General FAQ’s

What is the maximum load of a dowel?

Typical questions such as; what diameter dowel should I use? What maximum weight is recommended? For more information download our guide.

How does Chain of Custody (CoC) certification work?

CoC refers to all the steps in the process for manufacturing timber products – from taking certified products from the forest through the various manufacturing and distribution stages and ultimately to the point where the final consumer purchases the product. It tracks the product from the forest to the shelf. For a product to be labelled as being made from certified material an unbroken chain is required. There are two key bodies who offer CoC certification in Australia – FSC and AFS. Porta holds CoC under these organizations, click here for more information on each organization. All Porta products carry a certification which means all suppliers and those involved in the supply process have been certified under the relevant Chain of Custody process.

What can you do as a consumer to support sustainable timber products?

Only buy timber products sourced from sustainable forests and suppliers. Supporting FSC timber not only ensures sustainable logging practices but provides job opportunities and better lifestyle for locals. Look for FSC or PEFC label/symbol that confirms it is from a sustainable source, and can be traced back to the certified forest.

What does sustainable forest management mean?

Sustainable forest management is the process of harvesting trees in accordance with the highest standards of sustainable forestry as dictated by the relevant certification body. FSC® and PEFC™ are two of these globally recognised certification bodies.

What safety gear should I use when working with timber?

It is recommended that safety glasses and masks are worn when working with any timber product, especially when cutting or sanding. Some people prefer to wear disposable gloves when using adhesives to minimise the exposure to their skin.

Can I order a sample if I do not have a ABN?

Porta Samples are only available to ABN holders. Click here to find a stockist and see our products up close.

What angles do I need for the mitres?

For square corners, 45 degree mitres are required, however the method used depends on your application whether the moulding is to be affixed to a flat surface or wall as in the case of, for example, skirting or chair rail, or whether the moulding is to be affixed to two different surfaces at 90 degrees to one another e.g. wall and ceiling, as in the case of crown, cornice or scotia.

Do Porta’s timber come from environmentally sustainable resources?

Porta is committed to the use of timber from environmentally responsible resources, and the majority of the Porta product range are certified under either the FSC® or the PEFC™ schemes.
For more information and to view a list of certified products view our Sustainability page.

Is Porta timber certified?

Porta is committed to the use of timber from environmentally responsible resources, and the majority of the Porta product range are certified under either the FSC® or the PEFC™ schemes.
For more information and to view a list of certified products view our Sustainability page.

How do I remove the product label from timber?

We suggest gently peeling the label off and lightly sanding to remove any residual gum. For smaller labels carefully remove with steam.
Older dry labels can be removed with the use of a citrus-based solvent such as De-Solv-it or Un-du, then allowing to dry before gently sanding.

What causes timber to move/bow?

Timber is a natural material that absorbs and releases moisture in response to ambient humidity and temperature conditions. Our production process reduces the moisture content to stabilise the timber against bow, spring and twisting movement, yet it is possible that timber will move slightly due to moisture levels during transportation and storage. Porta’s timber mouldings and products include the amount of acceptable bow, spring and twist movement is graded in accordance with Australian Standard 4785 and 2796.

What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

The terms Hardwood and Softwood relate to the tree the wood is derived from.
Hardwood is produced from an angiosperm tree which have a flowers and produces seeds, and have a more dense and complex structure than softwood which has more pores and vessels. Porta’s Hardwood range is available in a variety of mouldings and timber products in a range of specie including Tasmanian OakMerantiCumaru and White Wood, and others on request.
Softwood is produced from conifer trees which have needles and produce cones, and are not necessarily softer than hardwoods. They are an affordable option of timber and come in various grades including a finger jointed option. Porta utilises softwood timber from Taeda Pine and Pinus Radiata species used in Porta Clear PineGeneral Purpose PinePrimed FJ Pine and H3 Treated Pine.
See our Timber for more information about timber species.

What timber can I use outdoors?

Porta has a number of timbers suitable for outdoor applications including Cumaru and H3 Treated Pine. It is important to determine whether the application is above ground or in-ground as the durability class of the timber will determine its suitability. Porta’s moulding range includes H3 Treated Pine which is suitable for above-ground exterior applications, having a natural durability class of 30 years above-ground. Hardwood such as our Tasmanian Oak timber is also suitable above ground with a natural durability class of 7-15 years above-ground.
For more information and FAQ visit our Timber page.

Product FAQ’s

Architraves and Skirtings

What size architrave/skirting should I use?

It is an individual choice but tends to be proportional to the height of the rooms ceilings. Large skirtings work well with higher ceilings. To create contrast select an architrave one size down.
USEFUL PORTA HOW TO VIDEO – How to install an architrave & How to install skirting.

