For four generations, the inherent qualities and creative potential provided by timber have inspired us and driven innovation at RK Timbers.

If you need proof that the inventive spirit of Kiwis is alive and thriving, you only need to look at the way timber is being used to create spectacular spaces and objects throughout the country. We’re enormously proud to be involved with many of New Zealand’s finest builds, helping architects, designers, artisans and owners take their concepts from paper to the highest standards of craftsmanship.

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From rustic minimalism to palatial elegance, and from leading role to supporting act, timber’s only limitation is our imagination. Explore these beautiful homes for a small taste of the possibilities.

Inspiration

On a sloping rural lifestyle section in Coatesville, a composition of three barn-like gable forms sit both within and over the land.

A restrained palette of dark stained Western Red Cedar and European style tray profiled metals clad the exterior. Oiled oak and soft natural stones line the interiors.


A number of architectural moments are created within the composition of the home, enabling a variety of internal and external living spaces.

Interior and exterior spaces are linked by way of bagged clay brick walls, which continue inside to out.

Brass is used selectively within the dwelling on fixtures and surfaces to be touched by occupants – including the large pivoting front door. The brass will naturally patina overtime.

Western red cedar with vertical grain and bandsawn face used for horizontal shiplap weatherboards. Supplied in selected lengths to avoid joins. Coated in Dryden WoodOil Dark.

Extruded and powder-coated aluminum flashings to corners and vertical joints.

Soffit panelling in Western red cedar and a bandsawn face.

One Ashridge Park 

Nestled amongst sand dunes, this magnificent holiday home features oiled cedar for both wall and ceiling planes, integrated with Moroccan limestone, to mimic the tone of the sand and blend inconspicuously into its surroundings.

The site provides spectacular views overlooking a golf course and the ocean, which also gave Julian Guthrie Architects the challenge of designing for strong winds and harsh dune conditions. The timber and finishing choices not only make the home feel like part of the landscape, they also provide the necessary qualities required to withstand the elements.

To further respond to these challenging conditions, the design response was to set the building low into the land, with flat timber roofs cantilevering out to form generous covered verandah zones.

The layout breaks the house area into separate wings for living and sleeping zones, creating a series of sheltered courtyard spaces between. Colour accents come through with rusted corten steel, and the peacock blues of the pool. Landscaping responds to the dune setting with desert plants, and enhances the references to mid-century American modernism in the architecture.

Western red cedar vertical shiplap weatherboards supplied in a set pattern of varied widths and depths.

Laminated extra wide fascia boards in Western red cedar.

All with a bandsawn face and coated in Dryden WoodOil Dry Hills.

Ceiling and soffit panelling done in hidden fixed Western red cedar.

Extruded and powder-coated aluminium flashings to junctions.

Interset recessed window flashing system.

Dune House 

Amongst the dunes and pine forests along the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island is a pair of gabled timber sheds. The design references the timber working sheds found in rural New Zealand.

The buildings nestle against the dune edge, creating a relaxed and timeless sense of harmony with the environment. Between them is an area for seating and outdoor fire.

To control lights, air, view and privacy, the house is layered with sliding timber shutters. Together with the timber cladding and roof, the material will age and silver over time - integrating the building even more with the landscape.

By using timber on the interior it brings together the building as a whole and blurs indoors with outdoors. The interior timber is oiled to provide warmth as a subtle counter to the exterior.

Inside a combination of sloping and flat ceilings provide both intimate and voluminous spaces. When the ceilings are raised and sloping to the ridge, a dado of timber down-stands visually links the spaces and echoes the lines of the windows and shutters.

Open rainscreen to roof and enclosed rainscreen to walls utilising Vertical shiplap weatherboards, in Western red cedar, with a bandsawn face.

Western red cedar is also used for interior panelling and shutters.

Te Arai

In a wood-lined field near the lake’s edge, twin gables and a chisel roof slip past one another to create three enclosed courtyards.


