Porta
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Porta is regarded as Australasia's leading supplier, innovator and specialist of timber mouldings and products to the home improvement, building, trade and commercial sectors. Australian owned and operated, Porta has a rich history spanning over 70 years proudly manufacturing and distributing a broad range of timber products in various local and imported certified timber species. Vertically integrated Porta’s milling and importing operations provide quality timber, moulding and design solution...Read More
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Porta Contours® profiles add signature aesthetic to complement Kingscliff clinic’s minimalist palette
In a setting where precision and care are paramount, the curved details soften the environment, adding a sense of calm a...
Porta’s Cirque profile adds distinctive character in Broadbeach restaurant makeover
After a decade of serving modern Australian cuisine, Social Eating House + Bar in Broadbeach, QLD, was ready for a darin...
Porta delivers nature-inspired spaces at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
For the feature wall of the Dirawong Conference Room, the Sanctuary selected Porta Contours® in Tasmanian Oak — a produc...
Porta begins a new chapter with Borg on 1 November
We are pleased to announce that Porta will embark on a new chapter in our journey under the ownership of Borg, effective...
Porta Contours shapes interiors of renovated Port Melbourne office
A Porta Contours profile in Tasmanian Oak was selected by The Shape Group during the renovation of their Port Melbourne ...
The benefits of sustainable and responsibly sourced timber
Committed to sourcing timber from sustainable resources, Porta holds Chain of Custody under internationally recognised a...
Porta Contours boards create intrigue and movement at MolinoCahill office
IA Design chose timber lining boards from the beautiful Porta Contours collection to create tranquil movement using curv...
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CPD 1pts
CPD Online - Biophilic design and the benefits of timber
This CPD presentation will introduce you to the main concepts of biophilic design, how it enhances and supports wellbein...
CPD 1pts
CPD Online - Sustainability: Timber the sustainable resource
This CPD presentation explores the connection between project design, material specifications, and environmental sustain...
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to paint my mouldings?
Depending on the type of timber, application and intended use there various finishes including painting or staining are recommended to enhance the durability, increase longevity and for its protection. Leaving timber raw (unfinished) is susceptible to moisture damage and staining.
What causes timber to move/bow?
Timber is a natural hygroscopic material which releases or absorbs moisture in response to ambient changes in temperature and humidity. Being a seasoned material it is prone to move due to storage and moisture levels. Porta's timber mouldings are graded in accordance with the AS4785 & AS2796 standards.
What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?
The term Hardwood and softwood relates to the tree in which the wood is derived from. Hardwood is wood from angiosperm trees have a more dense and complex structure than softwood – more pores and vessels. Porta’s range of Hardwood in a variety of profiles include Tasmanian Oak, Meranti and Whitewood. Softwood is wood from trees such as conifers. Softwoods are not necessarily softer than hardwoods. It is an affordable option of timber and comes in various grades including a finger jointed option. Porta utilise timber from the Pinus, Taeda & Pinus Radiata species which includes – Clear Pine, General Purpose Pine, FJ Raw Pine, Primed FJ Pine, H3 Treated Pine. See also Our Timber for more information about timber species.
What timber can I use outdoors?
The recommended timber for outdoor use in the Porta range is H3 ACQ Treated Pine which is suitable for above-ground exterior applications, having a natural durability class of 30 years above-ground. Hardwood such as our Tasmanian Oak timber is also suitable with a natural durability class of 7-15 years above-ground. These are resistant to rotting and decay.
What is the recommended height for Chair/Dado Rail?
Although originally designed to protect walls from damage inflicted by the backs of chairs, the chair rail today primarily serves as a decorative function – encircling the perimeter of a room and/or separating different wall finish treatments. It is generally affixed horizontally along a wall at a height of approximately 900mm – 1000mm, or about 1/3 of the way up from the floor. Another tip is you can place your chair up against the wall and mark where it hits the wall.
What size architrave/skirting should I use?
It is an individual choice but tends to be proportional to the height of the rooms ceilings. Large skirtings work well with higher ceilings. To create contrast select an architrave one size down.
Do I need to paint over Primed Pine?
The primer used in our Primed Finger Jointed pine is not formulated to withstand the elements and it is necessary to paint over your pre-primed timber with top coat paint (water-based or acrylic).
How do I affix my timber mouldings?
Nailing is by far the most common method for affixing timber. When installing mouldings nail glue and nails/fasteners in strategic places along the length of the timber is recommended. It is also suggested that you pre-drill holes in your timber before installing to prevent splitting in particular when working with Hardwood such as Tasmanian Oak.
What angles do I need for the mitres?
For square corners, 45 degree mitres are required, however the method used depends on your application – whether the moulding is to be affixed to a flat surface or wall as in the case of, for example, skirting or chair rail, or whether the moulding is to be affixed to two different surfaces at 90 degrees to one another e.g. wall and ceiling, as in the case of crown, cornice or scotia.
Can you route Porta panels?
Yes, Porta’s pine panels are constructed from quarter sawn clear grade timber components which are then edge-glued together in a huge press (a process termed “laminated”) Being quarter sawn and of close lamination manufacture, the panel is up to 40 % more sturdy and stable than a standard panel of the same thickness, yet it can be routed and cut as one would any solid timber panel.
Covering holes and nails on my mouldings
You can easily cover nail holes and blemishes in timber mouldings with filler/putty. Cover the area with the filler and give it a light sand before applying your final finish. There are a wide range of wood fillers available from Hardware stores, which are tinted to suit the colour of the timber you are trying to match, which is ideal for staining purposes.
Can Laminated Panels be used for a Vanity in the Bathroom?
Yes, Porta’s pine laminated panels can be successfully used for your cabinet. As with any timber, however, it is primarily the type of finish or lacquer used that actually determines the performance. There is a huge array of paint products available for such a purpose and it would be best to contact the manufacturers themselves who will be able to advise the best finish method for your particular use.
Does your timber come from environmentally sustainable resources?
Porta is committed to the use of timber from environmentally responsible resources, and the majority of the Porta product range are certified under either the FSC® and the PEFC™ schemes.
What safety gear should I use?
It is recommended that safety glasses and masks are worn when working with any timber product, especially when cutting or sanding. Some people prefer to wear disposable gloves when using adhesives to minimise the exposure to their skin.
Is Porta timber certified?
Porta is committed to the use of timbers from environmentally responsible resources. Porta is Chain of Custody (CoC) certified under either the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), Australia Forest Certification Scheme (AFCS) and the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™).
Is Porta's Tasmanian Oak treated with any chemicals?
Tasmanian Oak by Porta is exclusively made from timbers from Tasmanian operations. The timber is conditioned with potable town water, to stabilise the fibre. No chemicals are used in the production process.
