Strength in Numbers

Why Woodline Long-Life Poles?

• The right species selection
• The right peeling process
• The right seasoning process
• The right treatment process

Radiata Pine vs Gum

Why are Radiata pine poles better than gum poles?

Gum (Eucalyptus) is a dense, hard timber species. Since gum timber is marginally stronger than pine, people think this provides a more durable pole, but they are mistaken.

Gum has less sapwood and more heartwood when compared to Radiata pine. But it is the sapwood that gives the pole its structural strength and durability. The sapwood is the part of the pole that absorbs the protective treatment chemicals, so less sapwood means less treatment is absorbed. The heartwood is untreatable. Less sapwood also means less depth for the treatment to penetrate, which means less protection. With less treated sapwood there is more chance of cracking and exposing the untreated heartwood to the elements. With the correct seasoning and treatment methods, Radiata pine poles are not only durable, but they are strong too.

What makes Woodline poles the right choice?

• The right species selection

Radiata pine is known for its structural strength. Its sapwood allows deeper penetration of the chemicals during treatment processes, enhancing the product’s longevity. Woodline poles predominantly use the slow-grown Pinus Radiatta, known for its exceptional strength, durability and quality.

• The right peeling process

For strong poles, the diameter of the log, before peeling, needs to be close to the size class of the intended finished pole product. Over-peeling a log strips away its strong sapwood band. Woodline eliminates the potential for over-peeling by keeping and grading a wide variety of log diameters, while ensuring the proper control of the peeling process.

• The right seasoning process

Freshly-cut logs hold as much as 95% moisture content. However, 25% moisture content is required for poles to undergo the correct treatment methods to perform optimally. This reduction in moisture content is achieved through proper seasoning. Every inch (25mm) of pole diameter requires one month seasoning. (e.g. 4 inch diameter = 4 months’ seasoning) Woodline’s extensive resources and kiln ensures no pole leaves the yard without the correct seasoning.

• The right treatment process

The correct chemical treatment (retention and penetration) of the pole ensures its longevity. Retention is the dosage or amount of treatment supplied to the pole, while penetration is how deep the treatment enters the diameter of the pole. Insufficient dosage or shallow penetration leaves the pole vulnerable to infestation and the elements. By using Radiata pine and adhering to proper procedures, Woodline ensures correct dosage and ample penetration of the sapwood, resulting in poles known for their quality, durability and longevity.

Our Markets

Agriculture

• Vineyard and orchard trellising
• Cattle and farm fencing
• Horse paddocks
• Game fencing

Construction

• Thatch roof structures
• Carport structures and supports
• Playground structures
• Modular log homes and timber structures
• Landscaping
• Ranch style fencing
• General building purposes

Road Construction

• Guard-rail posts and spacer blocks
• Sign posts

Utilities

• Telephone poles
• Electricity transmission poles

Value-add

• Decking and decking supports
• Fencing slats
• Garden bed edging

Products

Building and Fencing

Prepared and treated according to SANS 457, these poles are available in lengths of 1.2m to 11.0m and diameter of 50mm to 200mm. Treatment is according to their intended application, ranging from H2 to H6*.

*See Hazard Class specifications

Rounded Pine

Cylindrically machined poles, commonly used for playground structures, building projects and guard-rail posts and the construction of modular log homes.

Post and Rail Fencing

Using cylindrical poles, drilled, to customer requirements for number of rails, and machined, with domed tops, this product offers an easy-to-erect type fencing with an attractive ranch style effect. Also available are corner posts, end posts, line posts and un-drilled bollards.

Utility Poles

Telephone Poles (for overhead telecommunication lines)

Manufactured according to SANS 753, unless otherwise specified, poles ranging from 6.0m to 9.0m in length are prepared to customer requirements, prior to treatment. Poles can be pre-drilled, gained and labelled as required.

Transmission Poles (for overhead power lines)

Prepared according to SANS 753, or specification as required by the customer, poles of up to 14m can be produced. Diameters are determined by strength class required. Whether determined by the top diameter, as in South Africa, or by international specifications, where Theoretical Ground Line usually determines the strength class, Woodline's customers have the assurance that the poles are manufactured according to exacting specifications.

Specifications

Woodline operates its treatment plants in accordance with SANS 05 (Preservative Treatment of Timber) and has permits to apply the SABS mark to its products manufactured in accordance with:

Poles are also processed and treated in accordance with the following client’s specifications

For the export market, Woodline manufactures poles in accordance with client's specifications, including:

Hazard Class

When ordering treated poles the customer should ensure that the correct treatment has been requested to ensure adequate protection against the degree of hazard that the product will be exposed to when in service. This will ensure maximum service life of the product.

Environmentally Conscious

Woodline uses timber supplied from FSC-certified forests and strives to use renewable African resources.

Our Staff

Woodline’s management team offers a combined 100 years of experience in the pole industry.

Customer Satisfaction

Woodline aims to achieve an audited 95% or higher Customer Satisfaction Index.