Frequently Asked Questions

What treatment do you use for your timber? 
  • At Kaiapoi Trellis we use only untreated Macrocarpa from Southland. The advantage is that this timber does not require treatment. No poisons are being used. It is also stronger than standard pine.

What life can I expect from your trellis?
  • We use Macrocarpa which has a good life. You can expect a good 10 years plus, depending where it is used and how exposed the trellis is to the elements. Timber that is in-ground will last about ½ the time from timer that has no contact to the ground. 
  • Our timber batons are 10mm thick and 38 mm wide. Most commercial trellis are only 7 to 8mm thick, which reduces the life and quickly looks pretty shabby.
  • We use stainless steel fasteners which will not rust and they should comfortably last for the lifetime of the trellis. Most garden Centre trellis use standard galvanized staples which often give up after a relatively short time. They also go black as a reaction to the timber which goes through staining or painting.  

Paint or Stain - What works better?
  • For exposed areas it is best to stain. The advantage is that it does not peel and can them be re-stained without much treatment.
  • Painting is OK for sheltered areas. Keep in mind to re-paint before the paints starts cracking or peeling. 
  • You can also leave the timber bare – the timber will get a nice silvery / grey look over time and it can still be stained then.

Can you install? 
  • Kaiapoi Trellis offers an install service. Everything we manufacture can also be installed by us. We are experts at what we do and it does not cost the earth to have it done professionally. 
  • We come and take any measurements and then provide you a on-site indicative price followed by a free quote. Once you give us the go ahead we manufacture your outdoor structure and then come back and install it to your 100% satisfaction. 
  • PS: when we do your installation, we concrete all posts that go into the ground. This just gives you a more solid structure that will last really well.

How long does it take? 
  • We do not carry much stock as we are specialist manufacturers.
  • Our standard trellis and any custom trellis will be manufacture to order. Please expect approximately 10 to 14 days for delivery. If you want to see samples visit us, otherwise phone us to get details and to place your order.
  • For custom structures and installation our delivery time can vary. We are a small business and there are times when we are very busy. On the other hand there are times when we are not that busy and we can then supply and install very quickly. Please call us to find out.


Can you help with Design Ideas?
  • We can certainly help with design ideas. We have built a huge range of outdoor structures and outdoor furniture and we have a catalogue of picture. Please give us a call to make an appointment and we will be more than happy to give you lots of design ideas. For complex designs we recommend that you use a landscape designer.


Custom Sizes
  • Kaiapoi Trellis is the manufacturer, so can make just about any custom size you require. We charge on a square meter basis, so there is no extra cost for a custom size.  Just bring us your dimensions and the style of trellis that you require and we will be able to give you a very competitive price.
  • Our standard batons are 10mm by 38mm.
  • We can also offer 15mm thick batons and wider or narrower options.


Can you Delivery? 
  • Yes, we deliver free of charge in the Christchurch, Rangiora and Kaiapoi area (minimum order required) or you can pick up from the yard. 
  • For orders outside these areas we can arrange suitable transport at your cost.


Do I need a building permit? 
  • In most cases you do not require a building permit for outdoor structures if they are not physically attached to the house and a few other restrictions. Contact us and we can give you an idea. It is however your responsibility to get this checked with your council and if required get any required building consents done. 


What payment options do you have?
  • We require payment on delivery. 
  • For any larger jobs which includes construction and installation we require a 50% deposit before the job gets started and 50% on completion of the project. 
  • We accept cheque, EFTPOS and most Credit Cards.
  • Bartercard is available on craftsmanship and installation within the free delivery area, does not include product. Prior arrangement is essential or a cash invoice will be posted.
  • BBX not accepted at this time.

Guarantee
  • Kaiapoi Trellis gives you a 100% guarantee. If we supplied the product and the product has a problem we will fix or replace it. If we installed it and the wood shifts (as it does) we come and adjust and correct it.