Frequently asked
questions

We answer your most frequently asked questions about our company, the NaturinForm wood composite material, the environmental compatibility of our products as well as installation, processing and maintenance.

Read all the important answers here and convince yourself of the quality of our high-quality products.

material

  1. WPC stands for “Wood Polymer Composite” and refers to a wood-polymer material that has been produced and used in North America for over 20 years – particularly outdoors.

    It consists of a combination of wood fibers and an environmentally friendly, pure thermoplastic polymer.

  2. What makes our products, which are made in Germany, special is the combination of approximately 70% local wood (pine and spruce) with an environmentally friendly and food-safe polymer.

  3. With its numerous positive properties, the wood-polymer composite (WPC) permanently enhances your patio, facade, or privacy and soundproofing. It impresses with its consistently beautiful, easy-care wood look—no painting required.

    Of course, we manufacture all products and accessories exclusively with wood fibers from sustainable forestry (certified wood suppliers according to PEFC – www.pefc.de).

    Experience comfort with our wood composite material (WPC):

    • Barefoot-friendly and splinter-free
    • Elegant wood look
    • Non-slip – even when wet
    • Easy to install and maintain (no painting or oiling required) – saves time and money
    • Wood from sustainable forestry
    • Tropical wood-free (PEFC-certified wood suppliers)
    • Special lengths from approx. 2 to 13 meters possible
  4. WPC products are manufactured using an extrusion process. Wood fibers and a pure, thermoplastic polymer are fused under pressure and heat to form a continuous strand.

Characteristics

  1. All our products undergo a natural curing process influenced by light, air, sun, location, and humidity. Color changes continue depending on weather conditions and installation location.

    The interaction of sunlight, shade, and moisture leads to color changes, depending on the use and installation situation, such as a lightening of the WPC profiles. During this process, the surface of the freshly produced product loses its initial shine, and the initially visible yellowish color of the wood fibers fades away with complete weathering. The result is the desired, naturally matte color.

    These weather-related color changes are – as with natural materials – product-specific and do not constitute a defect. They are a natural characteristic of our products due to their high wood content. The same applies to the specially colored planks in our Color Edition: Different weather conditions, such as partial roofing of the surface, can lead to varying color development.

    In production, we place great emphasis on achieving the most consistent quality possible. However, fluctuations in the high-quality raw materials may result in slight color differences between different batches. This does not affect shelf life and therefore does not constitute grounds for complaint.

    Further information on the individual color maturity of our products can be found on the respective product page.

  2. The different colors are created by adding environmentally friendly color pigments, which produce a lasting and uniform color image.

    Intentional color variations and shades emphasize the natural wood look. The surfaces change over time due to weather influences such as sun and precipitation.

  3. NaturinForm products consist of up to 70% wood fibers, which are specially prepared, dried and added to the production process.

    Because it's a natural raw material, it may contain small inclusions of other natural fibers, such as bast (the transition layer between bark and wood). These particles may become visible on the surface over time due to weathering and moisture.

Quality and certificates

  1. As a member of the Qualitätsgemeinschaft Holzwerkstoffe eV (Quality Association for Wood Materials), NaturinForm GmbH is a pioneer in assured quality production. We test the associated high standards internally on a daily basis and have them regularly audited by external testing institutes – with excellent results.

    Our WPC quality is made from 100% German wood fibers with PEFC certification. The single-variety polymer used is freshly produced PE.

  2. Testing of slip resistance according to DIN 51130 and DIN 51097

    Our brushed plank surfaces offer particularly high slip resistance – even when wet – and are therefore ideal for public areas such as swimming pools, kindergartens or hotel terraces.

    The TÜV Rheinland/LGA test resulted in the following slip resistance classes:

    • Compact Blockstripes R12 / finely striated R11
    • Compact honeycomb Blockstripes R12 / finely striated R11
    • Compact honeycomb plus Blockstripes embossed R10 / finely striated R9
    • Robust und Natureline finely striated R10 / wood grain R10
    • Popular massive finely striated R13 / widely striated R13
    • Strong wood grain R10 / finely striated R10
    • Smart embossed R10
    • Smart click embossed R10
    • Exclusive embossed, matt R11
    • Urban brushed, longitudinal R11 / crosswise R12
  3. NaturinForm decking is designed for safe outdoor play, romping, and living. Tested according to DIN EN 71 Part 3, the decking meets the requirements of the European Toy Safety Standard, which applies to children's toys on the European market.

    All materials with which children may come into contact must not be harmful to their health and should be environmentally friendly. In addition to play value, safety is therefore also of particular importance. The standard defines when a toy is safe and harmless. It takes into account that children may lick or chew toys, which could result in small amounts of material entering their bodies.

