What is STRUCTApanel® made of?
STRUCTApanel® is made from sustainably sourced plantation pine, bonded with moisture-resistant resins under heat and pressure.
How does moisture affect particleboard?
Extended exposure to water can cause swelling and loss of strength. STRUCTApanel® and STRUCTAflor® use moisture-resistant resins and edge sealants to minimise this risk.
What are the main applications for STRUCTAflor® and STRUCTApanel®?
STRUCTAflor®: Structural particleboard flooring for residential and commercial builds.
STRUCTApanel®: Structural wall and roof panels, ideal for modular construction, prefabrication, and rapid build projects.
Do you offer termite-treated products?
Yes. STRUCTAflor® is available in termite-treated options for added durability.
Can STRUCTApanel® be used externally?
No. It is designed for internal structural applications only.
What warranty applies to your products?
All products are backed by Porta’s warranty when installed according to guidelines. Read more on Terms of Use .
What thicknesses and sheet sizes are available for STRUCTAflor®?
STRUCTAflor® is available in a range of sheet sizes and thicknesses, including 19mm and 22mm panels in the iconic Yellow Tongue.
Is the STRUCTA range compliant with NCC and AS standards?
Yes. STRUCTAflor® and STRUCTApanel® are manufactured in Australia and comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards.
How does Chain of Custody (CoC) certification work?
Chain of Custody (CoC) traces timber from the forest through harvesting, manufacturing, and distribution to the final product on the shelf. Every stage must maintain an unbroken chain for a product to be certified. In Australia, certification is provided by FSC® and PEFC™. Porta holds CoC with both, ensuring our products are responsibly sourced and meet international sustainability standards. Read more on Sustainability.
Are Porta’s structural panel products certified and sustainable?
Yes. Porta’s structural panel range, including STRUCTAflor® and STRUCTApanel®, is manufactured to meet Australian Standards and sourced from PEFC™ or FSC®-certified forests, ensuring a sustainable supply.
Is STRUCTApanel® environmentally friendly?
Yes. It’s produced from renewable plantation pine and manufactured in Australia with recycled timber content to support a circular economy.
Can STRUCTAflor be left exposed to weather during construction?
It can withstand short-term exposure but should be protected quickly to ensure long-term performance.
What timber can I use outdoors?
The right choice depends on whether your project is above ground or in-ground. For above-ground applications, the Porta Outdoors range, including H3-treated pine, is ideal. Treated for durability, it offers a service life of up to 30 years when properly maintained. Explore the Porta Outdoors range.
What is the recommended height for a Chair or Dado Rail?
Traditionally, chair rails were used to protect walls from the impact of chair backs, but today they are primarily decorative. They are generally fixed 900 to 1000mm from the floor, which is around one-third of the wall height. Another method is to place a chair against the wall and centre the rail at that point.
Is Porta’s Pine fire-rated?
Yes. Porta Clear Pine has been tested to AS 3837 with a Spread of Flame index of 7 and a Smoke Developed index of 3. Read more in our Technical Information here.
Can Porta’s treated pine be used externally, for example a pet kennel?
Yes. Porta’s H3 Treated Pine is treated with ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) for protection against rot, decay, and weathering. For added safety, we recommend sealing all surfaces with an acrylic or urethane coating.
How do I cover holes and nails on mouldings?
Use a wood filler to cover nail holes or blemishes. Apply the filler, smooth, then lightly sand before finishing. Choose a tinted filler for staining or a plain filler if painting.
What safety gear should I use when working with timber?
Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask when cutting, sanding, or handling timber. This helps protect your eyes, skin, and lungs from dust and splinters.
How do I cut mitred corners?
For a standard square corner, a 45° cut is usually required. The exact method depends on the application. Whether you’re joining mouldings on a flat surface like skirting and chair rails, or at an angle between two surfaces like cornices and scotia. Refer to our installation guides.
What causes timber to move/bow?
Timber naturally expands and contracts as it absorbs and releases moisture. Porta reduces moisture content during production to stabilise our products, but some movement can still occur during transport and storage. All Porta mouldings are graded to Australian Standards AS 4785 and AS 2796 for acceptable levels of bow, spring, and twist.
What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?
Hardwood: From flowering trees, usually denser with complex grain. Porta offers Tasmanian Oak and Meranti.
Softwood: From conifers, often more affordable. Porta offers Clear Pine, Primed FJ Pine, and H3 Treated Pine from Radiata Pine.
Read more about the timber species Porta offers.
Why does Meranti timber come in so many colours?
Meranti is a group of around 20 species, with colours ranging from light pink to deep red. Porta uses Light Red Meranti, which is less dense than Dark Red Meranti and ideal for mouldings and internal joinery. Read more about the timber species Porta offers.
Can Porta’s Tasmanian Oak be used in a load-bearing or structural application?
Yes, within its structural limits. Porta’s Tasmanian Oak can be used for certain load-bearing applications. Refer to our Technical Information for detailed specifications.
Which brackets suit Porta’s handrail range?
Porta timber handrails are designed to suit most brackets available at hardware stores. The Oval profile also features a centre groove to make alignment easier. Explore the Porta Handrail range.