AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, 24 August 2026: Botica Timber has launched a dedicated heritage timber profile matching service, helping New Zealand homeowners, builders and restoration specialists recreate original timber details that are no longer available off the shelf.
The service is designed for villas, bungalows, churches and other character buildings where new timber needs to match the existing architecture. It covers skirting boards, architraves, mouldings, timber panelling, exterior weatherboards and other custom profiles.
Original timber details give older buildings much of their character, but finding an exact replacement can be difficult. Standard profiles may look similar, but small differences in curves, steps, rebates and dimensions can become obvious once the new timber is installed alongside the original.
Through its new service, Botica Timber can work from a physical sample, technical drawing or accurate set of measurements. Each profile is assessed before custom knives are created and a test piece is machined. The test piece can then be compared with the original profile before the full production run begins.
Matching heritage timber is not about making something look old. It is about respecting the work that was there before us and making sure the new timber fits properly. A physical sample is often the best place to start, but it needs to be assessed carefully. Years of paint, moisture, wear and previous repairs can hide the original shape.
Botica Timber can machine profiles in a wide range of timber species, provided the selected timber is suitable for the building, application and required finish. The company also considers moisture content and how different species are likely to behave during machining and after installation.
The heritage matching service is supported by Botica Timber’s West Auckland processing plant, which includes three planers, two 50-cubic-metre timber kilns, a 42-inch band re-saw and in-house profile-grinding equipment. Additional services include timber dressing, sanding, end matching, laminating and oiling.
Botica Timber has provided custom cutting and timber machining services to the New Zealand construction industry since 1994. The company began as a husband-and-wife operation with a single Wadkin planer, founded by Ivan Botica.
Ivan was known for his understanding of timber and his ability to adapt machinery to complete challenging jobs. That approach helped the business take on specialist projects, including timber work for the King of Tonga’s palace and church.
Today, the same practical approach continues to guide the company’s custom machining work.
“Not everyone has access to multi-head planers, profile grinders, large band re-saws or timber kilns. The machinery is important, but the knowledge behind it matters just as much”
“Our team understands how different timbers machine and what needs to be considered before a full production run begins. That experience helps us produce profiles that look right, fit correctly and perform as expected.”
The new heritage timber profile matching service is available for projects of different sizes, from a small quantity of moulding for a home renovation through to larger commercial and architectural restoration work.
Botica Timber continues to operate according to the motto established by Ivan Botica:
“It’s the quality that matters and the service which counts.”
Media Release
24 August 2026