    The Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut WKI in Braunschweig tested Die Kompaktefor toy safety in February 2013. The test report confirms that the tested material complies with the limit values according to DIN EN 71-3:1994 "Safety of Toys – Part 3: Migration of Certain Elements."

  4. ift Rosenheim GmbH tested Die Geliebtefor fire behavior classification according to DIN EN 13501-1 and rated it Class E. This result is quite comparable to wood.

guarantee

  1. Upon request, we will issue you a 5-year guarantee on the material properties of NaturinForm WPC products in writing in the form of a guarantee certificate upon delivery.

Recycling and disposal

  1. Sustainable and environmentally friendly production is our top priority. NaturinForm uses only wood fibers – so-called biocomposites – that are produced as a byproduct of the wood processing industry, thus using resource-saving methods in production. Furthermore, we only use wood fibers from suppliers certified with the PEFC seal ( www.pefc.de).

    Through continuous quality efforts, NaturinForm has received the seal of approval from the Qualitätsgemeinschaft Holzwerkstoffe eV (Quality Association for Wood-Based Materials) and is committed to sustainable and ecological production with a voluntary return option for the recycling of its own WPC products. We are proud to be able to offer you a consistently environmentally conscious and sustainable quality product.

    Our production process uses exclusively wood fibers from PEFC-certified suppliers. These wood products originate from sustainable forestry that meets ecological standards. The certification of our NaturinForm WPC decking profiles, which meets the high quality standards of the Quality Association for Wood Materials, confirms not only the technical safety and health-related harmlessness of our products, but also their environmental compatibility.

    As part of our manufacturing process, we are also able to recycle our WPC products, reintroduce them into the production process, and reuse them sustainably. Therefore, we accept our original NaturinForm WPC products back free of charge after checking their cleanliness when they are delivered to our factory in Redwitz an der Rodach, Flurstr. 7.

    Since this is a voluntary and non-binding return option and not a legally enforceable obligation, we recommend that you coordinate the return with us in advance to ensure a smooth process.

    By returning used NaturinForm WPC products, you support our manufacturing process and actively contribute to a sustainable, environmentally friendly product cycle.

  2. "Together with the VHI, we are committed to sustainable construction through environmental product declarations (EPDs) for WPC decking and WPC façade elements at the Institute for Building and Environment (IBU)." (Association of the German Woodworking Industry).

    The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is based on the standards ISO 14025 and EN 15804 and confirms the environmental compatibility of our products.

  3. NaturinForm offers a voluntary return option for used WPC products. We are proud to offer you an environmentally conscious and sustainable quality product.

    Our production process uses exclusively wood fibers from PEFC-certified suppliers. These come from sustainable forestry and meet the highest ecological standards. Certification of our WPC decking profiles by the Quality Association for Wood Materials confirms not only the technical safety and health-related harmlessness of our products, but also their environmental compatibility.

    As part of our manufacturing process, we are also able to recycle our WPC products, reintroduce them into the production process, and reuse them sustainably. Therefore, we accept original NaturinForm WPC products free of charge after checking their cleanliness when they are delivered to our factory in Redwitz an der Rodach, Flurstr. 7.

    Since this is a voluntary and non-binding return option and not a legally binding obligation, we recommend that you coordinate the return with us in advance to ensure a smooth process.

    By returning used NaturinForm WPC products, you support our manufacturing process and actively contribute to a sustainable, environmentally friendly product cycle.

  4. WPC remnants should ideally be disposed of as bulky waste or at recycling centers. This may involve additional costs depending on the location.

    Alternatively, NaturinForm offers a sustainable return option. Further information about returns can be found on our website or by contacting us directly.

  5. Production waste is ground, processed, and 100% recycled back into the production process. It can be processed into new floorboards, façade strips, privacy and soundproofing slats, or substructures, for example.

    In addition, NaturinForm offers its customers a voluntary and non-binding take-back guarantee for used NaturinForm WPC products in order to return them to an environmentally friendly product cycle through sustainable recycling.

laying

  1. The individual decking boards are attached virtually invisibly with specially manufactured stainless steel mounting clamps. V4A stainless steel mounting clamps are used in wet and salt-exposed areas.

    These clamps not only ensure secure fastening but also allow the boards to have the necessary flexibility. This allows them to expand or shrink depending on the weather without placing additional stress on the fastening.

  2. Detailed information on the installation of the decking boards and the required subfloor can be found on our website under the menu item:

    Service > Videos > Installation and assembly videos

    Alternatively, you can download a detailed PDF document with the installation instructions here:

    WPC decking installation instructions

  3. WPC boards should be installed professionally according to our specified guidelines.

    All standard woodworking tools can be used to process WPC. The boards can be easily sawed, milled, or drilled.

  4. Yes, individual planks can be easily replaced thanks to the innovative fastening system.

    Further information on installation direction and replacement can be found in the WPC decking installation instructions, which are available for download here.

