Versatile wall lining moves into residential environments

When Juken New Zealand Limited (JNL) first launched Triboard TGV, they saw it as a great solution for wall linings in farm buildings, workshops, man caves and garages. It’s a simple to use, quick and effective DIY lining option that suits areas where the timber or steel framing is variably spaced or sitting horizontally.

However, JNL sales representative Chris Maskell says the company has recently been pleasantly surprised that people liked the look of the warm timber tones combined with its inner strength so much that they have started using it in residential situations. It has quickly caught on and can now be seen in various places around the country.

The product is a three-layered panel with a wood strand core sandwiched between MDF outer “skins”. At 15 millimetres thick and 400 millimetres wide, it has a dimensionally stable core and comes in two different lengths, either 2400 millimetres or 3740 millimetres.

The structural tongue and groove jointing system means it doesn’t require any nogging support or vertical framing behind the panel joints. This makes it adaptable for around window and door openings and it is easily fixed to frames with screws that don’t loosen over time.

Because it’s strong and a slender 400 millimetres wide, it’s also easy to handle and transport to site in either a van or trailer.

Chris explains that residential opportunities followed after JNL formed a relationship with the people at Design Denmark, importers of Woca Denmark natural Danish oils. They liked the timber character of the Triboard TGV and decided to experiment with the oils to achieve some interesting effects.

“What they came up with looked amazing and that opened up a new market we hadn’t considered before. What we envisaged as a utility product turned into something a lot more special.

“Because the oils highlighted the natural grain coming through the fibre of the Triboard TGV, it created looks like leather and even a metallic effect. Suddenly we realised we’d gained an exciting avenue which enabled customers to up-spec the product.”

One of the first residential applications it was used in was an exceptional, high country rental property at Lake Ohau. The owners chose it, not only because it is a tough, low maintenance, impact resilient surface suitable for rental accommodations, but its natural timber grain gave a luxurious look and feel that beautifully complemented the stunning alpine backdrop.

Although JNL originally designed it to be laid vertically, in this setting it sits horizontally which looks very appealing.

Triboard TGV also became a feature of some container conversions in Whangarei, where more fragile traditional wall linings that are susceptible to bumps and dents proved unsuitable.

Triboard TGV proved a cost-effective option that was installed quickly. Its smooth surfaces were decorated with a lick of paint and the whole process saved on the cost of wall stopping.

When they were redesigning their showroom, ITM Wecks in South Auckland realised Triboard TGV would be a great option as a wall lining.

“They wanted something robust with character and they liked the fact that they didn’t need to be concerned with traditional framing centres to screw it to the wall.”

Made in New Zealand from a responsibly managed radiata pine, Triboard TGV is proving an extremely versatile, premium product for a variety of environments, providing many advantages over traditional wall linings.

Learn more about incorporating Triboard TGV into your next residential project.