Statement From The New Zealand Timber Industry Federation
“The New Zealand Timber Industry Federation is alarmed at the scaremongering concerning timber decks and balconies.
“A Vice President, Gary McVicar, believes homeowners should take comfort from the fact that the Building Code and
building standards all require treated timber to be used in any situation where there is exposure to outdoor conditions.
All outdoor structure timbers need to be treated, in the case of decking joists, to Hazard Class H3.
“All building professionals should be aware of this. What is more, in New Zealand the quality of treatment of timber is
assured through the WOODmark® quality assurance programme which covers over 98% of treated timber production in New
Zealand.
“Producers licensed to the WOODmark® programme are regularly monitored.
“Properly treated WOODmark® timber used correctly will resist decay and perform satisfactorily.
“To be assured of treatment quality homeowners should look for the WOODmark® brand, either burn branded or end tagged on
the timber. The brand will also reveal a Plant Number so that the wood can be traced back to its source.
“Timber is and will remain New Zealand’s primary building material.
Ends