PlaceMakers product picks – September 2026

As we head towards summer, our September Product Picks highlight a range of smart decking solutions to help transform your clients’ outdoor spaces. 

Looking for a hardwood decking option that combines durability, good looks and easier handling? Kanda offers a compelling option, with a warm fawn-brown colour that sits comfortably between the familiar tones of Vitex and Kwila.

Originally from Central Africa, Kanda is a Durability Class 2 hardwood with a moderate density. Its lighter weight makes it easier to handle on site and less taxing to drill and screw, helping make installation more manageable.

Why choose Kanda?

• Easy to handle – its moderate density makes Kanda lighter than many hardwood alternatives, helping with moving, drilling and fixing on site.
• Durable – Kanda is a Class 2 hardwood suitable for residential outdoor applications, including decking.
• Warm, versatile appearance – its attractive fawn to mid-brown tones complement a wide range of home and design styles.
• Stable and straight-grained – with relatively low shrinkage and a clean, light grain, Kanda provides a quality finish for decking projects.
• Minimal tannin bleed – light brown tannin bleed is typically minimal to none, helping reduce the risk of staining on surrounding surfaces.
• FSC® certified – available for projects requiring FSC®-certified timber.

Kanda is also versatile beyond decking, with applications including soffits and weatherboards.

With 140mm Kwila currently in high demand, 90mm Kwila decking is a smart alternative worth considering. The narrower profile provides practical benefits on site and can be more cost effective on a per-m² basis.

Finger-jointed 90mm Kwila is another option that is well worth knowing about. Available in consistent 5.7m lengths, FJ Kwila can help create a clean, continuous-looking deck with fewer joins. A pre-oiled option is also available, providing a finished look straight off the truck.

Why choose 90mm Kwila?

• More stable – the narrower 90mm profile is less prone to cupping and warping than wider 140mm boards.
• Cost effective.
• Easy to fix – the narrower board reduces the risk of edge splitting and can make installation more straightforward.
• Better ventilation – increased spacing between boards can improve airflow and moisture management, making 90mm more suitable for low-clearance decks.
• Longer FJ lengths – finger-jointed Kwila is available in 5.7m lengths, helping reduce the number of joins required and creating a clean, consistent finish.
• Pre-oiled option available – for a finished appearance from installation, pre-oiled FJ Kwila is also available.
• FSC® certified – PlaceMakers offers FSC® certified Kwila decking in both solid and finger-jointed options.

New to FJ Kwila? It’s already very popular in parts of the country and is a great option to consider when longer, consistent lengths are preferred. Contact your local PlaceMakers branch about getting a sample and see just how subtle the finger joints are.

Building a timber deck over grass or dirt has never been easier thanks to the Nurajack Nuraspike system.

Designed and tested in New Zealand, the Nuraspike is a powder-coated galvanised steel 500mm long footing that is driven directly into the ground, eliminating the need for digging holes, removing soil or waiting for concrete to cure. This means faster installation, less site disruption and reduced labour costs.

When paired with an adjustable Nurajack pedestal, the Nuraspike creates a strong and versatile foundation for low-profile timber or composite decks. The Nurajack’s self-levelling head automatically compensates for uneven ground, delivering a stable and level deck surface without the need for precise footing alignment.

Ideal for residential decks, outdoor entertaining areas and renovation projects, where excavation can be difficult or costly, the Nuraspike system helps simplify construction, while maintaining excellent durability and long-term performance. Engineered to withstand New Zealand conditions, it provides a reliable alternative to traditional deck pile foundations.

If you’re looking for a faster, cleaner and smarter way to build low-profile decks, the Nurajack Nuraspike system is decking made easy.

In stock in PlaceMakers branches nationwide.