  5. For applications that require building authority approval, a structurally sufficiently dimensioned supporting subfloor is necessary as a support for the floorboards.

    The popular solidfloorboards have building authority approval and can be used accordingly. Other NaturinForm floorboards do not have building authority approval and may not be used as load-bearing structural elements or as balcony flooring on joists without a substructure.

    The material is not approved for this application. A structurally sound, enclosed, and supported substructure is required.

  6. The installation instructions for our products can be found in the download sectionof our website. Please note the information in the respective installation and installation instructions.

    Direct downloads:

    WPC decking – installation instructions
    WPC facade – installation instructions
    WPC visual and soundproof fences – assembly instructions The Flexible
    WPC visual and soundproof fences – assembly instructions The Effective

Cleaning and care

  1. Cleaning NaturinForm products is straightforward and can be done with water. Light soiling, signs of wear, and weathering can be easily removed with a garden hose, broom, or scrubbing brush.

    For heavier soiling, a high-pressure cleaner (not a steam cleaner) with a maximum pressure of 80 bar can be used from a distance of at least 20 cm from the material. The polymer content makes our wood composite products particularly easy to maintain. Painting or oiling is not necessary to extend their durability.

    For stubborn household stains like grease or soot, we recommend our specially developed biodegradable special cleaner. Light-colored surfaces, such as the Urbaneor Color Edition, require more care and cleaning.

    The floorboards should be cleaned at least once a year, and more frequently in shady areas or under trees. Solvent-based cleaning agents should not be used.

    For a durable patio, facade, or visual and soundproofing, compliance with the respective installation instructions is crucial. You can download these at www.naturinform.com/de.

  2. WPC decking doesn't require painting or oiling. Thanks to their polymer content, they're particularly easy to maintain and weather-resistant.

    If treatment is still desired, the deck should be completely weathered to ensure optimal adhesion.

External influences

  1. On hot days and in wind-protected locations, WPC products can develop high surface temperatures. This may temporarily limit their use in direct skin contact.

  2. Chlorine and salt water have no negative impact on the properties of NaturinForm decking, facades, or privacy fences. This has been tested according to DIN EN ISO 9227:2017-07.
    When laying a terrace in an environment containing chlorine or salt water, stainless steel V4A clamps should be used instead of the usual stainless steel clamps.

  3. The high weather resistance of our floorboards is ensured by precise material specifications for the wood chips and the thermoplastic, pure polymer.
    Water can penetrate the plank if installed correctly according to our guidelines, but will be removed again during dry periods without causing damage.
    Long-term durability requires compliance with the installation instructions, which you can download here:

    WPC decking – installation instructions

  4. Yes, water stains can form on our products. Rainwater washes dust particles across the surface, which remain visible after drying.
    This effect is minimal on exposed surfaces regularly exposed to the elements, but it cannot be completely avoided. It does not affect the quality of the floorboards and does not constitute grounds for complaint.
    Water stains can usually be removed with clean water and conventional cleaning equipment.

  5. Yes, electrostatic charging can occur in low humidity, prolonged dry periods and on well-insulated surfaces.
    By using a grounding cable between the surface and a conductive element, such as a railing or a house wall, the electrostatic charge can be avoided.

  6. Since NaturinForm privacy and soundproof fences (The Effective, The Flexible and the Universal Slats) are made of WPC profiles with a wood content of 70% domestic wood, they react to weather influences in a similar way to natural wood.

    The interaction of sunlight, shading and moisture can lead to color changes (e.g. lightening) and slight deformations, depending on the location.
    These natural changes are product-specific and do not represent a defect, but a normal characteristic of WPC products.

  7. WPC contains water-soluble tannins that react with iron-containing substances and can cause grey-blue-black discolouration.
    This can occur due to:

    • Fertilizers containing iron (e.g. lawn or flower fertilizer)
    • Metal objects exposed to the weather on the floorboards
  8. Our WPC boards were tested at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research (WKI, Braunschweig) for their resistance to wood-destroying fungi.

    The test was carried out according to DIN/TS 15534-1 (2007) and DIN ENV 12038 (2002) and was assessed according to DIN CEN/TS 15083-1.
    Result: Durability class 1 – very durable.

Packaging Act

  1. The new Packaging Act (VerpackG) has been in force since January 1, 2019. It replaces the previous Packaging Ordinance and expands its regulations to close existing loopholes.

    NaturinForm supports this environmentally conscious approach and assumes responsibility for sustainable packaging management. Our company is registered with the ZSVR (Central Packaging Register) under registration number DE5936395242201.

    In addition, NaturinForm holds a recycling certificate from Interseroh for transport and commercial sales packaging. Furthermore, NaturinForm participates in the Dual System, thus actively contributing to the recycling of packaging materials.

    More information: ZSVR – Central Packaging Register