NewTechWood Outdoor Surfaces: Build a Project Budget Before You Buy

Understanding NewTechWood Outdoor Surfaces

NewTechWood products are composite materials, offering a wood-look aesthetic without the extensive maintenance associated with natural wood. They are suitable for exterior facades, accent walls, and coordinated architectural surfaces, as well as general outdoor applications.

The primary applications for NewTechWood include cladding, siding, and various outdoor surfaces. When planning, consider the specific profile direction, trim, and fastening method required for your chosen application. Confirming these details with your Lumber Plus branch is a key step before ordering.

NewTechWood is categorized as a wood-plastic composite material, designed for both exterior and interior applications. Its low-maintenance nature is a significant advantage for many projects. Availability of specific profiles and colors can vary, so always check with your local branch for current stock and special order options.

For any NewTechWood project, it's essential to plan the complete surface system, including the wall assembly, fastening, and required quantities. Requesting current physical samples can help in making informed decisions about appearance and finish.

Material Takeoff: Calculating Your NewTechWood Quantity

The first step in budgeting is an accurate material takeoff. This involves measuring the total surface area to be covered and accounting for the specific dimensions of the NewTechWood profiles you intend to use. Remember that area-equivalent coverage does not always equal the number of purchased modules, especially when cuts are involved.

For example, if you are covering an outdoor wall section that is 10 feet tall by 12 feet wide (120 square feet), and you plan to use a NewTechWood profile that is 6 inches wide (0.5 feet) and comes in 12-foot lengths. Each length covers 0.5 feet * 12 feet = 6 square feet. To cover the 120 square feet, you would theoretically need 120 / 6 = 20 lengths.

However, consider waste and cut plans. If the wall is exactly 10 feet tall, and you are installing horizontally, each 12-foot length can be cut into two 5-foot pieces to minimize waste if the installation allows for staggering. If the profile is installed vertically, each 12-foot length is just shy of the 10-foot height, allowing for some trimming at the top or bottom. Always add a percentage for waste, typically 5-10%, depending on the complexity of cuts and layout.

For our example, assuming a 10% waste factor: 20 lengths * 1.10 = 22 lengths. If the profiles are sold only in 12-foot lengths, you would purchase 22 lengths. If there are specific module sizes, ensure your dimensions align to minimize unusable offcuts.

Accessories and Fasteners

Beyond the main NewTechWood profiles, your project will require various accessories. These can include trim pieces, corners, starter strips, and fasteners specific to the NewTechWood system and your chosen installation method. Each of these components adds to the overall material cost.

For our hypothetical 10x12-foot wall, you might need internal and external corner trims if it meets other walls, or edge trims if it's a standalone feature. Fasteners, such as clips and screws, are typically specified by the manufacturer for proper installation and system integrity. Do not assume generic fasteners are suitable. Quantify these based on the manufacturer's recommendations for spacing and coverage.

For example, if the manufacturer specifies clips every 16 inches on center, and your 12-foot wide wall is 144 inches, you would need approximately 144/16 = 9 clips per horizontal row. If you have 20 rows of siding (10 feet / 0.5 feet per board), that's 9 clips * 20 rows = 180 clips. Factor in extra for waste or dropped parts.

Remember to account for any specialized tools or equipment that might be needed for installation, as these can be rental costs or purchase costs that factor into your budget.

Labor Costs: Professional Installation Considerations

Unless you are undertaking a DIY project, labor will be a significant part of your NewTechWood budget. Professional installers bring expertise, efficiency, and proper tools, which can save time and prevent costly errors.

Labor costs are typically quoted either as a fixed price for the entire project, an hourly rate, or a per-square-foot rate. Obtain multiple quotes from qualified contractors who have experience with composite cladding or siding systems. Ensure their quotes include site preparation, installation, and cleanup.

Factors influencing labor costs include the complexity of the installation (e.g., intricate cuts around windows or doors, multi-directional layouts), site accessibility, and the prevailing labor rates in your area. A simple, flat wall will generally cost less to install than a facade with many architectural details.

When reviewing contractor bids, confirm what is included in their price: material handling, scaffolding, waste disposal, and any required permits. A detailed scope of work helps prevent misunderstandings later.

Contingency and Project Management

Every project, regardless of how well-planned, can encounter unexpected issues. A contingency fund, typically 10-15% of the total estimated cost, is crucial for absorbing these unforeseen expenses without derailing your budget.

Contingency funds can cover things like discovering unexpected sub-surface damage during demolition, needing additional fasteners due to miscuts, or unexpected changes in material availability that necessitate a different product or shipping method.

Project management costs, if you are not managing it yourself, can also be a factor. This might include fees for architects, designers, or a general contractor overseeing multiple trades. Even for a smaller project, your time spent coordinating and supervising should be acknowledged, even if not monetized in the budget.

Consider the timeline as well. Delays can lead to increased labor costs or rental fees for equipment. A realistic timeline, with some buffer, should be part of your overall project planning.

Before you order

• Have you measured the total surface area to be covered, accounting for all dimensions?
• Have you selected the specific NewTechWood profile and confirmed its dimensions?
• Have you calculated the number of main profiles needed, including a waste factor (e.g., 5-10%)?
• Have you identified all necessary NewTechWood accessories (trim, corners, starter strips)?
• Have you quantified the required fasteners based on manufacturer specifications?
• Do you have quotes for professional installation, outlining the scope of work?
• Have you allocated a contingency fund (e.g., 10-15%) for unexpected costs?
• Have you considered any additional costs such as tool rentals, permits, or waste disposal?
• Have you confirmed current availability and specific profiles with Lumber Plus?
• Do you have a clear understanding of the full material list before requesting a quote?

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

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