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Vulcan Smooth Decking

Vulcan Smooth Decking is a thermally modified, FSC® certified plantation timber decking board with a smooth dressed face, engineered for stability, durability and termite resistance in Australian outdoor environments.

Vulcan Smooth Decking

Abodo thermally modified Vulcan Decking

Vulcan Smooth Decking by Abodo is designed to create a warm, comfortable and visually calm outdoor surface. Manufactured from plantation grown New Zealand Radiata that has been thermally modified using heat and steam, not harsh chemicals, the boards achieve a stable structure with a rich brown tone. The smooth finish is ideal for outdoor living areas where a dressed surface is part of the design intent, and where a more refined deck surface is preferred for barefoot use.

The timber is graded with a semi vertical grain orientation, which helps control movement and reduce cupping and checking in service. After thermal modification, the boards are treated with Abodo’s OPX low VOC preservative system, which includes a water repellent and insecticide for termite zones. This treatment supports long term durability in exposed applications and is backed by a warranty against fungal decay and termite attack when installed and maintained correctly.

As with other Vulcan decking products, Vulcan Smooth Decking is easier to work with than most dense hardwoods. It is lighter to handle, cuts cleanly, and in most cases does not require pre drilling except at board ends. The timber will gently weather to a silver tone if left untreated, or it can be maintained with penetrating decking oils or stains to preserve depth of colour. This gives designers and builders flexibility between a natural weathered aesthetic and a maintained architectural finish.

Product Features

Vulcan Smooth Decking brings together thermal stability, termite resistance and a clean dressed finish, making it a reliable choice for Australian decks, alfresco areas and outdoor walkways.

Thermally modified plantation timber for improved dimensional stability
Crafted from rapidly renewable FSC® certified New Zealand Radiata Pine
Semi vertical grain orientation to reduce cupping and surface checking
Low VOC OPX preservative treatment with built in water repellent and termite resistance
Smooth dressed surface for a refined architectural look and comfortable barefoot use
Generally installs without pre drilling except at board ends, which speeds up fixing
Lightweight and easy to cut and handle on site
Natural brown tone that will weather to a silver grey if left uncoated
Durability supported by long term warranty when installed and maintained correctly
Suitable for residential and light commercial outdoor use above ground

Specifications

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

Product Name: Vulcan Smooth Decking
Manufacturer: Abodo
Supplier: Duce Architectural Timbers
Product Type: Thermally modified softwood decking with smooth dressed surface
Timber Species: Thermally Modified Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata)
Source: Rapidly renewable New Zealand plantation timber, FSC® certified
Grain Orientation: Semi vertical grain orientation for improved stability
Board Size: 140 x 27 mm (DK4R 140×27)
Lengths: Supplied in mixed lengths from approximately 1.8 m and longer, or in fixed lengths at Abodo’s option and subject to availability
Grade: Premium Grade, mainly clear to the top face. Limited small knots and resin pockets allowed. Reverse face may include standard grade features and handling marks
Colour at Supply: Chocolate brown from thermal modification. Will weather to a natural grey unless regularly maintained with a pigmented coating
Durability Treatment: Thermally modified to INTENZ Thermowood 230 degree schedule and treated with OPX low VOC organic preservative with water repellent for exterior use and termite resistance
Durability Class: Durability Class 1 (EN350-1), Class 2 above ground (AS5604). Suitable for above ground applications defined in NZS3602:2003 Table 2A and Use Class 3 (EN335)
Termite Resistance: Treated with OPX preservative system which includes insecticide for termite zones
Construction: Solid board with semi vertical grain orientation
Moisture Content at Despatch: Approximately 16 percent MC
Average Density: ~420 kg/m³
Hardness: ~2.5 kN Janka (easier to cut and fix than many hardwoods)
Slip Resistance: Not rated P class because this is a smooth face profile. Where slip rating is required, consider Vulcan Decking with reeded face
Recommended Joist Centres: Maximum 450 mm centres
Fixing Method: Two 60 mm x 5 mm self drilling, self countersinking stainless steel screws per joist. Nail fixing is not recommended
Pre Drilling: Only required at board ends to prevent splitting. Pre drill through the deck board and into the joist with a bit around one third smaller than the screw
Board Spacing: 5 mm gap between board edges and 1 mm to 2 mm at butt ends. Allow for expansion in service
End Sealing: All end grains, notches and cut ends must be sealed with an approved end seal or wax based water repellent product
Expected Service Life: 20 years or more when installed and maintained to specification
Warranty: 15 year warranty against fungal decay and termite attack, terms and conditions apply
Environmental Credentials: FSC® certified, Declare Red List Free, low VOC preservative system

Benefits and Application

This system is suited to outdoor living spaces that call for a clean, smooth deck surface with long term service performance, responsible sourcing and practical installation for both builders and homeowners.

Ideal for decks, alfresco spaces, verandahs and walkways
Suitable for above ground residential and light commercial applications
Comfortable for barefoot areas such as poolside seating zones and outdoor play areas
Lightweight and workable, which helps reduce time on site compared with dense hardwood
Can be maintained with oil for richer colour, or allowed to silver naturally for a low maintenance look
Durable in exposed weather when installed and maintained in line with guidelines
Supports sustainability reporting with FSC® certification and Red List Free status
Grain orientation and heat tempering improve stability in Australian sun and rain cycles

Photo Gallery

Info & Files

What is Vulcan Smooth Decking?
Vulcan Smooth Decking is a thermally modified plantation timber decking board with a smooth, dressed top surface. It is designed for refined outdoor living areas and is supplied by Duce Architectural Timbers.

How is this different from standard Vulcan Decking with a reeded face?
Both products are thermally modified and treated for durability, but Vulcan Smooth Decking has a flat, dressed surface instead of a reeded surface. This creates a more contemporary look and a softer barefoot feel, but it does not carry the same P4 slip rating as the reeded profile.

Do I need to pre drill the boards?
Generally no. Pre drilling is only required at board ends to reduce the risk of splitting near the fixings. This simplifies installation compared to dense hardwood decking that often needs full pre drilling.

Will the colour stay the same?
The timber starts as a rich brown tone from the thermal modification process. If left uncoated, it will gradually weather to a natural silver grey. If you want to preserve colour depth, you can maintain the surface with a suitable penetrating decking oil or stain.

Is it termite resistant?
Yes. Vulcan Smooth Decking is treated with a low VOC OPX preservative system that includes insecticide for termite zones. This treatment is part of the durability warranty when installed and maintained to guidelines.

What is the expected service life?
When installed and maintained according to specification, Vulcan Smooth Decking is expected to perform for 20 years or more. The product also carries a 15 year warranty against fungal decay and termite attack, subject to terms and conditions.

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. Nail fixing is not recommended.

Is the product sustainable?
Yes. The timber is sourced from rapidly renewable plantation forests in New Zealand, is FSC® certified and is Declare Red List Free. The preservative system is low VOC and does not rely on arsenic based treatments.

Does it meet bushfire BAL ratings?
A specific BAL rating is not stated for this smooth profile in the supplied details. For bushfire rated applications, or where BAL 12.5 or BAL 19 is required, speak with us about suitable Vulcan decking profiles and compliance notes for your project.

Who supplies Vulcan Smooth Decking?
Duce Architectural Timbers supplies Vulcan Smooth Decking and supports builders, designers and architects with specification, fixing details and coating guidance for project documentation and tender packs.

Abodo Brochure

Why Choose Abodo Vulcan Timber

Abodo Declare Certification

Technical Data Sheet - Vulcan

Decking Maintenance Guidelines

DK4R 140x27mm Profile Drawing