Macrocarpa vs Pine: Which Timber Performs Better Outdoors
Plankville's side-by-side outdoor endurance test
Your Outdoor Space Depends on Your Timber Pick
Picking the right wood isn't just about how it looks—it's about how long it lasts. When you build a deck, a garden bed, or a custom outdoor table, your wood choice decides how well it holds up to New Zealand's ever-changing weather.
At Plankville, people often ask us: "Should I use Macrocarpa or Pine for my outdoor project?"
That's a good question—and one worth looking into. Both are popular Kiwi picks, but they act quite outdoors. If you're putting time, work, and cash into your project, you should know which wood gives you the best value over time.
What Makes Macrocarpa and Pine So Different?
Macrocarpa (also called Monterey Cypress) is a tough softwood that lasts. It has a gold color tight grain, and stands up to rot and bugs. It's wood that doesn't need treatment and works great outdoors with little upkeep.
Pine grows and costs less than many other woods. People often treat it with chemicals to make it last longer. You can find pine , use it for many things, and see it in house frames and patio chairs.
Both woods have their uses, but they act very over time—when faced with New Zealand's bright sun salty air, and wet weather.
Nature's Strength vs Added Toughness
Let's talk about what counts: how each wood holds up outside as time passes.
Macrocarpa doesn't need chemical treatment to last long. Its own oils guard it from rot and bugs, which makes it great for projects like planter garden beds or sheds where people want wood without treatments for health and eco-friendly reasons.
Pine, on the other hand, needs a lot of treatment. Plain Pine rots fast outside, but when it's pressure-treated (H3–H5 rating), it gets much tougher—good for fences, decks, and building stuff. The downside? Treated Pine can twist, split, or leak chemicals, which is a problem for garden or food-related jobs.
So, if you want timber that's natural and low in toxicity with lots of character, Macrocarpa stands out. But if you need timber that's easy on the wallet for big projects, treated Pine can work well.
Weather Resistance and Maintenance
New Zealand's weather can be hard on outdoor stuff—sun, salt, and rain don't let up.
Macrocarpa ages . As time passes, it turns a light silvery-grey giving off a rustic beachy vibe. With a bit of oil now and then, it keeps its strength and color.
Pine when looked after and cared for also does well, but it tends to move and crack on the surface when exposed to harsh UV light. It needs staining or painting every few years to keep its look and protection.
For easy upkeep and style, Macrocarpa is the clear winner.
Long Life and Value for Money
While treated Pine costs less at first, Macrocarpa often proves cheaper in the long run because it lasts longer.
How long Macrocarpa lasts: 15–25 years outside (without treatment)
How long treated Pine lasts: 10–20 years (based on treatment type and care)
That longer lifespan means you'll replace it less often, maintain it less, and end up with a more sustainable result. Also, since Macrocarpa doesn't need chemical treatments, it's better for the environment—perfect for homeowners who like natural materials.
The Look and Feel That Completes Your Space
Beyond toughness, looks matter too. Macrocarpa has golden hues rich grain, and natural texture that add warmth and craftsmanship to any outdoor area. It's great for standout pieces like custom slabs and flitches or handmade furniture.
Pine has a lighter color but you can stain or paint it to fit any design. Yet, it often lacks Macrocarpa's natural appeal and can seem more ordinary in its finish.
If you want your deck, garden bed, or outdoor table to look one-of-a-kind and age well, Macrocarpa offers lasting style with true Kiwi character.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
At Plankville, sustainability stands at the core of all our actions.
People often get Macrocarpa from well-managed shelterbelt trees or local mills. This makes it an earth-friendly choice with little impact on the environment. It doesn't contain toxins, it's safe for soil, and you can recycle it when it's no longer useful.
Treated Pine, though grown on plantations and renewable, undergoes chemical treatments. This process limits its ability to be recycled and complicates its disposal.
If your project aims to be friendly, Macrocarpa supports that goal.
Trust and Expertise: Why Choose Plankville
At Plankville, we do more than sell timber—we create outdoor solutions that last. Our wood products come from chosen and milled NZ-grown Macrocarpa and Pine to show off their best qualities.
We offer everything from planter garden beds to custom sheds and bespoke slabs. We make each piece with care focusing on quality and sustainability.
We take pride in helping Kiwis build beautiful practical outdoor spaces that showcase the natural strength of New Zealand timber.
Find Your Perfect Timber at Plankville
Still can't decide between Macrocarpa and Pine? Our team can help you out. Check our timber page for full specs, or reach out through our contact page to talk about what you want to achieve.
Got plans for a garden makeover, a new deck, or a unique outdoor creation? Plankville's timber made right here, can turn your ideas into reality—in a natural and eco-friendly way.
→ Get in touch with the Plankville team now and pick the perfect timber for your next outdoor project.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Macrocarpa proves superior to Pine for outdoor furniture. Its natural durability resists decay without chemicals. It also ages well and needs little upkeep.
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With proper care, treated Pine can last up to 20 years. Macrocarpa, on the other hand, can endure for 25 years or more, depending on the environment and maintenance.
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Macrocarpa doesn't need chemical treatment for most outdoor uses. Its natural oils give it protection against rot and insects.
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You can do this. But many people like to oil it and allow it to weather on its own to a nice silver-grey color.
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Macrocarpa tends to be more eco-friendly. It doesn't need chemical treatment and often comes from sustainable plantations nearby.
