The Cost of Traditional Decking: Why Kiwis Are Looking for Alternatives
If you’re planning a new deck but shocked by the skyrocketing prices, you’re not alone. Traditionally, Kiwis have loved timber decks—there’s something about the warmth of natural wood that makes an outdoor space feel inviting. However, with material and labour costs climbing higher each year, even the most basic timber decks are now costing a small fortune.
Let’s break down the numbers:
- Pine decking: One of the most affordable timber options, yet even this will set you back anywhere from $280 to $320 per m², supplied and installed.
- Kwila decking: A premium hardwood choice that many Kiwis love for its rich, warm colour—but be prepared to pay up to $500 per m²!
- Composite decking: Marketed as a “low-maintenance” alternative to natural timber, but the cost is staggering—some composite decks are now pushing $1,200 per m²!
With prices like these, it’s no wonder that more and more Kiwi homeowners are looking for a smarter, more affordable alternative.
A Stunning, Affordable Alternative: Porcelain Paving
At Premier Group NZ, we believe in helping homeowners get top-quality outdoor spaces without breaking the bank. We know how important it is to have a beautiful, functional deck area that enhances your home, without the stress of ongoing maintenance and high costs.
That’s why we’ve spent the last few years introducing thousands of homeowners, landscapers, and builders to the timeless beauty and practicality of porcelain paving—a solution that delivers a high-end look at a fraction of the cost of traditional decking.
What Are Porcelain Pavers?
Porcelain pavers are premium outdoor tiles that provide the perfect blend of beauty, durability, and affordability. Our pavers are:
✅ 600x600x20mm pavers – perfect for sleek, modern outdoor spaces.
✅ Slip-resistant – no more worrying about dangerous, slippery decks when it rains!
✅ Non-fading – unlike timber, which requires regular staining and maintenance.
✅ Extremely durable – so strong that we offer a 100-year warranty!
✅ Low maintenance – no need for water blasting, painting, or staining—just a simple clean now and then.
✅ Available in a huge range of colours and textures – whether you prefer a contemporary, modern look or a more natural aesthetic, there’s a porcelain paver to suit your style.
✅ Designed to replicate natural stone – get the luxurious look of travertine, granite, limestone, or even marble—at a fraction of the cost!
✅ Woodgrain-look porcelain available! – Love the look of timber but hate the maintenance? Our woodgrain-look porcelain pavers (1200mm x 300mm x 20mm) give you the warmth and charm of real wood without fading, rotting, or ongoing upkeep!
And the best part? Porcelain paving can be installed for as little as $200 per m² in many regions! That’s nearly half the cost of a timber deck.
Porcelain Paving vs. Timber Decking: The Clear Winner
Still on the fence? Let’s compare the two options side by side:
Feature
Porcelain Paving
Timber Decking
Warranty
✅ 100 years
❌ None
Slip Rating
✅ High (safe even when wet)
❌ Can be dangerously slippery
Fading
✅ No fading
❌ Will fade in sun and weather
Maintenance
✅ Almost zero
❌ Needs water blasting, staining, painting
Durability
✅ Resistant to cracking, scratching, and stains
❌ Prone to wear, warping, and rot
Cost
✅ From $200 per m² installed
❌ $280–$1,200 per m² installed
Colour & Texture Variety
✅ Wide selection
❌ Limited to natural wood tones
Natural Stone Look
✅ Looks like granite, travertine, limestone
❌ Only wood grain
Woodgrain Look Available?
✅ Yes, realistic 1200mm x 300mm timber-look porcelain
✅ Yes, but requires maintenance
When you look at the facts, timber decking simply can’t compete. Why invest in a deck that requires constant maintenance, fades over time, and could cost you thousands more, when you can have a stunning, durable, and low-maintenance alternative for half the price?
What About Installation?
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have when choosing an alternative to timber decking is installation. Fortunately, porcelain pavers are incredibly versatile and easy to install.
They can be laid on:
- A concrete base (for a super solid, long-lasting finish)
- A sand base (for more flexibility and drainage)
- Raised pedestal systems (a great option for creating a deck-like surface without the cost of timber framing)
With faster installation times, fewer structural requirements, and lower labour costs, porcelain paving is a clear winner when it comes to both materials and installation.
Why More Kiwis Are Making the Switch
Over the past few years, we’ve helped thousands of Kiwi homeowners ditch expensive, high-maintenance timber decking in favour of porcelain paving. Here’s what our customers love most:
- “It looks amazing and we don’t have to worry about it fading or getting slippery.”
- “Saved us thousands compared to a timber deck, and we love that it’s basically maintenance-free.”
- “We were sceptical at first, but now we’d never go back to wood!”
- “We absolutely love the woodgrain-look porcelain—it gives us the warm timber aesthetic we wanted but without the upkeep!”
The proof is in the results—more and more Kiwis are realizing that there’s a better way to build a deck.
Make the Smart Choice for Your Outdoor Space
If you’re looking for an affordable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance deck alternative, porcelain paving is the way to go.
👉 Premium look, premium quality—at a fraction of the price.
👉 No fading, no stains, no endless maintenance.
👉 Installed for as little as $200 per m² in many areas.
👉 Backed by a 100-year warranty.
👉 Available in a huge range of colours and textures.
👉 Looks just like natural stone—without the hefty price tag!
👉 Love timber? Our 1200mm x 300mm woodgrain-look porcelain pavers give you the look of wood without the hassle!
Don’t waste thousands on a timber deck that will need constant upkeep—get in touch with Premier Group NZ today and let us help you create the perfect outdoor space for less!
🚀 Ditch expensive decking—embrace the future with porcelain paving! 🚀
Written By Bernard Powell – Landscaping Consultant
