Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the 10 most frequently asked questions about Porta products and mouldings
1. Can you send me a current brochure
The quickest way to do this is to click on "Brochures" on the upper banner line, and then select the relevant brochure pdf. Alternatively, you may search for the products you require under the "Products" section of the website. If you would prefer a hard copy of a brochure, contact us, and we’ll mail one to you.
2. Can you send me a Porta price list?
Being a manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor, Porta does not set retail pricing. The quickest way to find out prices is to provide your local retailer with the relevant Porta product code and get a quote.
3. Where is my nearest Porta stockist?
Go to Porta’s stockist locator on the top banner of our website. If you require further help, please contact us.
4. My local hardware store does not stock the item I’m looking for. Do you sell direct to the public?
Not as a rule. Your local stockist can order the product in from Porta as a "special order" and you should receive this within a few days. If you need more help, please contact us.
5. Do you have Porta DIY project sheets?
Yes. We have a select range of projects using our panels, components and accessories. These can be viewed in the "Ideas" section of our website. If you want a printed version, please contact us.
6. How do I find out what sizes and lengths are available for any of your mouldings?
Visit "Products" on www.porta.com.au and follow the prompts which will lead you to a matrix providing this information. If you have any difficulties, please contact us.
7. At what height should I install picture rail, and also, how do I fix them to my walls?
Height of Picture Rail: Having consulted our reference books and some people "in the know" it appears that there is no definite recommendation with regard to the correct height for picture rail installations. What we understand to be important is the pictures themselves. The critical factor is the height at which the pictures need to be, bearing in mind that when we are standing, the centre of the pictures should be at eye level.
Fixing to Wall: It’s best to work from the ground up. Position the pictures and roughly mark the height at which you want them. Then work out the amount of wire/cord for hanging them to get a rough idea of the height for installing the rail. Hint: Drawing a quick sketch to scale can also help decide what looks best for your room.
Fixing Method: Glueing, for example with Selley’s Liquid Nails Fast, using a couple of nails/screws in strategic places to hold the rail in place until the glue has taken, is a popular fixing choice, especially if the moulding is to be stained or remain raw, as there are minimal holes to fill. Hint: Some extra support may be given during the drying process by taping over the rail – the tape will help to bear the weight of the rail. If you want to install your picture rail with hardware, consult your local hardware store who will advise on the most suitable method.
8. Can your pine panels be used for a vanity in the bathroom (I will be purchasing a special bench-top) and what coating should be used for best results?
Yes, Porta’s pine laminated panels can be successfully used for your cabinet. As with any timber, however, it is primarily the type of finish or lacquer used that actually determines the performance. There is a huge range of paint products available. It’s best to contact the manufacturers who will be able to advise you on the best finishing method.
Here are some useful hotlines and web sites.
Dulux: DIY Call 132-525. www.dulux.com.au
Wattyl: Technical Assistance Call 132-101. www.wattyl.com.au
9. Can you “rout” Porta panels?
Yes, Porta’s pine panels are constructed from quarter sawn clear grade timber components which are then edge-glued together in a huge press (a process termed "laminated" in the industry). Being quarter sawn and of close lamination manufacture, the panel is up to 40% more sturdy and stable than a standard panel of the same thickness, yet it can be routed and cut as one would any solid timber panel.
10. I can’t seem to get the angles right for joining my mouldings neatly at the corners. 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 fixed to a flat surface or wall as in the case of a skirting or chair rail, or whether the moulding is to be fixed to two different surfaces at 90 degrees to one another e.g. wall and ceiling, as in the case of crown, cornice or scotia. Useful hints on cutting both these styles of mitre can be found on our website in the "Ideas" section, under "Installation Instructions and Hints."