The design evokes the green-roof sheds of the south. It creates the look of an ad hoc settlement, with graduated weatherboards and a razor-thin roof edge making a striking profile.

The interior is lined with a combination of southern beech, recycled kauri, rimu, plywood and terrazzo, while dark concrete floors merge with local stone paving, before dissolving into the grassed surrounds.

Detailing draws inspiration from the elements that have informed the overall project, with façade features accenting the composition of interior features, such as a mustard reading-nook box, concealed venting openings, triangulated high-level windows, and corrugated steel wall with floating entry boardwalk.

At 150 square metres, the crib has the intimacy of a small house, but can comfortably sleep ten people, with two double bedrooms, an attic loft for two, and a bunk room with four beds.


The home’s interior has a direct relationship with three enclosed courtyards. The lounge and dining spill out to a north-facing entertaining patio, bounded by an angular concrete cooking fire. The kitchen connects to a sheltered southern working garden, enclosed by a grape-bearing espalier frame made of reinforcing steel. The eastern terrace gives access to the self-contained bunkroom providing privacy from the public reserve and boulevard of trees.

Lapped and mitred external corners, using powder-coated and extruded aluminium corner flashings behind.

Wanaka Crib 

This home, on a thoroughbred horse farm, adopts an aesthetic inspired by stables. The interior design features a carefully considered material palette of timber, stone, tile, and rendered plaster, creating a timeless sense of warmth and permanency.

Located on a mostly flat site with expansive views across the farm and beyond, the design revolves around a solid axis. Barn forms are linked by glazed gallery spaces to retain visual connection to the landscape.

Western Red Cedar Shingles No.1 Blue Label.

Stud Farm

Harmonizing with the stunning natural surroundings, this modern Wānaka farmhouse strikes a balance between visual appeal and practicality, creating a space conducive to family living.

Key elements of the design included a large open fireplace, outdoor spaces for entertaining, and a layout that showcases the breathtaking views of Central Otago.

The home features two interconnected gable forms, clad in pre-finished metal and vertical cedar weatherboard, with a timber-batten rain screen. Cedar was selected for its light hue, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the landscape.

Board-formed concrete was used both inside and outside, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic. The sculpted concrete fireplace in the living room is a focal point, uniting the space.

The 320 square metre home prioritizes natural light and views, with a design that includes a bedroom wing designed to capture southern light, and open-plan living areas that flow into the outdoors.

Luggate Farm House

We’ve had the privilege of helping homeowners and architects create some of New Zealand’s most impressive homes and buildings. Here are a few to pique your imagination.

RK Timbers

Home

RK Timbers extruded aluminum flashing range is a game-changer for timber cladding projects! The innovative profiles allow for seamless transitions at junctions and between vertical and horizontal timber cladding, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Multiple uses also mean more creative opportunity for designers and builders, which is a big win in timber cladding performance and design.

RK Flashings

Sansin is the global leader in environmentally-friendly wood protection. Since 1986, they’ve been focused on creating the best performing, most beautiful water-borne timber finishes in the world. Their innovative research and development program has made them the leader in developing environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional wood coatings.

Available from RK Timbers in two product types.

is a durable wood treatment that allows exterior timber to weather naturally while offering exceptional water repellency and protection from blackening and deterioration. Easily applied, natural colours that let the exposed surface weather gently and more evenly.

is considered the finest exterior, translucent timber protection for factory finishing, delivering both beauty and durability to the highest standard in an endless spectrum of fuller colours. This unique waterborne, alkyd formula uses water not solvent to penetrate wood.

• Protects wood while allowing weathering 

• Creates complete range of weathered looks

• Environmentally friendly, low toxicity

Sansin PrecisionCoat Woodforce & SDF

RK Timbers provides a comprehensive selection of cavity battens designed for both vertical and horizontal cladding applications. Our cavity battens enhance ventilation and moisture management behind the cladding, promoting long-lasting durability for the building envelope. With options suited for various installation needs, our battens are crafted for ease of use and effective performance in any project.