Contours

How to apply a Wall Lining with a Secret Door?

When planning a timber lined wall with a lined door opening, it is important to design the door opening or jamb to suit the lining board width. Porta Contours has a 78mm cover width, so say 10x board wide or 780mm door would be typical. Also the face of the door, jamb and surrounding wall needs to be at the same height to provide an even surface to adhere the lining board to.
Simply working from the face of the door, progressively work from there to fix the location of the surrounding wall lining.

How to finish the top (of Porta Contours)?

The cap the visible end of Porta Contours simple attach a dressed rectangular section (or DAR) of Tasmanian Oak or Pine. (Prime coat a piece of raw timber to apply to Pre-Preprimed Contours lining).
The size of timber is a personal preference yet consider 21x21mm Tasmanian Oak (DAR2121TOSL27) or Pine (DAR2121PICL27) which will finish flush with the top surface of the lining.

How do I install Porta Contours?

Please view our detailed installation guide as well as our video. Your carpenter or builder should also be able to provide these materials.

Can I use Porta Contours on curves?

Lining boards are suitable for curved applications down to a 1000mm radius. For tighter curves corner beards are available for applications down to a 500mm radius. Corner beads are available for Riverine, Strata, Cirque, Vast, Wave, Ripple & Traverse profiles. Riverine Corner beads have been used successfully down to a 250mm radius. Please read our Curved Wall Installation Guide for more details.

What is the recommended product to coat Contours with to protect it but not make it darker?

Any clear (non-tint) coating will be suitable and enhance the timber grain. We suggest Cabots Cabothane Clear, Wattyl Estapol or Haymes Aquatic Floor or Resene Aquaclear coating. Alternatively consider OSMO Wood Wax Finish for a clear yet richer tone. Please refer to Section 10 of the Porta Contours Install Guide to Lining Board Range for more information.

How do I finish a 90 degree corner?

A corner block arrangement can be used to complete the corner, as shown below. Firstly the tongue will need to be ripped & dressed on one side to create a square end. Then the width of a 12mm thick block is cut to suit the overall width.
The corner block can be made from various width of our 12mm thick Tasmanian Oak or Pine (Porta part DAR4212TOSL27 or DAR4212PISB24), which can cut or trimmed to suit.
The blocks are glued & nailed in position and finished along side the lining.

Can I use Porta Contours Lining Boards on my existing cupboards?

When applying the lining direct on existing cupboard doors. You will need to consider the extra weight on the hinges. Tasmanian Oak hardwood will be 890g per metre of each board. The alternative, Pine softwood will be a little lighter at 860g per metre of each board. Modern hinges are durable, yet the amount weight is dependant width of each door. Typically Contours lining board can be applied directly to the front face. Alternatively, start afresh and construct a cabinet door frame (to mount hinges to), and fix Contours lining board to this.
To finish the top edge, you may consider fixing a trim (Rectangular / DAR2012TOSL) to the top edge to finish of the look. The cover width of the board may not fit exactly across the width of the door. Don’t worry, cut the board length-wise (rip) to continue the look across adjoining panels, or centralise the look across the door. Handles can be fix directly to the board (dependant on the Contours profile you choose) or cut a rectangular panel into the face of the boards and insert a rectangular block – to fix the handle to.

Is Contours Engineered American Oak suitable for wet areas?

Porta Contours in Engineered American Oak are designed for internal use only. We do not recommend installation in zones where water splash or high moisture levels are present, for example shower recesses or applications where a vessel (bath, basin or tapware) is within 75mm of a wall.
Installation in wet areas must comply with specified requirements according to AS 3740:2021, and NCC Vol 1 F1.7 or Vol 2 3.8.1. It is important that all edges are sealed with an appropriate sealer and cut outs to install services or other hardware must be sealed to prevent ingress of moisture. Prior to installation in areas of high moisture levels, Porta Contours in Engineered American Oak must be coated with an appropriate water repellent, preservative finish. Refer to Porta Contours Design, Installation and Maintenance Guide for further information.

Can Engineered American Oak Contours be used externally?

The recommendation is for internal application only.

Do the customers have to let this product acclimatise onsite the same as for Tasmanian Oak?

Yes. Engineered American Oak Contours will require the same treatment as the rest of the Contours range – acclimatisation for a minimum 48 hours prior to installation.

Do installation, care and maintenance guidelines differ from existing Contours guides?

The same information applies as for other timber species, with the exception of wet area use. Refer to wet area information specifically for Contours Engineered American Oak.

