Next Level Joinery Ltd

Next Level Joinery Ltd Timber Joinery Specialists

A modern approach to timber door and window manufacturing.

First up in the series, Willie de Gruchy.For the past 17 years, Willie has built WG de Gruchy Construction into one of t...
13/08/2026

First up in the series, Willie de Gruchy.

For the past 17 years, Willie has built WG de Gruchy Construction into one of the most respected names in the high-end residential space, known for uncompromising standards and the way the business is run.

Swipe across to hear his story, his perspective on the industry, and some of the key lessons and advice he’s picked up over decades in construction.

WG de Gruchy Construction Ltd



What’s your background and how did you start your business?

For Willie, being a good builder isn’t just about the work you put your name to. It’s about what you pass on.

A lot of what he knows was taught to him by the builders before him, and he sees it as his responsibility to do the same for the next generation coming through.

What does the construction market look like for builders right now?

What advice would you give to young operators facing a tough market?

What makes you confident about the future?

For Willie, optimism isn’t about ignoring how tough the market can be. It’s about choosing not to get dragged down by it.

There’s always going to be uncertainty in the industry, but he’s learnt how important it is to surround yourself with positive people, focus on what you can control, and not let the negativity take over.

How important is time with family for switching off work?

How do you manage the stress of running a construction business?

Why are reliable subcontractors and trade partners so important?

Over the next three months, we're going to be sitting down with some of the best operators in the industry, ranging from...
11/08/2026

Over the next three months, we're going to be sitting down with some of the best operators in the industry, ranging from seasoned veterans to the newer guys making moves and building strong businesses in a challenging market.

There’s been plenty of doom and gloom around construction lately, and understandably so. Between rising costs, smaller margins, shifting client expectations and everything else happening around the industry, there’s a lot for builders to carry.

But we wanted to look at it from a different angle.

We want to hear from the people who have been through tough periods before, the ones adapting now, and the operators finding smarter ways to keep moving forward.

We’ll be talking about the lessons they’ve learnt, the changes they’ve made, the pressure that comes with running a building business, and why having the right people around you can make a real difference.

Because when the market gets tougher, good systems, good decisions and reliable partners matter more than ever.

Stay tuned.

Selecting the right timber is one of the first calls on any joinery project. It carries more weight than most people exp...
28/07/2026

Selecting the right timber is one of the first calls on any joinery project. It carries more weight than most people expect.

We work with a range of timbers, each with its own strengths. Here's a quick breakdown:

Accoya: Acetylated radiata pine. Highly stable and long-lasting, ideal for exposed joinery.

Abodo: Thermally modified radiata, grown and made in New Zealand. Durable and sustainable.

Western Red Cedar: naturally durable, light, and stable, with a warm tone that weathers to silvery grey.

Alaska Yellow Cedar: Dense, hard, and fine-grained. A solid pick for exterior work.

Finger-jointed Radiata Pine: Engineered for stability and grown locally. Dependable under a painted finish.

The right choice comes down to where it sits, how it's finished, and what it needs to do.

You can learn more about what timber would suit your project through our website or get in touch with us for a chat.

Metal and plastic are finite resources. Once they're used, that's it.As it grows, it absorbs and stores carbon. When it ...
26/07/2026

Metal and plastic are finite resources. Once they're used, that's it.

As it grows, it absorbs and stores carbon. When it comes from responsibly managed forests, the trees that are harvested are replanted, allowing the cycle to continue.

So, when you choose timber joinery, you’re not only considering how it looks or how long it will last. You’re also choosing a material that can be regrown and renewed for future generations.

21/07/2026

Join me and Dan from Abodo Wood as we chat through why he chose to replace his window sashes rather than complete a full retrofit.

A renovation and extension of an existing State House, designed to retain the character of the original home while impro...
19/07/2026

A renovation and extension of an existing State House, designed to retain the character of the original home while improving the way it works for modern family life.

Our joinery package included a multi-lite timber window, a custom awning window and several large sliding doors, all double glazed and detailed to complement both the original architecture and the new additions.

It was a pleasure working alongside Todd and the team at Neo Build Ltd., as well as Guy from Guy Tarrant Architects. The communication and attention to detail across the project made the entire process a great one to be part of.

Architect: Guy Tarrant Architects
Builder: Neo Build Ltd.

13/07/2026

After three stages, it's all come together.

Waka Huia has been in the works for a while now, and it's a project we're proud of and have been looking forward to sharing in full.

Builder: J R Hosking Carpenters and Co
Architect: Pac Studio

In a market full of synthetic finishes and disposable products, timber offers something different.Maintained correctly, ...
08/07/2026

In a market full of synthetic finishes and disposable products, timber offers something different.

Maintained correctly, it develops character over time rather than simply deteriorating. Scratches, grain variation, and natural movement become part of the material rather than defects to hide.

That is part of why timber joinery holds its place in architectural construction, even as alternative systems have grown.

The evolution of timber joinery has never really been about replacing tradition. It has been about refining it. Better machinery, improved engineering, and modern performance standards have lifted what timber joinery can do, while the core principles stay the same. Precision, material understanding, and craftsmanship.

Here’s a closer look at our recent Grey Lynn project, featuring Abodo timber supplied by Abodo Wood For this project, we...
07/07/2026

Here’s a closer look at our recent Grey Lynn project, featuring Abodo timber supplied by Abodo Wood

For this project, we supplied replacement timber sashes using Abodo, keeping the look in line with the home while improving the way the windows perform day to day. The scope included a mix of fixed and opening sashes, double glazing, Low E glass, and different glass finishes to suit each part of the home.

A great example of what we enjoy about heritage work. Matching the detail, respecting the original design, and building joinery that’s made to last.

Abodo Wood

30/06/2026

Why choose a thermally modified timber like Abodo over cedar or other timber options?

Abodo Wood

Address

7 Goldfield
Wairau Valley
0627

Opening Hours

Monday 6:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 6:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 6:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 6:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 6:30am - 3:30pm

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