All battens are treated with the durable and environmentally preferable H3.2 MCA treatment. Let us know if you’d like to discuss the specifics of sizes, materials, treatment, or applications to match your projects requirements.

Cavity Battens

Dryden WoodOil is a water-repellent, non-filming timber protector made in New Zealand. It deeply penetrates wood, reduces warping and splitting, and extends timber life with UV-stable fungicide. Available in various colours to enhance timber character or in clear for a natural, weathered look while maintaining water resistance. Designed for New Zealand conditions, it preserves timber’s beauty without obscuring the grain.

Dryden Woodoil

KOMO® Finger-jointed, Laminated Timber Planks

Premium KOMO® timber blanks made from the best and most popular joinery timbers of the world, are machined four sides, to accurate dimensions and precise straightness, for a consistent quality working material. All 5.9m in length, they are finger-jointed and laminated for extra strength and stability. The vertical grain allows for a fine paint finish.

The Dutch KOMO® mark, trusted for more than 55 years, guarantees consistent quality that exceeds all the requirements of our local professional trades and government standards. KOMO® products are repeatedly tested by independent experts. Laboratory tests show they last a long time and require less

Finger-Jointed and Laminated Timber Blanks

RK Timbers provides a specialised range of high-quality fixings for cladding, cavity batten and decking installation, including stainless steel, silicon bronze and vintage bronze heat-treated options. These fixings are chosen for their exceptional durability and compatibility with other materials, ensuring longevity and stability in our diverse climate. Each type is crafted to meet the specific needs of the timber and application, providing a secure and aesthetically pleasing finish for your project. Would you like more information on the benefits of each material type or guidance on selecting the best option for your project?

Fixings

Ever-changing demands constantly push us to innovate with new systems that make life easier, deliver better outcomes, and achieve beautiful aesthetics.

Our wide range of coatings and accessories make timber easier to install, look and perform at its best, and last longer, allowing you to enjoy it for many years to come.

Systems and Profiles

Modern horizontal shiplap boards have become increasingly popular as they offer a contemporary alternative to traditional vertical cladding.

This horizontal orientation not only provides a sleek and modern look but also complements vertical timber, allowing the two styles to coexist harmoniously on the same facade.

RK Horizontal

RK Board and Batten Weatherboards are a classic and distinctive cladding option, often used in traditional and modern architecture. The layered board and batten pattern can be customised with deeper set battens and wider boards to complement a wide range of styles.

Known for its ease of installation and durability, it’s available in two main types: direct fixing and 20mm cavity, to suit various projects.

RK Board & Batten

RK Vertical Weatherboards are designed to create clean, vertical lines that contribute to a minimalist aesthetic, making it ideal for modern architectural designs. This cladding is available in two well-established cavity types: 20mm and 45mm, offering versatility in installation and design.

RK Timbers Vertical Timber cladding is further enhanced by a comprehensive range of accessories, providing added versatility and ease of installation. These accessories ensure a seamless integration with design elements.

RK Vertical 

RK Bevel Back Weatherboards are known for their durability and classic appearance. The bevel back profile refers to the angled cut at the back of each board, which ensures efficient water runoff when boards overlap.

This outstanding weatherboard provides both functional and aesthetic benefits, enhancing the performance and look of the exterior cladding. It’s available in two main installation types to provide flexibility for different project requirements: direct fixing and 20mm cavity.

RK Bevel Back

RK Timbers premium blue label Western Red Cedar shingles are ideal for exterior cladding, offering a high-quality, vertical grain that provides exceptional durability and a refined, natural look. These shingles are crafted to withstand the elements, giving a timeless appeal to any building’s exterior. Perfect for those looking for both beauty and resilience in their cladding choice.