Custom Mouldings

Can Porta match any profile?

Yes, if your profile isn’t one of our existing moulding profiles, we can match it (or take it from your drawings) and make it to your requirements. The cost depends on the profile size and required species and any additional surface finishes . Your profile can be taken from an existing shape, a sketch, drawing or CAD model.

Endure

What is meant by the term cover?

The width of the exposed face (excluding the joined or tongue width).

Is this the same design as Contours?

Endure Riverine & Endure Strata has the same shape as Contours Riverine & Contours Strata, even though the cladding overall is thicker.
The Endure Riverine and Endure Strata can connect with each other, similar to the Contours set – but you can not mix and match Endure and Contours profiles.

Can I buy recommended fixing screws from Porta?

No, we do not stock cladding screws, refer to a local preferred Hardware merchant.

Is Endure available with end-matching (machined ends which interconnect)?

No, not at this time.

How are the lengths joined?

Butt join and fix over a batten (or stud).

Does Porta Endure Timber Cladding need to be oiled?

Yes, coat & maintain the external face with a preferred oil, refer to the Install Guide for more information.

Does the back of the Porta Endure Timber Cladding board need to be coated?

Yes, we recommend factory pre-oil all surfaces and coat any cuts.

How is Endure fixed to the wall?

Use cladding screws such as 4.0m x 45mm or equivalent, download the Install Guide for more information. 

Endure

Which brackets suit Porta’s handrail range?

Porta’s Handrail range have been designed to suit handrail bracket generally available in Retail & Specialist hardware outlets. The Oval model features a centre groove to easy align the centre of the bracket.

Mouldings

How can I coat Porta timber mouldings?

Fill any holes or joins with a suitable coloured wood filler, allow to dry. To achieve a matt or semi-gloss paints, we suggest sanding the surface using a medium grit garnet paper (100 – 120 grit). Always sand WITH the grain, never against it, diagonally, nor across the grain. To achieve the smoothest surface, sand again with a fine grade sandpaper. Wipe away dust with a rag.
An alternative method to achieve the smoothest appearance especially for gloss paints is to apply a coat of water to the wood with a damp rag before sanding, then apply desired finish, such as a stain-blocking acrylic primer and allow to dry overnight.

How do I affix timber mouldings?

Mouldings can be affixed to walls or backing panels with either nails or wood adhesives. When fixing with nails it is recommended to pre-drill the holes to avoid the timber splitting.

How do I cover holes and nails on mouldings?

You can easily cover nail holes and blemishes in timber mouldings with wood filler. Push the filler into the hole, smooth it over, and lightly sand before applying your final finish. There is a wide range of readily available wood fillers that are tinted to suit the colour of the timber, which is ideal for staining purposes. Plain filler can be used if painting the timber.
Useful Porta How To Video – Finishing Your Mouldings

Is it necessary to paint timber mouldings?

The type of timber finish you desire is dependant on the species of timber, application and use. Finishes are recommended to enhance durability, increase longevity and for protection of the timber. Leaving timber raw (unfinished) makes it susceptible to moisture damage and staining. Suitable finishes include painting or staining.
Useful Porta How To Video – Finishing Your Mouldings.

What is the recommended height for Chair or Dado Rail?

Although originally designed to protect walls from damage inflicted by the backs of chairs, the chair rail today serves as a decorative function. By encircling the perimeter of a room or separating different wall finish treatments it can define the room. It is generally affixed horizontally along a wall at a height of approximately 900 to 1000mm, or at about 1/3 of the way up from the floor to ceiling.
Another tip is to place your chair up against the wall, mark where it hits the wall and centring the rail at this level.
Useful Porta How To Video – How to install a Chair rail/Dado rail

Timber Species FAQ’s

American Oak

What type of American Oak is Contours made with?

Contours Engineered American Oak is made from American White Oak adhered to a substrate of finger jointed Meranti.

Clear Pine

Is Porta Pine fire-rated?

Porta Clear Pine has fire rating properties of Spread of Flame of 7 and Smoke Developed Index of 3 under AS 3837. General guidance on the properties can be found for this and other these specie at www.timber.net.au/index.php/fire-hazard-properties. Also further information can be found for a particular species at: https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/Wood-Species/.

How do I care for clear pine?

For Clear Pine DAR or square-dressed timber, remove sharp edges by chamfering with a hand plane or sandpaper. Apply a timber stain first to provide the desired colour, then protect the surface with a clear polyurethane coating. If painting, use an oil-based undercoat first then any acrylic paint for top coats.

How do I prepare the timber for painting?

