FAQs

What is Knotwood and what is it made from?

Knotwood is an architectural aluminum system engineered to replicate the look of natural timber without the maintenance. Each profile is extruded from aluminum and finished with a high-definition wood-grain image fused directly into a polyurethane or polyester powder coat under heat and pressure. The result is a non-combustible, corrosion-resistant product that never needs painting, staining, or oiling.

What products does Knotwood offer in the USA?

Knotwood USA offers a complete range of wood-look aluminum systems for exterior and interior applications, including cladding, wall battens, ceiling systems, decorative screens, soffits, fencing, decking, and garage doors. Every product is available in matching finishes, allowing a single timber-look aesthetic to carry across an entire building envelope and site.

Is Knotwood fire rated for use in the United States?

Knotwood is non-combustible aluminum, which provides Class A fire performance, the highest classification available under US building codes. This makes it suitable for projects requiring strict fire compliance, including Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones, mid-rise residential, and commercial construction governed by the IBC. Confirm specific assembly requirements with your local authority having jurisdiction.

Does aluminum get hot in direct sunlight?

In direct sunlight any metal will warm up, but aluminum dissipates heat faster than wood or composite materials. Independent testing shows aluminum surfaces remain cooler than timber and fiber cement under equivalent sun exposure. For US climates with intense sun including the Southwest, Florida, and coastal regions, Knotwood's thermal performance is a practical advantage over organic cladding materials.

Is the wood grain finish printed onto the aluminum?

The wood grain is not simply printed. Photographic timber images are absorbed directly into a polyurethane or polyester powder coat through a controlled process using heat and pressure. The result is a finish that is integral to the coating rather than applied on top, giving Knotwood profiles a depth and realism that distinguishes them from surface-printed or painted alternatives.

Is Knotwood more expensive than wood?

Knotwood and hardwoods are comparable in price per square foot. Knotwood requires minimal maintenance which means you can save on time and money in the long run.

How does Knotwood compare to real timber for durability and maintenance?

Unlike timber, Knotwood does not rot, warp, split, crack, or require periodic painting, staining, or oiling. It is unaffected by termites and does not absorb moisture. Real wood requires ongoing maintenance to remain structurally sound and visually consistent; Knotwood's finish and structural integrity are retained without any surface treatment throughout its service life.

How does Knotwood compare to fiber cement siding?

Both are non-combustible cladding options, but they differ significantly in practice. Fiber cement requires repainting every 7 to 15 years and is susceptible to moisture damage at cut edges and joints. Knotwood's aluminum construction means it will not absorb water and its powder-coat finish requires no repainting. Knotwood also offers a broader range of matching profiles across soffits, screens, and fencing, which fiber cement cannot provide as a coordinated system.

Does Knotwood Rust?

Knotwood does not rust. Unlike steel, when aluminum is cut or scratched, the exposed surface reacts with oxygen to form a thin layer of aluminum oxide. This layer protects the base material from corrosion and is self-repairing if damaged. Knotwood is suitable for environments where steel fixings and other metals would deteriorate.

How long does Knotwood last?

Knotwood is engineered for long-term exterior performance. As a non-combustible aluminum system with a factory-applied powder-coat finish, it is not subject to the rot, warping, splitting, or termite damage that limit the lifespan of timber products. Properly installed Knotwood has been in service on commercial and residential projects for decades with no repainting or structural replacement required.

Is Knotwood suitable for coastal environments and salt air?

Yes. Aluminum is inherently resistant to salt-air corrosion, and Knotwood's powder-coat finish provides an additional protective barrier. For coastal installations, self-tapping aluminum screws are strongly recommended to avoid galvanic corrosion from dissimilar metals. Knotwood is used on residential and commercial projects in coastal US markets including beachfront homes, waterfront hospitality, and marina-adjacent commercial buildings.

Is Knotwood suitable for high-wind and hurricane-prone areas?

Aluminum is structurally well-suited to high-wind environments. Knotwood profiles are rigid, lightweight, and do not absorb moisture or warp under storm conditions, which can cause failure in timber and fiber cement systems. For projects in hurricane-prone regions or areas with specific wind-load code requirements, consult your installer and structural engineer to confirm appropriate fixing specifications and substrate details for your local conditions.

Does Knotwood perform well in freeze-thaw climates?

Yes. Aluminum does not absorb water, so it is not susceptible to the freeze-thaw expansion and contraction that causes cracking, splitting, and delamination in timber, fiber cement, and some composite products. Knotwood maintains its dimensional stability and finish integrity in cold climates. Standard installation details account for thermal movement across all US climate zones.

Can Knotwood be used for soffits?

Yes. Knotwood offers a dedicated range of aluminum soffit systems in matching wood-grain and solid finishes. Aluminum soffits are non-combustible, will not rot or delaminate like timber, and require no painting or ongoing maintenance. Knotwood soffit profiles are used across residential overhangs, multifamily breezeways, commercial eaves, and egress corridors where fire-compliant, low-maintenance finishes are required.

Can Knotwood cover the full exterior envelope of a building?

Yes. Knotwood's product range includes cladding, wall battens, soffits, screens, fencing, decking, and garage doors, all available in matching finishes. This means a single timber-look aesthetic can be carried consistently across facades, overhangs, screening, and site elements without sourcing from multiple suppliers. This coordinated envelope capability is particularly valued on campus, hospitality, and Class A multifamily projects.

What colors and finishes does Knotwood offer?

Knotwood offers over 40 colors and finishes, including a wide range of timber-look wood grains and solid powder-coat options. Wood-grain finishes include tones designed to replicate species such as spotted gum, teak, and blackbutt. Custom color matching is available for project-specific requirements with minimum order quantities. Visit knotwood.com/us/finishes for the full range.

Can you color match?

Yes we can, minimum quantities are required. Contact your closest Knotwood office for more information.

What lengths does Knotwood supply in the USA?

Knotwood is supplied in 18.5' lengths, custom sizes are also available on request.

Is Knotwood a sustainable building material?

Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials in construction and can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality. Knotwood profiles contain recycled aluminum content and are fully recyclable at end of life. The powder-coat finishing process produces no VOC emissions associated with liquid paint systems. For projects pursuing LEED or other green building certifications, speak with your project team about how Knotwood's material profile supports your sustainability goals.