FAQ

What is the fire rating on the TorZo products?

Please contact us for more information about this.

What are the recommended coatings for the TorZo products?

TorZo does not recommend any specific company’s coating. Most millwork shops have spray booths and will use whatever they have in-house and what they feel comfortable using. We only require that it be a “hard” coating (meaning that it must be a coating that dries hard, such as a urethane, catalyzed lacquer, varnish, etc). TorZo does NOT recommend any rub-on oil finishes, such as a tongue or teak oil, because these types of finishes will not provide the water or stain resistance that TorZo recommends. Also, TorZo recommends using a spray-on coating only. In our experience, the roller or brush-on hard finishes do not create a clean “look.”

Can visible scratches on the surface coatings be repaired?

Many of the new polyurethanes are considered to be repairable coatings using rubbing compounds. Mohawk finishing has several different products, different ones for different gloss levels. Repairs are limited to superficial or minor scratches and do not apply to scratches that penetrate to the TorZo substrate. For these deeper scratches, the surface would need to be re-sanded and re-coated following the coating manufacturer’s recommendations.

What is the best way to “edge” the TorZo products?

Built-up edges, mitered edges and edge banding are the three edging techniques that are used on TorZo products. Refer to the TorZo Edge Support Document for more information.

What kind of adhesive is recommended for edge gluing or seaming?

TorZo recommends using a solid surface epoxy or like product for edge gluing or seaming applications. Titebond II type products will work but you need to allow for the longer dry times.

What is the best substrate material to use as a backer or base template?

MDF or plywood are typically used and are recommended.

What type of adhesive is recommended for gluing the TorZo products to the substrate?

Liquid Nails, contact cement or most any silicon based adhesives are great for this application. Willamette Valley has a zero VOC adhesive similar to Liquid Nails called Extreme that works equally well. The zero VOC Crystal Sheen void filling product mentioned above can also be used to glue the TorZo products to a base substrate.

Is there a concern with different expansion or contraction rates between the TorZo products and the substrate materials?

No. These materials have very similar “minimal” expansion/contraction rates. It is always good when fabricating a mitered edge to allow for a 1/8” gap to accommodate any differences that that may arise in extreme environments.

What are the best applications for the TorZo products?

Over 95% of all TorZo products have been installed in commercial applications. TorZo was initially promoted primarily through commercial architects and designers. Also, there is currently greater demand for sustainable products in the commercial market as compared to the residential market.

These installations include high-wear commercial environments such as airports, restaurants, banks, libraries, universities, middle and high schools, a fire station, professional offices, museums, grocery stores, condo projects, etc.

Commercial

Vertical:

Any vertical application is ideal for all TorZo products including:
Paneling
Wainscot
Signage
Cabinetry
Booth and bathroom stall dividers (½” minimum thickness to ensure rigidity and flatness)

Horizontal:

Due to their hardness and durability, TorZo products are appropriate for horizontal, high-wear applications:
Restaurant table tops
Bar tops
Transaction tops, such as banks and high volume retail environments,
Furniture, such as desk tops, work stations, conference tables,
Reception Desks
Vanity tops and Countertops

EXCEPTIONS

Not recommended for:
Exterior applications
Commercial kitchens
Undermount sinks*

*Undermount sinks are not appropriate for any of our agricultural fiber products, including Durum and Tiikeri. This is due to the coarse core that is associated with these raw products. Though some of these products have been used in this application successfully, all exposed voids on the edges must be filled with epoxy and then sealed and coated with the same products applied to the surface. Failing to do so will allow water to penetrate into the core and cause flaking or bubbling of the surface over time.

Flooring

TorZo materials have a janka ball test rating of over 1,800 pounds. For comparison, wood species like oak and maple have janka ball test ratings of 1,200 pounds. If a commercial coating is applied, all TorZo materials have the ability to be used as flooring. TorZo has recently introduced its first line of flooring (both plank and tile), manufactured using the Orient material. Orient has a janka ball rating of almost 5,000 pounds. The 6-step coating process includes two coats of a ceramic-based coating that makes the product appropriate for almost any commercial flooring application. TorZo plans to introduce other flooring and tiling products in the future. Please see the TorZo product sales sheets for more testing data, which includes janka ball test ratings for each product.
Residential

TorZo products are very suitable for residential applications. The key is to set appropriate expectations. Because of their hardness, TorZo products will perform as well or better than equivalent wood and composite products. The coating chosen by the end user will determine how TorZo performs over time. If you apply a very sharp object with enough force, the coating will scratch. Hence, if a customer is deciding between quartz and granite, TorZo would not be an appropriate substitute. However, if the customer likes the look and feel of TorZo, understands that it is a wood-based product, and prepares and maintains it properly, they will be happy with the product. Make sure to stress that TorZo is a wood product (or very similar to a wood product in the case of our agricultural boards). The same limitations apply with respect to undermount sinks. TorZo would be appropriate for the following applications:

Vanities
Countertops
Kitchen Islands
Cabinetry
Shelving