For decorative applications, lightly sand (sanding with the grain) then fill any holes with a wood filler. To achieve a smoother finish, wipe down with a damp cloth, allow to dry for 30 minutes to raise the grain, then sand with a garnet or aluminium oxide 220 to 240 paper. Apply an undercoat (prime) and a finishing coat, lightly sanding between coats, for a great finish.

Cumaru

Porta Cumaru Technical Information

Density kg/m3 dry (1) = 1085
Durability in ground (2) = Class 1 – 25yrs+
Resistance to Split (Nailing) = Good
Specific Gravity (1) = 1.0
Durability above ground (2) = Class 1 – 40yrs+
Resistance to Split (Screwing = Good
Hardness (Janka kN) (1) = 14.8
Susceptible to Lyctid Borer = No
Gluing = Fair
Modulus of Rupture MPa dry (1) = 175
Termite Resistance = Resistant
Machining = Good
Modulus of Elasticity GPa dry (1) = 22
BAL Rating (3) 19
Finish = Good
Radial Shrinkage % (1) = 5.3
Bending = Poor
Stability = Excellent
Tangential Shrinkage % (1) 7.7
Sanding = Good
Growing Region = South America
Bleed* = Near-zero
(1) Wood Solutions (2) Expected performance (3) Australian Forest Research Company 20161118 (May 2017) (4) AS 3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas *Compared to other hardwoods tested Porta Cumaru demonstrated no apparent or near-zero tannin bleed. However, Porta recommends cleaning of timber prior to installation and using a suitable sealer to protect the timber and minimise any potential run-off of natural resins onto surrounding surfaces.

How to specify Porta Cumaru

Product: Timber will be Porta Cumaru (Dipteryx odorata). Technical Features: FSC® certified, near-zero tannin bleed, with a density of 1,085 Kg/m3, certified Class 1 durability to AS 5604 natural durability above ground and resistant to Australian termites, min. Janka hardness of 14.8kN, a seasoned structural rating of F34 (beams) and bearer and joist width must not be less than 45mm, MOE of 22GPa, MOR of 175MPa, or unseasoned rating of F27 (posts). Where unseasoned Porta Cumaru timber is used, appropriate construction procedures must be adopted to compensate for the shrinkage. Porta Cumaru timber supplied for structural purposes such as posts, bearers and/or joists shall comply to AS 2082 and deck boards timber shall comply with AS 2796. Porta Cumaru timber should be pre-finished in the factory and a quality coating applied on all sides. Cut edges should be end sealed.
Certification: Porta will provide a compliance guarantee with all orders indicating the Porta Cumaru timber has FSC® certification.

Where has Porta Cumaru been used?

Porta Cumaru has been used in a broad range of demanding external and internal construction in domestic housing, commercial construction, and landscaping/civil projects. Click here to view our case studies.

How does harvesting timber protect the forest?

Logging by certified suppliers protects the forest from forest clearing and unsustainable processes. Our supplier harvests less than 1 tree per hectare every 20 years. Our supplier carefully selects the trees to harvest and follows FSC directed low impact techniques ensuring preservation and investment of the forest, source of income for the workers, preserving the wildlife, and supporting local economy.

What does FSC® certified timber mean for Porta Cumaru?

Porta Cumaru is FSC® certified as being responsibly harvested and processed using responsible forest management and practices and certified by a third-party organization.  This assures that Porta Cumaru protects the forests biodiversity and ecological processes. Buying FSC® certified timber helps support sustainable forest management, which reduces the emission of greenhouse gases and protects wildlife habitats. Porta is committed to sourcing timber from sustainable and environmentally responsible resources. By focussing on certified timber, we are helping maintain the ecological, sociocultural and economic balance of forest environments by preserving the world’s forests for generations to come.

Where is Cumaru sourced from?

Porta Cumaru is sourced from sustainably managed forests in Peru. Our supplier is FSC certified and harvests the timber in a manner that preserves the forests, wildlife and surrounding communities for future generations. Porta holds Chain of Custody certification which means our suppliers are certified.

Can nailplates be used with Porta Cumaru?

Yes, Porta has conducted laboratory nailplate fixing trials and found the nailplates can produce a stable joint when used with Cumaru timber.

How does Porta Cumaru stand up to UV or sunshine exposure?

Porta Cumaru has been used in external exposed applications such as board walks and wharves, for many years. Our trials show Porta Cumaru withstands severe weather exposure and our experience is that it is highly durable. Read more about Porta Cumaru in the Atlantic City Boardwalk case study.

Is Cumaru suitable for in-ground applications like posts etc?

