1. Main Applications
Kebony® is the best choice of material for exterior applications where durability, environmental credentials and low maintenance are important. Kebony is produced from sustainably-sourced timber and impregnated with a bio-based, non-toxic liquid. The resulting polymer is permanently bonded inside the wood fibers, creating a stable, hard, and durable wood.
2. Product Safety
Kebony is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, both in use and when disposed.
3. Machining / Further Processing
Kebony wood can be processed using normal hardwood tools and machinery. Kebony Character is not intended for further machining of its surface. Kebony Clear may be sanded, brushed, planed and profiled without affecting performance or durability.
4. Dimensional Stability
Kebony is a natural wood product which means there will be some swelling and shrinkage due to changes in humidity. However, the Kebony process dramatically increases the dimensional stability of the wood. Maximum swelling across the boards from completely dry to complete water saturation is:
- 6% of the board width for Kebony Character
- 4% for Kebony Clear.
5. Appearance & Surface Treatment (after installation)
Kebony boards have a deep brown color that will form a silver-grey patina over time. The speed of this process depends on exposure conditions and type of application. Normally it will happen gradually but intense exposure to sunlight and rain will accelerate the process. The change in appearance has no effect on resistance to decay or other technical product properties. Surface treatment with oil, stain or paint will reduce the graying effect or change the color of the installation:
- All Kebony products may be surface coated in cases where retaining the original color as long as possible is desired.
- When surface coating is applied, the directions from the coating manufacturer should be followed.
6. Kebony + Metals
Zinc
While stainless steel fixtures are ideal, Kebony can be used with aluminum, enameled, powder-coated or foiled fixtures without concern for discoloration. However, in some cases surface water runoff from Kebony can result in discoloration of adjacent materials. For example, it could cause black stains on zinc fixtures. For example, this is a key reason why stainless steel fasteners are required. This can result in black discoloration of the wood.
Copper
Water runoff from Kebony onto copper parts may result in color variations on the copper surfaces; since the Kebony will keep copper shiny while copper normally goes through surface oxidation to a dark green or black surface color.
Kebony does not accept responsibility for products not manufactured by Kebony.
7. Maintenance of Uncoated Kebony
Safety in use of cleaning agents
Instructions printed on the labels of cleaning agents should be followed closely with respect to use, safety precautions and waste disposal. Please refer to the manufacturers’ handling and application guidelines when using cleaning agents. Cleaning products with a pH greater than 12 should not be used. It’s always advisable to first test the cleaning agent in an inconspicuous area.
Use of high-pressure washers
Kebony does not recommend the use of high-pressure washing on its products. However, Kebony boards may be washed with high-pressure washers equipped with suitable brushes that reduce and diffuse the water jet to safe levels. The water jet of high-pressure washers should never be applied directly to the wood surface.
Surface cleaning
Removing deposits of dirt, sand and other particles is simply done with a brush and water.
Surface contamination of mold or algae can be removed by brushing and washing with water containing ordinary household cleaning agents or detergents suitable for external household cleaning.
Manufacturers’ guidelines for cleaning products should be observed. Kebony recommends rinsing with clean water after all surface deposits have been removed with a cleaning product.
To clean black stains and discoloration caused by incompatible metal parts such as zinc and iron, surfaces may be cleaned with oxalic acid. Manufacturers’ instructions should be observed. Such strong cleaning agents may lighten the surface color of the Kebony cladding to a slightly brighter appearance than the original appearance at installation. You can choose whether you wish to spot clean the affected areas or clean the entire deck, keeping in mind that it will lighten the surface color. Remember to thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water after cleaning.
8. Storage
Kebony boards should be stored in its original packaging or completely and tightly covered under a protective wrap (e.g. tarp) before installation.
9. Waste disposal
Waste from Kebony boards can be disposed in the same manner as untreated wood. Kebony can be burned like untreated wood.
10. References
Other Kebony documents may be downloaded from our technical data page.
- Product data sheets
- Material data sheet
- Installation guidelines
- Material Safety Data Sheets