FAQs

PermaTimber^® is an eco-friendly, low maintenance composite timber, made from a unique combination of recycled hardwoods and plastics, held together with special resins that add UV stability and fire resistance.

PermaTimber^® is available in Decking, Cladding, Fencing, and Screening – each made from the same unique composition, with little to no maintenance required.

PermaTimber^® is made from a special combination of 50% reclaimed hardwoods, almost 40% recycled plastics and stabilising resins. In total PermaTimber^® contains 87% recycled materials.

PermaTimber^® is available in a stunning range of colours. View the PermaTimber^® colour range here.

PermaTimber^® contains natural timber elements. As you would be aware, timber has different natural appearances and to ensure PermaTimber® does indeed look like timber, it may also experience similar variations in colour, tone, and grain. As a result of this Perma Composites® may have natural variations in each decking board and in some instances a slight difference between sample and final colour.

Should you have a large project, it is recommended that all requirements are ordered at once to avoid any chance of colour variances.

PermaTimber^® is consistent in its make-up throughout the depth of the product, meaning the colour remains consistent throughout. The advantage of this is that it allows for scratches to be easily sanded out. Other composite timber products use a hard shell bonded to a soft, multi-coloured core.

PermaTimber^® can be cut, sanded and joined just like natural timber. While expansion needs to be catered for, if you’ve worked with natural wood you can work with PermaTimber^®. Standard woodworking tools can be used with PermaTimber®. For installation guides, please click here.

The biggest flaw with natural timber is the rate at which it deteriorates. Timber will appear grey and cracked within months of installation if not properly maintained.

PermaTimber^® may lighten slightly on exposure but will stabilise and maintain its colour from that point on.

Due to the natural timber elements present, PermaTimber^® products contain tannins. When new there may be some residual tannins in the wood flour component that appear on the product. The tannins may leach out the first few times that product gets wet and may appear as a water stain after the board has dried. The tannins can be removed by washing with water if required otherwise these will start to disappear after the boards have been exposed to water and dried off several times. You can speed up the process of releasing tannins by hosing down the product.

No! While the shape of the screw required for each product may vary (see installation guides), any hardware suitable for timber can be used. Perma Composites^® does recommend using stainless steel fixings however; otherwise, the product will far outlast the hardware!

Any material will become warm to the touch in the middle of an Australian summer. PermaTimber^® will heat up at a similar rate to natural timber; ie. hotter than grass, but not as hot as paving, metal or concrete.

PermaTimber^® can be scratched, in the same manner as natural timber, however, unlike other composites on the market, scratches in the surface of PermaTimber^® can be sanded away.

PermaTimber^® will expand and contract slightly with changes in atmospheric temperatures. Provided correct installation procedures have been followed, this does not present any problems. Please see the installation instructions here.

PermaTimber^® can be painted, however, the paint will not last anywhere near as long as the product so, depending on the type of paint, will need to be regularly re-painted.

Talk to us about custom colours for large projects here.

Stains that are not removed in a timely manner may linger on the surface of PermaTimber^®. The good news is, most stains can be avoided by washing with water shortly after they occur.

Stains or marks may even disappear just by exposure to rain after a few weeks. Extra stubborn marks can be removed with a pressure washer or light sanding if necessary.

You can view our care guide here.

You must allow for sufficient clearance under a deck and also the correct slope to ensure water and moisture is not allowed to sit on the surface. The surfaces must also be free from drainpipes emptying out directly onto the surface.

To ensure an authentic timber appearance, PermaTimber^® contains wood fibres. Mould and mildew can grow on PermaTimber^® if not stored correctly and when exposed to high moisture and/or sweats under the plastic packaging. Failure to keep packs dry when stored can lead to mould spores appearing and growing on the product. The product must be thoroughly washed, cleaned and scrubbed removing all mould and mould spores. A product called ‘Wet & Forget’ works very well in this situation, for further information visit http://wetandforget.com.au/

It is not necessary to oil or stain PermaTimber^®, saving you thousands over the lifetime of the product.

It is possible to stain PermaTimber^® if you so choose, however, the stain is likely to fade and deteriorate many years before the product does.

Absolutely. PermaTimber^® does not absorb water and has been used extensively near pools, spas and in marine environments around the world.

For a list of PermaTimber^® Retailers, please click here.

Of course! We will be able to send you samples in any of our standard colours, postage charges may apply.

PermaTimber^® Decking is sold in standard 5.4m lengths, but custom lengths are available upon request for quantities of 300m2 and above.

No, thanks to its machined textural finish, PermaTimber^® is slip resistant.

With recommended cleaning, PermaTimber^® will provide years of enjoyment in comparison to pressure treated timber which is subject to rot and deterioration after a few years.

PermaTimber^® has been designed and engineered to meet the most stringent demands. Contact our team if you have a unique application and we will advise of the suitability.

Absolutely! For homes on or near the ocean, PermaTimber^® is the ideal solution. It won’t rust or corrode like traditional materials.

No, standard woodworking tools are all that are necessary.

It couldn’t be any easier! You will simply need to clean PermaTimber^® products with warm soapy water when required.

No, PermaTimber^® has not been engineered to be a load bearing or structural member.

Only approved PermaTimber^® Decking fixings can be used.

Provisions for adequate drainage and ventilation must be made along with the installation of a waterproof membrane/system prior to the PermaTimber^® Cladding being installed.