FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS ECO-DECKING?
A mixture of recycled HDPE (plastic) and reclaimed/recycled wood fibres (saw dust) are blended to create our decking material.
DOES ECO-DECKING EXPAND OR CONTRACT?
Unlike timber, all composite decking expands and contracts in varying temperatures. Contracting when the temperature is cooler, and expanding when warmer.
Both ECO-DECKINGs concealed clip systems allow the boards to expand and contract. Methods to minimise the expansion and contraction are detailed in our installation guidelines.
Both ECO-DECKINGs concealed clip systems allow the boards to expand and contract. Methods to minimise the expansion and contraction are detailed in our installation guidelines.
HOW MUCH WILL ECO-DECKING EXPAND & CONTRACT?
The standard rate of expansion or contraction for ECO-DECKING is determined using our calculator. This caclulator takes into consideration your locations lowest temperature and your locations highest temperature. We have generalised tables in our technical section of different parts of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
DOES IT BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT?
Yes - as the materials used are recycled polymers and recycled wood fibres. Learn more about the environmental benefits here
DOES IT FADE TO A TIRED OLD GREY COLOUR?
ECO-DECKING is incredibly colourfast. During the weathering process over years of enjoyment, you can expect the elements to slowly wash out some pigment on the surface of the boards. It still is considerably more colourfast that any timber decking and does not require painting, oiling or staining to retain its colour or its structural integrity. There is a settling period in the first 3 months of the decking be laid when its first subjected to moisture and sunlight.
WHAT IS THE GAP BETWEEN THE BOARDS?
Our clip systems determine the space the gap between the boards. The Plastic clip determines a 5mm Gap. The Stainless Steel clip determines a 3-4mm Gap.
HOW DO I FIX IT?
Just like wood, ECO-DECKING can be sawn, drilled and sanded. As it has a unique concealed fastener system there are no visible screws or nails protruding from the board.
WHERE CAN I USE ECO-DECKING?
Anywhere you would previously have used timber (subject to Local Government Regulations and Council approval if required) - such as decks, around pools and spas, marinas and pontoons, boardwalks, school play areas, etc.
CAN THIS PRODUCT BE USED FOR MARINAS?
ECO-DECKING is ideal for applications such as marinas, boardwalks, etc. With the unique hidden fastener system, the decking has the ability to flex and prevents the boards from warping, splitting or tearing away. It is also ideal for around swimming pools and spas.
WHAT'S THE MOISTURE RESISTANCE OF ECO-DECKING?
As ECO-DECKING is an extruded blend of wood and polymers, the polymers component in the product gives it excellent resistance from the elements, making it far more water resistant than natural timber. However, it should be noted that ECO-DECKING is not designed to "live in water" – this will eventually lead to moisture absorption and can cause the product to swell.
DOES ECO-DECKING NEED VENTILATION?
Yes, like timber, it is important to provide adequate ventilation to ensure ECO-DECKING is able to dry out after being wet. Mould growth is accelerated when in a wet environment.
WILL IT WARP?
Most warping in timber is related to moisture absorption. ECO-DECKING will not warp provided it is used and fixed in line with fixing instructions. The polymer component of ECO-DECKING is sufficiently stiffened by the wood component to ensure that it will not warp or buckle under the harshest of climatic conditions.
DOES IT SPLINTER?
NO. This is ideal for small children.
HOW DO I FIX ECO-DECKING?
ECO-DECKING is not fixed using traditional methods. A simple but clever clip system is used to fasten the boards to joists. No nails, pre-drilling or punching is required. Please check our fixing instructions.
DOES IT MARK EASILY?
The decking can be marked if care is not taken during installation. Because of the brushed finish, if any deep scratches occur, these are easily removed by the use of a clean wire brush. The brush should be used in the same direction as the brushed finish.
WHAT ARE ITS WEATHERING CHARACTERISTICS?
ECO-DECKING is pre-coloured during the manufacturing process with extremely light-fast pigments. During the first couple of months' exposure to weather, the initial colour of the product will lighten very slightly before stabilising. No painting or staining is ever required.
WHAT'S THE SURFACE TEMP COMPARED TO TIMBER?
