Month: October 2023

The glamorous suburb of Matakana is one of Auckland’s best-kept secrets. Located within the coveted couple of hours’ drive north of the city, Omaha Beach feels on-trend thanks to big homes and driveways that gleam with premium metal.

Russell from Onsite Construction Ltd built this home on a large 815sqm section. The generous layout prioritises outdoor living, with Vitex decking and a louver roof creating shade all year round.

Wood

The Cost To Deck With Wood Or Concrete Generally Depends On The Material And What Kind Of Design You Opt For. Prices have risen significantly since the pandemic began, as a result of supply chain kinks and skyrocketing demand for building materials from homeowners and builders alike.

Wood decking Matakana options include cedar, which is naturally durable and has a pleasant smell. It weathers to a soft, yellowish-gray color. Pressure-treated lumber, which is typically made from southern pine infused with chemicals to make it resistant to rot and insects, is also a popular choice for wood decking. This inexpensive option starts at around $2 per square foot.

Another popular wood is kwila, a tropical hardwood that starts as an attractive reddy-brown color and fades to driftwood gray over time. It is hardy and relatively easy to work with, but it does bleed tannins, so you must take precautions when working with it to avoid staining surfaces below.

Concrete

Concrete is a cost-effective material that resists weather and pest damage. It is also long-lasting, durable and can be designed to look like pavers or other types of materials for a stylish finish. It is possible to add color and pattern to the concrete as it is being poured so it can be customized for each project.

Structural concrete works with metal deck to withstand different levels of pressure over large spans and is often used on roof decks. It is available in both normal weight and lightweight structural concrete. The difference is in the type of aggregate used – normal weight uses rock, clay or shale while lightweight uses expanded vermiculite or zonocel.

One drawback to concrete is that it retains moisture and can be damaged by materials that absorb water over time, such as metal roofs. Also, steel framing needs to be properly sized for the concrete and temporary shoring is required during construction until the concrete cures – adding to the overall cost of the project.

Stone

Matakana’s coastal enclave, green paradise and thriving artisan-food scene make it an easy place to while away a weekend or two (or more). Visit the village farmer’s market, take in a winery tour at Brick Bay or enjoy brunch at pretty Plume Café.

This Matakana home’s upper level features Abodo Vulcan Cladding in Protector Ebony, with vertical battens at even intervals to add depth and visual appeal. The result is a sophisticated country lodge look, adding a touch of luxury to the home.

A stone, paver and concrete professional can help you add kerb appeal and create hardscapes around the home, including patios, driveways, retaining walls, pool coping and garden walls. They can also install feature splashbacks and benchtops. Use Houzz to find a local Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures professional in Matakana. Answer a few simple questions to be matched with local pros who can help you realise your dream home. Choose from a range of styles, sizes and construction materials. Consider appearance, maintenance and regional factors when choosing your materials.

Metal

Matakana is a certified foodie paradise thanks to its village farmer’s market, surrounding orchards and vineyards, and awesome cafe culture. The area also has plenty of unique attractions that will round out your visit, from sheep shearing at Sheepworld to a tour of a chocolate factory.

The type of material you choose for your deck will depend on how it will be used and the climate where it will be built. Different types of materials react differently to direct sunlight, temperature changes, and regular exposure to water.

Many of the wood-based materials that are available in New Zealand have been tested to see how they perform during wildfires. The results are displayed on the product labels, and information about how quickly and easily a particular board will ignite is also available. In California, the state building code requires that deck boards meet minimum performance requirements based on energy release when burned. A listing of approved deck boards is maintained by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Manuka honey has been shown to stimulate tissue regeneration, accelerate wound healing and reduce pain. It also has a powerful antibacterial action with methylglyoxal (MGO), which helps combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Studies show it is effective in tackling harmful oral bacteria associated with plaque formation, gum inflammation and tooth decay. It also has natural antiviral properties that fight against flu strains.

It’s Raw

Manuka honey has been used as a natural sweetener, healing salve and more for thousands of years. Modern research into New Zealand’s native tea tree bush (leptospermum scoparium) has found that certain properties of this unique honey are not present in other varieties of honey.

To be labeled as Manuka, the honey must come from New Zealand and carry the UMF stamp and trademark. It should also state whether it is monofloral or multifloral and have an MGO or UMF rating. The higher the MGO, the more beneficial compounds are present.

Our manuka honey blend is a delicious combination of multifloral Manuka and New Zealand bush honey. Triple churned, it is silky smooth with subtle toffee aromas and flavours. It is UMF certified and a great way to add some New Zealand goodness to your everyday routine.

It’s Pure

Honey is a low-calorie, all natural sweetener that adds a golden texture to food. But it’s important to remember that even a tablespoon or two of honey is still a form of sugar. If eaten in excess, it can spike blood sugar levels and pack unnecessary caloric input.

Manuka honey is unique because it contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties that help maintain a healthy gut, skin and digestive system. It can also help reduce inflammation and promote oral health by inhibiting the growth of less favourable bacteria that cause dental plaque and gingivitis.

When selecting a manuka honey blend, look for the MGO label which indicates the minimum Methylglyoxal (MG) content of the honey. The MG rating correlates to the concentration of unique factors that are responsible for many of the health benefits associated with Manuka honey. You can also select products that are verified by the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grading system which is a strict New Zealand-based certification for honey quality and authenticity.

It’s Natural

Honey is a natural sweetener that has fewer calories than sugar. It’s an excellent low-calorie ingredient that can be used to add a delicious flavour to food and drink products.

Multifloral manuka honey, also known as multifloral New Zealand manuka honey, is made when bees forage for nectar from a variety of flowers. This may include the Manuka flower (Leptospermum scoparium) but it could also be from other plants.

New Zealand Manuka honey is known for its antibacterial properties, which can be used to help treat gastrointestinal illnesses including diarrhoea and clostridium difficile infections. It’s also been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in cystic fibrosis patients. Manuka honey is also being investigated as an effective skin treatment for rosacea. However, more research is needed. Always consult with your doctor before consuming any honey, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Manuka honey is not suitable for infants under the age of one. Ensure you check the label of any honey you buy to see whether it’s been independently tested for its methylglyoxal content.

It’s Delicious

A jar of manuka honey blend is a versatile addition to any pantry. It can be used to soothe a sore throat, boost immunity, and heal wounds. However, be sure to talk to your GP before introducing this natural superfood to your diet, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes or have any underlying health issues.

Look for a manuka honey labeled with the AMHA (Australian Manuka Honey Association) mark of authenticity stamp and the MGO rating. This rating directly correlates with the methylglyoxal content of the honey, which has been shown to have unique antibacterial properties.

Swirl a teaspoon of manuka honey in hot water and enjoy it as a soothing tea. You can also stir a spoonful into yoghurt with your choice of mix-ins to create a healthy snack that’ll make you crave more. Or try adding manuka honey to a facemask—this beauty ingredient has been found to promote healthy skin. Moreover, it helps to reduce the build-up of plaque and inhibits the growth of less-than-favourable oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis.