Vulcan Decking

Vulcan Decking is a thermally modified, FSC® certified timber decking system supplied by Duce Architectural Timbers that delivers long term stability, termite resistance and a natural finish suited to Australian outdoor living.

Vulcan Decking

Abodo thermally modified Vulcan Decking

Vulcan Decking by Abodo is engineered for stability, performance and visual warmth in outdoor applications. The timber is sourced from rapidly renewable FSC® certified New Zealand plantation Radiata Pine and thermally modified using heat and steam, not harsh chemicals. This heat tempering process reduces resin content, improves dimensional stability and gives the timber a rich brown tone that gently silvers off over time if left uncoated.

Unlike many dense hardwood decking boards, Vulcan Decking is lighter, easier to cut and typically does not require pre drilling across most of the run. The reeded face gives underfoot grip and helps manage weathering, while the treated timber resists decay, fungal attack and termites, including in designated termite zones. This combination makes it suitable for Australian decks, pool surrounds and outdoor living spaces where people expect barefoot comfort, visual quality and service life.

For durability, Vulcan Decking is pressure treated with Abodo’s OPX system, a low VOC, organic preservative and water repellent. This provides H3 level protection for above ground use and supports a 25 year warranty against fungal decay and termite attack. With BAL 12.5 and BAL 19 suitability, clear installation guidelines and straightforward maintenance, Vulcan Decking is an accessible, compliant and future focused choice for builders, architects and homeowners.

Product Features

Vulcan Decking is designed to perform outdoors, with stability, workability and durability built into the board rather than added as an afterthought.
  • Thermally modified timber for superior dimensional stability
  • Manufactured from rapidly renewable FSC® certified plantation Radiata Pine
  • Pressure treated with a low VOC organic preservative for durability in exposed conditions
  • Reeded face for grip under foot and improved weathering performance
  • Lightweight and easy to handle on site
  • Generally installs without pre drilling along the length, which speeds up fixing
  • 25 year warranty against fungal decay and termite attack
  • Suitable for BAL 12.5 and BAL 19 applications under AS 3959
  • Natural brown tone that will weather to silver grey if left uncoated
  • Low arsenic, low toxicity approach compared with many treated exterior timbers

Specifications

The visual look of Vulcan Decking is warm, even and consistent, with subtle natural character and a finish that matures outdoors over time.

Product Name: Vulcan Decking
Manufacturer: Abodo
Supplier: Duce Architectural Timbers
Product Type: Thermally modified softwood decking, treated for exterior durability
Timber Species: Thermally Modified Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata)
Source: FSC® certified, rapidly renewable New Zealand plantation timber
Profile / Surface: Reeded face to top for grip and weathering performance
Board Size: 142 x 27 mm (DK16V 142×27)
Lengths: Supplied in mixed lengths from approximately 2.1 m to 4.8 m. Fixed lengths may be available by request, subject to minimums and lead time
Grade: Premium Grade, mainly clear to the reeded face. Limited knots and resin pockets allowed to one third board width. Reverse face may include standard grade features
Colour at Supply: Chocolate brown from thermal modification. Will naturally weather to silver grey unless maintained with a pigmented coating
Durability Treatment: Thermally modified to INTENZ Thermowood 230 degree schedule, then pressure treated with OPX (low VOC azole preservative with water repellent and insecticide suitable for termite zones)
Durability Class: Class 1 (EN350), H3 (AS1604), suitable for Use Class 3 (EN335)
Termite Resistance: OPX treatment supports resistance to termites and wood boring insects
Bushfire Rating: BAL 12.5 and BAL 19, meets AS 3959 requirements for those applications
Moisture Content at Despatch: Approx. 16 percent MC
Average Density: Approx. 420 kg/m³
Hardness: ~2.5 kN Janka (low to medium hardness, easier to work than dense hardwoods)
Slip Resistance: 0.59, P4 classification to AS/NZS 4586:2013 when walked perpendicular to the reeded face
Recommended Joist Centres: Maximum 450 mm centres
Fixing: Two 5.5 x 60 mm self drilling, self countersinking stainless steel screws per joist. Nail fixing is not recommended
Pre Drilling: Generally not required except at board ends. Pre drill board ends and into joist using a bit approximately one third smaller than the screw diameter
Board Spacing: 6 mm between board edges, 1 mm to 2 mm at butt ends. Allow for expansion in service due to moisture uptake
End Sealing: All cut ends should be bevelled and sealed using a water repellent preservative and end grain sealer
Expected Service Life: 25 years or more when installed and maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations
Warranty: 25 year warranty against fungal decay and termite attack, terms and conditions apply
Bushfire / Compliance: Suitable for BAL 12.5 and BAL 19. For higher BAL zones, seek project specific advice
Environmental Credentials: FSC® certified, Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) registered under S-P-01543, and Declare Red List Free