Tests have shown ECO-DECKING has a similar surface temperature to timber of similar colours and finishes.
IS ECO-DECKING UV RESISTANT?
The base products used are UV resistant, however further UV retardants are added to the composition. Independant Internationally recognised UV tests have been performed with results backing up claims of long term durability.
CAN ECO-DECKING BE USED FOR JOISTS?
No, while ECO-DECKING products have excellent durability, the polymer component in the product does not allow ECO-DECKING the properties required to enable it to be classed as a “load bearing” product.
CAN IT BE INSTALLED TO TIMBER & METAL FRAMING?
Yes! The clip fastener is used on both systems but the screw for the metal is a self-tapper.
DOES IT BURN?
ECO-DECKING is "non-combustible" but as with all materials, it is damaged by fire.
IS IT TERMNITE RESISTANT?
Yes.
DOES ECO-DECKING GET SLIPPERY?
No! It has a textured surface and is very good for use around wet areas such as spas, pools, marinas etc. It complies with the building code when used as directed in the installation guide.
IS ECO-DECKING SUITABLE AROUND SWIMMING POOLS?
Yes, definitely, however, we do recommend any area that gets wet be well ventilated.
CAN ECO-DECKING BE USED BY THE SEA?
ECO-DECKING is ideal in a marine environment, being unaffected by salt air.
HOW CAN I CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ECO-DECKING?
ECO-DECKING is relatively maintenance free. You can sweep and clean with normal household cleaners.
CAN I PAINT OR STAIN MY ECO-DECKING?
Staining or painting will void all warranties as these products will ultimately peel and fall off.
DO WATER MARKS APPEAR ON ECO-DECKING?
Being a wood based product, ECO-DECKING may experience a naturally occurring process called Extractive Bleeding. This process may cause temporary discolouration that will fade away with exposure to further weather. In most cases this process takes 8-10 weeks but could vary depending on location and specific application such as a covered porch. Please refer to our care and maintenance section.
IS ECO-DECKING MOULD RESISTANT?
ECO-DECKING is generally very resistant to mould, however if it doesn’t have sufficient ventilation or there are areas where pollen can collect and doesn’t get exposure to sun, mould may appear. Mould and mildew may grow on the deck in some circumstances, especially in damp shaded areas, or if it “sweats” under the plastic cover (especially in rain) before installation. Failure to keep packs dry in storage can lead to the growth of mould spores on boards. Clean as per directions under Care and maintenance.
WHAT'S THE RECOMMENDED SPAN BETWEEN JOISTS?
400mm for residential applications over timber substructures. Please contact us for span tables for membrane and commercial applications.
WHAT ARE THE STANDARD COLOURS & SIZES?
ECO-DECKING decking is available in four standard colours: - Walnut, Redwood, Cedar and Grey. Check specifications for exact details about the product such as board lengths, weights etc. Colours may vary very slightly from batch to batch, however different batches of the same colour will weather to within a commercially acceptable tolerance. How do I cover the "hollow" ends? With ECO-DECKING products that have hollow sections, it is common to cover exposed ends with "end-caps" (available in all colours). This will avoid potential water/moisture penetration. To give the best effect, it is suggested that either end-caps or fascia board is used.
ARE SPECIAL TOOLS REQUIRED WITH ECO-DECKING?
With ECO-DECKING you can use standard power saws and drills. As with using any power tools, safety glasses and face masks should be used when cutting or drilling ECO-DECKING. The ECO-DECKING “sawdust” is a coarse, heavy sawdust that doesn’t tend to “float” in the air. This makes it very safe for handling.
HOW SHOULD ECO-DECKING BE STORED & HANDLED?
Whether at the timber merchant premises or at your own house awaiting installation, ECO-DECKING should be stored in a dry, flat area under roof. Failure to keep packs dry in storage can lead to the growth of mould spores on boards. When moving product around, ECO-DECKING should be carried on its edge.
IS THERE A WARRANTY FOR ECO-DECKING?
Yes, please refer to warranty section of our web site for more info.
All product performance claims are based on ECO-DECKING products being used as recommended and installed in accordance with ECO-DECKING's minimum fixing specifications.
