A forty-year foundation built on quiet achievement. By Campbell McInnes

In an industry where reputations are built over decades, consistency can be difficult to achieve. Tasman KB (TKB), an Australian family-owned, second-generation timber import and wholesale business, is a case in point. First established in1985 by Bob Frost, and changing ownership to David and Kaylene McAndrew in 2004, the company quietly passed a major milestone recently, 40 years of operation, yet many within the industry may be unaware of just how long TKB has been part of Australia’s timber supply landscape. If there were ever a “quiet achiever” in timber distribution, TKB is it.

The business has grown steadily, guided by a clear mission, long-term relationships, and a deep understanding of the Australian timber market. As TKB’s State Manager (NSW/ACT), Jason Gray, summarised during our discussion, “The business has grown steadily from its early years, expanding into various product segments that fi t within the categories of the core business.”

TKB is a trusted partner to merchants, fabricators, and suppliers alike. The company’s Mission Statement encapsulates this approach: “To be the ‘Supplier of Choice’ for outdoor timber in Australia through the distribution of quality products, sourced from reputable and environmentally responsible suppliers, combined with industry leading timber knowledge and service delivery models.”

Over the years, TKB has strengthened its foothold by focusing on innovative service models, ethical and consistent sourcing, and new product development. With four decades behind them and a national footprint that has expanded significantly, the timing was ideal for the company to both reintroduce its brand and launch a major new product: EVERJOIST.

 

EVERJOIST HITS THE MARKET RUNNING

Over more than four decades in business, TKB has developed strong and enduring relationships with a loyal network of clients. Through detailed research and ongoing conversations with these customers, and some installers, the team identifi ed a genuine need for a timber product that not only met Australian Standards, but also delivered durability and suitability for low-to-ground and on-ground applications. With forward orders already secured and, a clear commitment to maintaining stock on the ground, 1st October 2025 became the official launch date for TKB’s newest innovation: EVERJOIST.

Jason explains “It was a team eff ort bringing the EVERJOIST to the market, through market research, collaboration between the TKB team and OFO NZ and most importantly, our customers trusting our industry knowledge and experience, by supporting the product from day one.”

Ray Khamis (Key Account Manager) emphasised the strength of TKB’s supply chain, saying, “to me it was pretty evident early on how tight knit our supplier network is. Therefore, when it came to adding a new product to our range, we try to achieve this by firstly working with the mills that we know, deal with, and people with whom we have an existing relationship.” He continued, “by doing this, we know how the supplier works, their strengths, what their quality is like, where they source their feedstock, and we can ensure that the product is from sustainably managed plantations.”

This supplier-first approach strengthens the relationship between TKB and its suppliers, which in turn provides both parties with added flexibility for ordering and container packing.

Jason added, “we worked with one of our long-standing partners, OneFortyOne New Zealand, and they operate the Kaituna mill.”

This mill already produces a range of products for TKB, including Wrapped H4 Solid Posts, Premium Grade Decking and H3 Structural Pine. Therefore, the addition of the H4 EVERJOIST line is a seamless and well considered choice.

UNDERSTANDING THE EVERJOIST PRODUCT

When asked to define the new product, Ray explained, “the product is a H4 Treated Pine, Bearer and Joist.” Australian Standards require that any deck bearer or joist within 400 millimetres of the ground must be either a Class 1 durable hardwood or a H4 Treated Pine. EVERJOIST fits this classification perfectly.

EVERJOIST is a solid pine, MGP10, H4 MCA-treated product. It is produced using prune-butt logs, with selected sapwood, double-dried, and is pressure treated. Ray detailed the process: “the timber is dried before pressure treating, then re-dried. Because the mill uses the sapwood and pre- dries, they achieve 100% treatment penetration.

EVERJOIST is treated with Micronised Copper Azole (MCA) to H4 level, off ering a 50-year warranty against fungal decay for in-ground use, and delivering outstanding protection in Australia’s tough climate.

TKB has undertaken substantial research to ensure EVERJOIST is user-friendly and easily identifiable on site. As the product closely resembles H3-treated timber, the ends are painted bright orange to provide clear differentiation and reduce confusion both in the merchant’s yards and during installation.

A PRODUCT FOR MODERN AUSTRALIAN BUILDING TRENDS

As block sizes for new developments in large metropolitan areas are becoming smaller, raised decks are being replaced by smaller outdoor living areas positioned closer to ground level. Ray observed, “we are noticing a trend towards smaller decks that are just above ground level.” In these scenarios, EVERJOIST is an ideal solution.

Research by TKB highlighted that many products meeting Australian Standards for low-clearance decks are not cost-effective, leading some builders to substitute H3-treated timber in sub-joists positioned less than 400 millimetres above ground. With EVERJOIST, builders now have a cost-effective, and compliant alternative which is fit for purpose.

To ensure consistent quality, TKB worked with the supplier and secured an exclusive agreement for the distribution of EVERJOIST, replicating the current arrangement for Wrapped H4 Solid Treated Posts. EVERJOIST is exclusively supplied from the Kaituna mill and there is a clear focus on product consistency and quality.

EVERJOIST stands as a fit-for-purpose, easy-to-use and cost-effective solution for builders, installers and homeowners seeking a reliable product for low-to-ground or on-ground deck construction.

INVESTMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND AN EXPANDING NATIONAL FOOTPRINT

Today the business successfully operates as a National Distribution Wholesaler throughout Australia from its head office in Belrose, Sydney, and major distribution centres in the following locations:

  • St Marys, New South Wales, which services New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. This site was purchased in 2001 and is a 18,000 m2 site.
  • Mickleham, Victoria, and services Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia & Tasmania. This site is a purpose built, 18,000 m2 distribution centre, which was opened in November 2022.
  • Acacia Ridge, Queensland to service Queensland. While this is the current TKB site, 20,000 m2 of land has been purchased in Yatla and a purpose built warehouse is due to commence construction in 2026.

Jason explained, “we also work with a logistics company to provide comprehensive service levels in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania & the Northern Territory.”

TKB have made significant long-term investments in modern distribution centres, building facilities that protect products and support efficient, reliable delivery for customers. Understanding the importance of consistent supply, they’ve put strategic distribution plans in place to strengthen national capability and ensure products like EVERJOIST remain available at scale, on schedule and to specification across Australia.

Their recent and upcoming capital works reinforce this vision. The Victorian distribution centre, opened in 2022, has already improved operational performance, while the new Queensland facility will form part of a broader modernisation program.

For TKB, these centres assist in product care, loading efficiency and delivery reliability. TKB’s steady, deliberate expansion reflects a business that invests strategically rather than reactively, underpinning its reputation as one of the country’s most trusted wholesalers of outdoor timber products.

SUSTAINABILITY, CERTIFICATION AND ETHICAL SOURCING

TKB remains firmly committed to ecologically sustainable development, taking pride in sourcing, and distributing ethically produced, environmentally responsible products from trusted suppliers while guaranteeing top quality. Central to this commitment is Chain of Custody certification, which provides a transparent mechanism for tracing forest-based products through every stage of the supply chain. It ensures materials are managed and manufactured to rigorous standards, from forest to the finished goods, with compliance verified against FSC- STD-40-004 V3-1 and PEFC ST 2002:2020.

At the time of interview, TKB had just completed its latest independent audit, for FSC certification. This ongoing improvement process reinforces confidence in the company’s systems and procedures. As Jason explained, “the new EVERJOIST product is FSC certified,” noting that “the logs sourced by the Kaituna mill (part of OneFortyOne New Zealand operations) are plantation grown from resources across the top of the South Island.” OneFortyOne New Zealand has held continuous certification under the Standards (FSC-C074692) since 2010, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to responsible forest management.

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

Natbuild are an independent, member- owned building supplies buying group, who combines the collective procurement strategy of their members to secure a comprehensive trading range. They focus on Trade Hardware, Building Materials, Timber and Wood Panels for their independent organisations. Natbuild has 38 members with 210 trade locations around Australia.

Jason reflected proudly on the recognition: “Tasman KB was awarded the Natbuild supplier of the year 2025 award, category “Timber & Wood Panels”. He added, “What made this award particularly meaningful was that the votes came from Natbuild’s members, which the TKB team were honoured to have received.”

For TKB, this award validates years of consistent performance, strong relationships, and a reputation for quality product supply, one that the TKB team are very proud of.

THE TKB PRODUCT RANGE

While EVERJOIST is a feature product, it forms part of a product range. Over decades, TKB has developed deep knowledge and strong supplier networks. While they specialise in outdoor treated products, they have a product range suitable for a variety of building and renovation projects.

TKB’s heritage in structural framing is particularly strong. As Jason recalled, “TKB have stocked structural framing since the commencement of operations and have driven the transition to Radiata Pine in the Australian market.” Today, Radiata Pine Framing is still one of TKB’s core products. H3 LOSP Primed, Finger Jointed product has been another core TKB staple for around three decades. Reflecting on its importance, Jason noted, “We are continually assessing opportunities to enhance our product range.

H3 LOSP Primed product is currently under review, and we are exploring ways to further improve its performance and overall value to the market.” It appears to be a defi nite “watch this space” moment, with considering developments to this product over the coming year.

The other core product in the TKB line up is their Treated Radiata Pine – Structural. This is a product that, TKB have been selling for decades and have built strong relationships with both suppliers and customers.

Jason advised, “we are phasing out CCA treatments, which are currently used in our landscape products, and this treatment is being replaced with Micronised Copper Azole (MCA).”

A NEW ERA FOR A PROVEN AUSTRALIAN TIMBER SUPPLIER

TKB’s 40-year journey is a story of consistent growth, industry partnerships, ethical sourcing, and a commitment to doing things the right way. The launch of EVERJOIST represents both a continuation of this philosophy and the beginning of a new chapter. It is a product built on deep industry understanding, strong supplier collaboration, and clear market need.

With exclusive sourcing through FSC- certifi ed plantations, a 50-year warranty, 100% MCA H4 penetration, and unmatched ease of use, EVERJOIST sets a new benchmark for low-level deck construction in Australia.

TKB has combined heritage with innovation, ambition, national distribution strength and personalised customer service. For a company that has long been a quiet achiever, EVERJOIST represents a strong addition to a continuous improvement journey.

For further information, or to request EVERJOIST samples or brochures, please contact your local TKB representative or email: sales.sydney@tasmankb.com.au

You can also visit their website for additional product details: www.tasmankb.com.au