Benefits and Application

This decking system is designed for Australian outdoor lifestyles, giving builders and designers a lighter, easier, more sustainable alternative to traditional hardwood decking without giving up strength, lifespan or compliance.
  • Ideal for outdoor decks, alfresco areas and pool surrounds
  • Suitable for high foot traffic areas thanks to P4 slip resistance perpendicular to the reeded face
  • Can be used in residential and light commercial applications above ground
  • Suitable for use in termite zones when installed and maintained correctly
  • Works in fire risk areas that require BAL 12.5 or BAL 19 compliance
  • Lightweight boards make handling and cutting easier during installation
  • FSC® certification and low VOC preservative system support sustainability goals and project documentation
  • Compatible with penetrating decking oils and stains for colour control and ongoing protection

Info & Files

What is Vulcan Decking made from?
Vulcan Decking is made from thermally modified Radiata Pine sourced from rapidly renewable New Zealand plantation timber, then treated for exterior durability and termite resistance.

Is Vulcan Decking suitable for Australian outdoor conditions?
Yes. It is heat tempered for stability, treated to H3 level with a low VOC preservative system and warranted for 25 years against fungal decay and termite attack when maintained correctly.

Does Vulcan Decking need pre drilling?
In most cases no. You only need to pre drill near board ends to prevent splitting. This saves time on site compared with many dense hardwood species.

What joist spacing should I allow for?
Joists should be spaced at a maximum of 450 mm centres, with two stainless steel screws per joist fixing point.

Will the colour change over time?
Yes. Vulcan Decking starts as a deep brown tone from the thermal modification process and will naturally silver off if left uncoated. You can maintain colour with a suitable penetrating decking oil or stain if you prefer a richer tone long term.

What is the slip resistance rating?
The reeded face achieves a P4 slip rating to AS/NZS 4586:2013 when walked perpendicular to the reeds, which is suitable for most domestic deck traffic and pool surrounds.

Is it safe from a toxicity point of view?
Yes. The OPX preservative system is low VOC and does not rely on arsenic. This is different to many traditional exterior treated softwoods.

Is Vulcan Decking suitable for bushfire rated areas?
Yes. It is approved for BAL 12.5 and BAL 19 conditions under AS 3959 applications. For higher BAL zones you will need a specific solution, so talk to us before specifying.

What ongoing maintenance is required?
Wash down periodically and apply penetrating decking oil or stain as required. High sun or high traffic areas will generally need more frequent coating. Leaving it to silver is also an acceptable finish if you are comfortable with natural weathering.

Who supplies Vulcan Decking to the building trade?
Duce Architectural Timbers supplies Vulcan Decking and can provide sizing, lead times, compliance notes and fixing guidance for builders, designers and architects.

Vulcan Decking for your next project

Vulcan Decking gives you a stable, low toxicity, plantation based alternative to traditional hardwood decking, without giving up lifespan, termite resistance or slip performance. It is easy to work with, light to handle and designed for Australian decks, alfresco areas and pool surrounds.

Duce Architectural Timbers supplies Vulcan Decking with technical support for specification, fixing layout, joist spacing, fire requirements and coating choices. If you are quoting, tendering or documenting a project, reach out to our team for current availability, pricing and installation guidance.

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