Above: A still from Timberlink’s Everdeck® TV Commercial.
As Australia’s timber industry faces increasing demands for more sustainable and innovative building materials, Timberlink® is positioning itself as one of the key players in the sector. From its inception in 2013, following the sale of Gunns Limited’s softwood sawmilling assets, Timberlink has grown into a leading manufacturer of Australian Radiata Pine timber products sourced from sustainably managed pine plantations. Timberlink timber is certified by either Responsible Wood (PEFC) or Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) (FSC-C117015), or both. With two regional manufacturing facilities in Bell Bay, Tasmania, and Tarpeena, South Australia, the company is at the forefront of delivering high-quality timber products and solutions to meet the growing demand for sustainable building materials.
In this editorial, we explore how Timberlink has successfully blended innovation, sustainability, and customer- centric service into its business model. With a commitment to providing renewable building solutions, Timberlink is not just about timber—it’s about shaping the future for the industry and its customers, with an expanded range of timber products.
Above: Nutmeg Everdeck® boards being installed.
TIMBERLINK’S CUSTOMER- CENTRIC APPROACH
At Timberlink, the focus on the customer is paramount. The company’s ability to engage with a broad range of customers—from small builders to large construction firms—has been a key factor in its success. This approach allows Timberlink to better understand the unique needs of each customer and offer valuable solutions.
“We work with a diverse range of customers, and we make sure that we get to know and understand the specific needs of each of our customers—being easy to do business with is something we value deeply and constantly work on,” says a Timberlink’s spokesperson. The company prides itself on being large enough to meet the industry’s demands but small enough to maintain a personal, responsive touch.
Above: A board is embossed with a timber-like grain.
As well as having direct deliveries from both mills in Tasmania and South Australia, Timberlink also operate distribution centres in South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria. This setup allows Timberlink to keep stock closer to key markets, aiming to reduce lead times, and respond quickly to customer needs. Timberlink’s Sales Manager, Tasmania, Gareth Watson advised, “We focus on long- term partnerships built on reliable supply, open communication, and strong industry knowledge. Our business prides itself on multilevel relationships with our customers, allowing us to stay closely aligned across both operational and strategic levels. This approach helps build trust and deliver real value over time.” He added, “we want to grow with our customers and create win-win outcomes.”
Above: The Everdeck® range currently consists of decking boards, edge boards and fasteners.
PRODUCT INNOVATION
Timberlink’s commitment to innovation is another critical part of its success. The company is constantly seeking ways to improve its products and services, ensuring that it remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Above: An Everdeck® board is cooled using harvested rainwater.
Derek from Becks Mitre 10 in Tasmania acknowledges Timberlink’s role in pushing the boundaries of innovation: “Timberlink is at the forefront of innovation in terms of product through either new products or innovating in their production units, which is fantastic.” This emphasis on innovation is particularly evident in Timberlink’s recent investments in new manufacturing facilities that cater to emerging market demands.
A prime example of this innovation is the construction of the NeXTimber® by Timberlink Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) production facility which was officially opened in February 2024. These products offer higher value building solutions that align with the global trend towards more sustainable construction materials. The expansion into wood plastic composites (Everdeck®) is another example of how Timberlink is diversifying its product range to meet customer needs while also contributing to sustainability efforts.
EVERDECK: THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE TIMBERLINK RANGE
The Everdeck range was launched 2024. Everdeck is a product range which blends sustainability with durability and aesthetic appeal, and it is currently the only wood composite board range made in Tasmania. By using Australian recycled plastic and timber residues such as wood shavings, Timberlink has created a product range that not only creates additional value from the existing resource, but also provides a durable and low maintenance alternative to traditional decking materials.
The production process for Everdeck involves combining plantation timber fibre with recycled plastic and proprietary additives, which are then heated, extruded, and moulded into boards. The boards are embossed with a timber-like grain texture, adding both style and functionality to the product. Each board is checked for quality through a vision scanner system, ensuring consistency and performance across all units.
Everdeck offers significant benefits to customers. Not only does it require minimal maintenance—no sanding, sealing, or staining—but the decking boards are also FSC® certified (FSC-C117015), supporting responsible management of the world’s forests.
Gareth advised “the initial response to Everdeck has been positive, especially from trade and hardware customers looking for another Australian-made composite decking option. Demand has been building steadily, with strong interest in the product’s sustainability credentials and reliable supply, particularly when comparing to some overseas products.”
There are six colours in the decking range, a different colour on either face of the decking board, so three samples are included in the sample kit that can be ordered from the Everdeck website, to cover the full colour range. The kit also includes, an edge board, to show how the edge of the deck will be finished, a product guide, as well as the clips and fasteners that are used to secure the deck. I asked Gareth what were some of the challenges Timberlink faced when promoting a wood-plastic product, from traditional decking materials? Gareth explained, “Timberlink endeavours to educate customers on lifecycle value, durability, and maintenance savings over the life of the deck. While there might be higher initial outlay, the benefits of not having to re-stain or oil the deck on an ongoing basis is attractive to busy people.” Gareth concluded, “Everdeck is supported by a 20-year Manufacturer’s Warranty, which plays a key role in giving customers confidence in the product’s durability and performance.”
SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE
Sustainability has always been at the heart of Timberlink’s operations. The company recognises that timber is one of the world’s most sustainable resources, and it is committed to using this renewable material responsibly. The vast majority of Timberlink’s log supply comes from local, sustainably managed plantations and ensures that the environmental impact of their production processes is constantly monitored and minimised where possible.
Timberlink’s investments in sustainability are not just about the products it manufactures but also about how it operates its facilities. For example, the company has implemented technology like scanners to optimise the use of each log that comes through its manufacturing plants, minimising waste. By-products from the manufacturing process, such as bark chips and wood shavings, are sold for other uses or repurposed into other manufacturing applications, such as the creation of Everdeck boards.
Moreover, Timberlink’s commitment to sustainability extends to its partnerships and industry collaborations. As part of its efforts to improve the timber industry’s environmental impact, Timberlink advocates for increased use of sustainable building materials, aiming for a low-carbon future. The company works closely with various stakeholders, including industry partners, government bodies, and local communities, to ensure that sustainable practices become a standard across the sector.
Donna from Self Help Workplace in Tasmania, a long standing Timberlink customer said, “Timberlink timber is used in our flagship items of pallets, boxes, and crates. We use case grade timber generally heart timber, which really means Timberlink is committed to using all the timber that comes onto its site wisely and sustainably.”
Above: Everdeck® decking boards are dual-coloured for versatility. Pictured: Espresso Brown/Nutmeg Brown.
THE ROLE OF NEXTIMBER BY TIMBERLINK IN THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Mass timber products like NeXTimber CLT and GLT are transforming the Australian construction industry. These products offer a sustainable alternative to more traditional building materials, with the added benefit of carbon sequestration.
NeXTimber CLT and GLT are made from responsibly managed Australian plantation pine, providing the strength, uniformity, and technical predictability needed for demanding applications like hybrid and tall timber buildings.
Timberlink’s investment in innovative mass timber solutions aligns with the industry’s long-term strategy of reducing the embodied carbon of building projects.
Above: The NeXTimber® by Timberlink® facility in Tarpeena.
A FOCUS ON QUALITY
Timberlink’s dedication to quality is another reason why it remains a trusted name in the industry. They are committed to performance optimisation, using data and feedback to continually refine their manufacturing processes. “Timberlink actively pursues operational excellence to exceed customer expectations,” says a company representative.
Investments in technology, such as the state-of-the-art scanner systems at both Timberlink’s manufacturing sites, help improve product consistency and quality. These innovations ensure that customers receive a product that meets their needs and supports the development of sustainable, low-carbon buildings.
After Timberlink produces their quality timber, they strive to deliver it to customers in the same excellent condition. Luke from Monson Logistics in Tasmania offers an example of this: “For product going to Western Australia, we load them on a skate system, with consignments on top of the skates and secured for transit. This system was designed by Monson in-conjunction with Timberlink. The same ramp and system are used at the discharge port.” This system highlights Timberlink’s goal of providing a seamless, secure, and reliable delivery process for its customers.
Above: A NeXTimber® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panel.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As Timberlink moves forward, the company remains committed to expanding its product range and its role in the Australian and global timber markets. There are future plans to broaden the Everdeck product range as well as expanding Timberlink’s offering of wood composite solutions for both residential and non-residential applications.
With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Timberlink is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the building industry. As the demand for sustainable building materials grows, Timberlink’s investments in new product solutions and technologies reflects its belief and commitment in the future growth of the Australian timber market. As the company continues to innovate and expand its product range, it is clear that Timberlink will play a significant role in the transformation of the Australian timber industry.
BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY WITH TIMBER INNOVATION
Timberlink’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality has firmly established the company in the Australian timber industry. With its range of high-quality products, including Everdeck, NeXTimber, and traditional timber solutions, Timberlink is looking to set the standard for sustainable building materials in the market.
As the world continues to focus on reducing carbon emissions and embracing sustainable construction practices, Timberlink’s efforts to provide more sustainable solutions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of building materials. Whether it’s through new product innovations or improving existing manufacturing processes, Timberlink is dedicated to creating a more sustainable and responsible timber industry.
As Gareth articulated it, “Timberlink is investing in its people, manufacturing facilities, and products to deliver better value to our customers. We’re proud to be a forward-thinking Aussie manufacturer.”
With the support of its customers, partners, and industry stakeholders, Timberlink is ready to take on the challenges of the future and continue its mission to build a more sustainable future.
For more information visit www.timberlinkaustralia.com.au. Registered trademarks include Timberlink®, Everdeck® and NeXTimber®.
