5 Questions with Kevin Turner from NewTechWood

LBM pros have many options when it comes to composite materials. What should they know about these options when making a product choice?There are so many good products in the market to choose from. Educating yourself on the different brands and the materials they are comprised of is the real difference. High-quality, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) like NewTechWood is a leader in capped composite. What is the core material made of? Is it a fully capped board? Is the cap stock consistent around the entire board? Aesthetics play a part, but if the board fails, what good is the color?

How do you see the growth of interest in green building, sustainability, and resiliency?Recycled, sustainable products are on the rise with designers and architects. Consumers want to use products that they connect with and know they are doing their part in protecting our natural resources. For manufacturers, it’s all about having the highest quality product with the highest recycled content. It’s incumbent on us all to strive for better products with the least impact on the earth.

What changes or upcoming trends do you see in the near future for composite materials?Higher quality recycled consumer and post-industrial recycled, materials that we can reuse into other products. The technology and the optics of the finished products we are now making are amazing. We are constantly striving to create better products that blow away the consumer’s expectations for aesthetics. We strive for the “wow” factor with all our products.

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In a world where builders are constantly dealing with diminished workforces, how can composite products help builders work smarter or faster?Beyond the great looks, we are value-engineering our products for ease of installation. Finding labor these days is tough. We continually engage contractors to provide feedback on, “How can we make this easier to install, and where can we cut installation time?” Then we take seriously the feedback and do trial installations. Over the years, this process has proven to be the impetus of better products with greater performance.

How can composite products be used in ways other than decking?At NewTechWood we have a full complement of siding and cladding. Both in European designs that are more modern and contemporary, as well as simple lap-style profiles. The colors are robust and there are many to choose from. There are also deck tiles, furniture, and trim. Currently, we are launching a line of composite material over an aluminum substrate called Alusions. Composites are also going to the interior of homes. This category has so much growth and evolution still ahead!

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