Technical Information

Polypropylene vs. Polyethylene:
Polypropylene is the firm choice
The GAF-Elk XTRM formula utilizes virgin Polypropylene to achieve optimal strength and rigidity characteristics. Polypropylene won’t bounce or sag, so it feels more solid under foot. The increased strength allows for greater joist spans, and results in a board that remains more level over time. Polypropylene boards are more resistant to warping, so they remain straight.

Polypropylene offers a greater strength-to-weight ratio. This increased strength enables us to engineer a board that is lighter, stronger, and more rigid than competitive Polyethylene boards. For comfort to the touch, Polypropylene holds less heat than Polyethylene, so the deck surface remains cooler.

By virtually every measurable strength, performance, and comfort characteristic, Polypropylene delivers a better deck.

Voided vs. Solid:
The voids give it strength
Specially-engineered voids in CrossTimbers decking result in a board that is 30% lighter, while still being stronger and stiffer than many competitor’s solid decking boards. CrossTimbers decking boards are designed to take advantage of Polypropylene’s strengths in ways that are simply not feasible with Polyethylene.

Deliberately-engineered I-beam and arched voids stiffen the boards while substantially reducing weight. Creating these voids also results in the added benefit of reducing raw materials consumption, so manufacturing is easier on the environment. CrossTimbers engineered voided boards offer performance benefits that outperform many solid boards.

Fire Resistance
The fire-resistant version of CrossTimbers Professional Grade decking meets the rigorous demands of the California Wildland Urban Interface Building Code. CrossTimbers Professional Grade FR is UL Listed in accordance with section 704A.4.1 of The California Building Code (2006).

XTRM Formula:
Our competitive advantage
The GAF-Elk XTRM (Extreme) formula is a proprietary composition of organic material and Polypropylene. This unique composite offers a litany of advantages over competitive composites. XTRM formula limits moisture absorption, and reduces expansion and contraction, resulting in a more stable structure. XTRM also means better resistance to staining from tannins, mold, and metal. And the inherent strength and rigidity means that CrossTimbers decking can achieve up to a 24" span.

Snow-Load Strength
CrossTimbers’ extraordinary strength enables it to withstand the rigors of winter after winter of heavy snows without compromising the strength or integrity of your CrossTimbers deck.