Would you like more details on sizing, installation, or how this premium cladding can enhance your project?

RK Shingles

The RK INTERSET® Recessed Window System is designed to offer a sleek, recessed finish around windows and doors while providing effective weatherproofing and thermal efficiency benefits.

INTERSET® flashings are used exclusively in conjunction with the RK Timbers Vertical and Horizontal 45mm structural cavity batten system. This system enables standard aluminium windows to be recessed to the framing line from the outer façade, providing a natural 65mm deep window recess.

 Interset

The versatility of timber enables RK Timbers to offer a huge array of wall or soffit panelling & ceiling sarking alternatives.

There is an array of many species to choose from. This coupled with a large range of profile options and finishes, means there is a solution to suit almost any interior design.

Our most popular option is Western Red Cedar, which can be offered in a range of finishing colour choices. Timber profiles are available in many widths and thicknesses, can have a ‘V’ joint or square negative detail of varying widths and be finished with either a bandsawn or dressed and sanded face.

RK Timbers have an innovative hidden screw-fix system to suit all panelling profiles. This allows the timber profiles to be invisibly fixed, flush to either timber ceiling battens or aluminium ceiling systems.

RK Panelling

Abodo Vulcan is thermally modified New Zealand grown and manufactured radiata pine, engineered with patented vertical grain construction for superior weathering. Sustainably sourced from rapidly renewable pine plantations, it offers enhanced stability, reduced resin, and natural durability without chemicals. Available in architectural profiles and RK Timbers’ full range of cladding systems.

The registered trade mark Abodo is owned by Abodo Wood Limited.

Abodo®

The heartwood of American cherry varies from rich red to reddish-brown, which will darken with age and exposure to light. It has a fine, straight, close grain with a smooth texture and distinctive narrow brown pith flecks and small gum pockets. Sapwood is creamy white.

American Black Cherry

American Hard Maple colouring is cream white with a pinkish tinge. Usually straight grain but sometimes curly or wavy and the texture is fine and even. Fine brown lines give an attractive growth ring figure. Large trees may have dark brown heart. The timber has high resistance to abrasion and wear and finishes very well.

American Hard Maple

American White Ash heartwood is a grey-brown, sometimes tinged with red. Demand is usually for the lighter coloured white sapwood. Generally straight grained with a coarse but even texture. Ash is a non-durable timber prized for its use in sports equipment and tool handles.

American White Ash

American white oak has a pale yellow-brown color with a pinkish tint, straight grain, and a silver grain figure on quarter-sawn wood due to its broad rays. Northern Oak grows slowly, yielding lightweight wood deemed better than the faster-growing, harder Southern oak. US forests prioritize sustainable management and environmental conservation.

American White Oak

Australian Oak is a mixture of two Eucalypt species. It ranges in colour from pale pink to brown straw. It is straight, open and even grained with a uniform texture, usually all quartersawn for stability with excellent staining properties. Victorian ash carries independent PEFC certification.

Australian Oak

European Beech heartwood and sapwood are cream to pale pink in colour with a straight grain and fine, even texture. It is common practice to steam the timber, which turns it to a darker pink-red colour.

European Beech

The wood is pale yellow-white with distinct annual rings, straight grain, tight knots, and a fine texture. It's dense for a softwood due to slow growth, moderately durable, with heartwood resistant and sapwood moderately resistant to preservative treatment. Larch dries fairly quickly, with slight degrade, but kiln drying is effective.

European Larch

European Oak heartwood is light tan to biscuit colour and usually straight grained but irregular or cross-grained material can occur. Characteristic silver grain figure on quartered surfaces due to broad rays.

European Oak

Garapa wood boasts a light yellow to honey-brown color with interlocked grain and fine texture. Exceptionally durable, it resists rot, decay, and fire, remaining lustrous without bleeding. With high silica content, it's scratch-resistant, making it ideal for kiln-dried decking. Certified FSC®100%, it's responsibly sourced and well-managed.

