Kwila has been one of the most commonly used decking timbers in New Zealand — but it comes at a high cost. Much of the world’s kwila is logged unsustainably in West Papua and Southeast Asia, leading to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and ethical concerns.

The good news is that there’s a local, sustainable alternative: New Zealand beech decking.

At Innate Furniture, we work directly with West Coast sawmills to produce solid beech decking boards. This locally grown timber is strong, stable, and beautiful, with warm tones that weather gracefully over time. By choosing beech, you avoid the environmental damage linked to kwila while supporting sustainable forestry and regional communities here in Aotearoa.

Beech also performs well outdoors when treated and maintained correctly. Combined with natural oils and proper installation, it delivers the same durability customers expect from hardwood decking — without the environmental compromise.

Our decking is part of a bigger story: building an industry around NZ raw materials processed in NZ, so that value stays in the country and local landowners, fabricators, and builders benefit.

So, what’s the best alternative to kwila decking in New Zealand? West Coast beech — a timber that is sustainable, local, and designed to last.