Cumaru is ideal for use in external applications such as posts and landscaping. For maximum performance, set posts in concrete to protect them against water. In landscaping applications provide good drainage and protect the timber from static water, where possible.

H3 Treated Pine

Can Porta’s treated pine be used for a pet kennel or externally?

Yes, H3 Treated Pine can be used for a pet kennel or external projects. It is treated with a fixed waterborne copper preservative, known as Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ). This protects against rot, decay, UV and weathering. Any chemical treatment may irritate the skin and it is advisable to seal all surfaces with an acrylic or urethane coating.

Is Porta’s H3 Treated Pine treated with any chemicals?

Porta Pine is conditioned with potable town water to stabilise the fibre. No chemicals or treatments are used in the production process. It is exclusively made from timbers sourced from independently certified, sustainable and renewable forest plantation operations. Porta H3 Treated Pine is treated with an ACQ process which is based on a Copper preservative.

Do I need to use a special type of fastener with H3 Treated Pine?

Yes, only use recommended hot dipped galvanised or stainless steel fasteners.

How do I store and care for H3 Treated Pine?

Store boards on a rigid, smooth, flat surface. Boards should be kept covered from direct sunlight, well ventilated and adequately supported. To care for H3 Treated Pine we recommend a clear or tinted oil-based water-repellent timber stain or paint preparation to be applied to all faces and edges.

Meranti

Why does Meranti come in so many colours?

There are two types of Meranti, Dark Red and Light Red. Meranti consists of 20 different specie meaning the span of colours is quite varied so you will see many shades from light-pink to dark-red. Porta manufacturers and moulds Light Red Meranti, which is less dense than Dark Red making it ideally suited to mouldings and internal joinery applications where decorative profiles are needed.

Is Meranti suited for external applications?

Meranti or Veneered Meranti is not recommended for external use. Porta Meranti is a Class 4 natural durability timber for indoor use.

Meranti Veneer

Can Porta’s Meranti Veneer be clear coated?

Yes, Meranti Veneer is ideally finished with a clear coat of urethane coating. Ensure the timber is prepared with a light sand and cleaned before the finishing coat.

Where would you use veneered Meranti instead of other alternatives?

Use in applications where consistant colour and a premium finish is required, because the colour of Standard Meranti varies as it uses a combination of species and Pine product which can include defects and variation in grain which can reduce the quality of the finish.

Primed FJ Pine

What is pre-primed prepared with and what can it be coated with?

Porta Primed FJ Pine is prepared to be ready to finish with a top coat of acrylic or solvent based coating. It is good practice to fill any nail holes or marks first. Lightly sand with 600 grade aluminium oxide paper and wipe down. Then apply a suitable acrylic or solvent based top coating in your preferred gloss grade – matt, semi-gloss or full gloss.

Are pre-primed mouldings available?

Porta Primed FJ Pine is available in a range of profiles across the range. The primed process includes pre-sanding, a first coat, sanding and a second coat. The final finish is ready for most applications of a top coat providing a substantial time and cost savings. For high gloss and after filling any fixing holes with a suitable wood filler, add an additional prime coat, sand and complete the job with a finishing coat of paint.

Can I use oil based paints on primed pine?

Yes, oil or solvent based paints can be used. Apply a light sanding and wipe down before applying the paint. Lightly sand and wipe down before applying your oil based paint coating.

Do I need to paint over Primed Pine?

The primer used on Porta Primed Pine is not formulated as a finish coat to withstand wear and tear. It is ready to accept a finish top coat, yet we recommended to firstly sand lightly, wipe down before applying a finish top coat (water-based acrylic or oil based solvent paint).
For more information view our Timber page.

Tasmanian Oak

Can Porta’s Tasmanian Oak be used in a load bearing or structural application?

Porta’s Tasmanian Oak timber can be used in structural application within it’s structural performance. Typical properties for the species can be found in our specification sheets and at www.woodsolutions.com.au. This information should be used as a guide.

Is Porta’s Tasmanian Oak treated with any chemicals?

Tasmanian Oak by Porta is exclusively made from timbers from independent, certified, sustainable and renewable Tasmanian operations. The timber is conditioned with potable town water, to stabilise the fibre. No chemicals are used in the production process.

Is Tasmanian Oak suitable for external use?

Porta Tasmanian Oak is often used for windows and external doors in the southern states, but it must be painted or sealed to ensure protection from the weather. It is best used for protected and indoor applications. It is not recommended for applications in tropical climates and where there is a high potential risk of insect attack.

White Wood

How do I install White Wood trims?

Porta’s White Wood light weight trim mouldings can be easily glued with a PVA adhesive or nailed with a light weight brad to a panel or wall.