking in Christchurch?
- It depends on your budget and how much maintenance you want to do. Treated pine is cost-effective but needs regular upkeep, while hardwood or composite options cost more upfront but generally require less ongoing maintenance.
- Do I need consent to build a deck?
- It depends on the height and size of the deck. Lower decks close to ground level are often exempt, but higher decks or those attached in certain ways can require consent. We can advise based on your specific design.
- How long does a deck build usually take?
- A straightforward deck can often be completed within a week or two depending on size and weather, while larger or more complex decks with multiple levels will take longer. We'll confirm a timeframe once we've scoped your project.
- Can decking be added to an existing landscaped garden?
- Yes, decking works well as a standalone addition to an existing garden. We'll assess how it ties into existing levels, paving and access before finalising the design.
- How do I keep my deck looking good in Christchurch's climate?
- Regular cleaning and, depending on the timber, periodic oiling or staining will help it handle our dry summers and damp winters. We can advise on a maintenance routine suited to the timber you choose.
Free quote
Tell us about your project
Send a few details and Brett will be in touch to arrange a site visit anywhere in Christchurch, Selwyn or wider Canterbury.