Garapa

Western Hemlock heartwood is a uniform pale brown with distinctive growth ring figuring. The wood is straight grained, non-resinous with a lustrous surface and a fine, even texture.

Hemlock

Iroko is golden orange to brown, lighter vessel lines are conspicuous on flat sawn surfaces. The colour of Iroko darkens with age. The grain is interlocked and sometimes irregular and the texture rather coarse but even. Iroko can be sourced with independent FSC® certification.

Iroko

Kebony pioneers Dually Modified™ Wood Technology, offering a durable hardwood alternative trusted by architects for 20+ years. With a rich brown color that ages to a natural silver-gray patina, Kebony enhances wood strength and longevity through active and passive modifications, surpassing tropical hardwood performance sustainably.

Kebony

Kwila heartwood ranges from yellow-brown to dark red-brown, with slightly interlocked grain and a moderately coarse texture. Yellow vessel deposits are common, and it's nonsiliceous, occasionally lustrous. When wet, it bleeds, leaving a dark red-brown stain. Rosenfeld Kidson imports only FSC®-certified Kwila from responsible, well-managed sources.

Kwila

The heartwood is a deep purple-violet when freshly cut, maturing to a dark brown. Straight grained but often irregular, wavy and sometimes interlocked. Texture moderate to fine.

Purpleheart

This softwood has large, wide, pale-coloured sapwood, which is distinct from the pinkish-brown heartwood. There is moderate growth-ring figure resulting in a relatively uniform and fine texture. The timber has moderate to high lustre and readily accepts preservative treatment.

Radiata

Sapele heartwood is medium to dark reddish-brown, characterised by a well-defined ribbon striped figure on quartered surfaces. The grain is interlocked or wavy and the texture is fairly fine. Sapele has a cedar-like scent when freshly cut and is moderately durable.

Sapele

Taun heartwood colour is pink-brown maturing to a dull reddish-brown with age. The grain is usually straight but sometimes interlocked or with a regular wave.

Taun

Tonka heartwood when cut is reddish-brown or purplish-brown with lighter streaks and on exposure gradually becomes uniform light brown. Lustre is low to medium, texture is fine and grain interlocked with a waxy or oily feel. Similar to spotted gum in appearance. Tonka carries independent FSC®100% certification that it is sourced from responsible and well-managed forests.

Tonka

Truwood® is a Codemark-certified, renewable timber designed for RK Timber systems, offering durability, stability, and natural beauty. Utilizing thermal modification technology, it features a Teak-colored finish without chemicals. With a Durability Class 2 rating and low moisture absorption, it's ideal for cladding, windows, doors, and more, enhanced by RK Timber’s quality coatings.

Truwood

Vitex is a durable hardwood with a pale yellowish to creamy-grey appearance. Texture is fine and slightly lustrous with an even grain. When freshly cut the timber has a leathery odour and the timber is greasy to the touch. Vitex is sourced from low-impact, village-based operations in the Solomon Islands.

Vitex

American Black Walnut heartwood is a rich dark chocolate brown to purplish-black, mostly straight grained but with wavy or curly grain occasionally present. The texture is mildly coarse. Walnut is usually supplied steamed, to darken the pale coloured sapwood.

Walnut

Fresh Western red cedar heartwood ranges from dark brown to pink, aging to reddish-brown and eventually silver-grey when weathered. Sapwood is paler. Straight grained with a coarse texture, it has minimal shrinkage and machines and stains easily. British Columbia's forests, the source of cedar, are well-managed and certified under SFI, CSA, FSC®, or PEFC.

Western Red Cedar

Alaskan yellow cedar heartwood is a consistent pale yellow colour with a fine, even texture and is straight-grained. It is not a true cedar and is harder and more durable than most other softwoods. Yellow cedar producers carry certification under either SFI, CSA, FSC® or PEFC.

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