How to Turn Your Skill Into a Decking & Patio Business in NZ (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

Launching a decking and patio business in New Zealand can be really rewarding, but juggling the hands-on work and the business side can sometimes feel like a bit much. Whether you’re building new decks, restoring old patios, or offering maintenance, these friendly tips will help you attract local clients and keep your business running smoothly.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Master Local Building Techniques

Knowing the ins and outs of NZ native timber, weather impacts, and local building codes puts you ahead of many competitors.

Weirdly enough, a Wellington deck builder who specialised in durable native wood saw steady referrals from eco-conscious clients.

2. Stay Compliant with NZ Regulations

Familiarising yourself with local building codes and resource consents for outdoor structures avoids costly delays.

Having the right building licenses and insurance shows clients you’re serious and trustworthy.

Auckland decking pro Emma credits compliance with landing big residential and commercial contracts.

3. Invest in Quality Materials

Using premium, weather-suitable materials from trusted NZ suppliers ensures long-lasting decks that delight your customers.

Building solid supplier relationships can also get you better pricing and specialist advice.

Nelson landscaper John says relying on local suppliers helped him manage costs and win clients.

4. Create a Mobile-Friendly Website

A crisp, mobile-friendly site listing your decking and patio services, portfolio, and client reviews helps locals find and trust you.

Before-and-after photos of recent projects add credibility and inspire enquiries.

Mike from Christchurch saw a notable booking increase after revamping his website to highlight client testimonials.

5. Use Yada for More Jobs

Yada connects local decking professionals with clients, without lead or success fees, allowing you to focus on quality service and fair pricing.

The integrated chat feature helps you communicate clearly and manage bookings from any device.

Sarah in Hamilton finds Yada invaluable for keeping track of multiple projects and quick responses.

6. List on Trusted NZ Directories

TradeMe Services, NoCowboys, and Localist are popular platforms to list your services. Kiwis trust these for finding reliable trades.

Consistent profile updates and prompt responses increase your chances of winning new clients.

Emma's business grew significantly thanks to active directory listings.

7. Encourage and Showcase Reviews

Positive word-of-mouth is vital in NZ. After completing work, ask clients to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, or Yada.

Sharing real testimonials plus before-and-after project photos builds trust and draws in new customers.

David increased referrals by regularly promoting client reviews online.

8. Manage Your Schedule Smartly

Balancing multiple projects and admin tasks is challenging. Use scheduling apps or Yada’s built-in tools to organise your workload and minimise stress.

Batching invoicing and ordering supplies allows more focus on building quality decks and patios.

John credits good time management for steady business growth and less burnout.

9. Network with Local Trade Partners

Building relationships with builders, landscapers, and architects can bring steady referral work.

Simple actions like dropping business cards or chatting at local supplier stores help you grow a solid network.

A Wellington deck builder expanded his client base through these connections.

10. Keep Learning and Innovating

Stay ahead by learning about new decking materials, finishes, and sustainable practices through workshops and local courses.

Continuous learning helps reduce overwhelm and keeps your services competitive.

Susan from Tauranga grew her deck and patio business by embracing eco-friendly and custom design approaches.