Decking with a difference

Made from recycled plastic milk bottles and reclaimed untreated timber shavings, it’s hard to believe ModWood is in fact one of the strongest and most durable decking options available. We spoke to One Stop Deck Shop about this forward-thinking product that’s easy on the eye, and the environment.

Composite timber has been a major player in the decking industry in New Zealand for some years now due mainly to its versatility and lack of required maintenance over time.

However, despite its known longevity and durability once installed, not all wood plastic composites (WPC) are environmentally friendly and the options vary significantly, with many WPCs on the market made predominantly with raw, new products rather than recycled materials, and fused with various chemical additives that are less than ideal for the environment - or human health.

“Choosing products that have a better environmental story is an important part of the decision making process for many people now, especially in new builds where people can start from the ground up and make more sustainable product choices across the board,” One Stop Deck Shop’s Stacey Rawson says.

Why choose Modwood Decking Systems?

Modwood is one of those products, often specified because of its material makeup coupled with its superior performance. Made with recycled plastic milk bottles and reclaimed pine products, ModWood decking is the ultimate choice for those looking for a product with the Global GreenTag.

What applications is ModWood suitable for?

ModWood can be used in a variety of applications - from poolside to high-use commercial settings.

“Available in a range of colours and sizes, ModWood can be installed in any setting where decking is appropriate and is now available with an easy to install, height adjustable kit-set aluminium framing system, ideal for applications over waterproof membrane,” Stacey says.

In terms of commercial applications, ModWood is particularly popular for retirement villages due to its high slip resistance properties. “It’s often specified as a way to reduce the risk of falls for elderly people in retirement village settings,” Stacey says.

One Stop Deck Shop is an importer of high-quality decking products with a focus on environmentally friendly options. Based in Christchurch, the One Stop Deck Shop team has a combined experience of more than half a century in niche timber decking products.

If you’re designing a deck or redoing an existing one, make sure you visit One Stop Deck Shop on ArchiPro here to see the latest in quality timber and composite options.

Each lineal metre of ModWood decking board (137 x 23 mm), contains approximately 37 recycled plastic milk bottles and around two kilograms of reclaimed pine dust.

Compared to other WPC decking boards on the market in New Zealand, ModWood has a host of interesting possibilities in terms of performance and function. “It is the only WPC decking in New Zealand with a CodeMark certification, which means every territorial authority must accept ModWood as an acceptable decking solution, provided it is installed as intended,” Stacey says.

“More than that though, it is a less wasteful option as every board comes in a 5.4 metre length. This in itself is not unique; what is unique is the ability to join boards end to end with only a two-millimetre space due to the composite’s stability and lack of thermal movement.

“The majority of other composite decking boards sold in 5.4 metre lengths comes with a requirement to cut it to a certain length to install. ModWood removes that need and ultimately reduces a significant amount of waste - and time - in the installation process.”

With a high degree of UV stability, ModWood is also highly resistant to extreme weather, moisture and termites. It is a low maintenance decking option that requires no staining or painting over time which significantly reduces the cost of the customers investment while holding its value.

“ModWood products won’t rot, crack, warp or splinter as long as the decking is installed as recommended, which means you can rest easy for years knowing your decking will last and retain its original colour and aesthetic value over time,” Stacey says.