CodeMark Explained: Trendplank & Shou Sugi Ban Compliance
Do Trendplank and Shou Sugi Ban Timber Cladding Require CodeMark Certification?
When specifying timber cladding products like Mortlock Timber’s Trendplank and Shou Sugi Ban, a common question is whether these require CodeMark certification to comply with the National Construction Code (NCC)—particularly in relation to weatherproofing under clause FP1.4.
What is CodeMark Certification?
CodeMark is a voluntary, third-party certification scheme administered by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). It provides a pathway to demonstrate that a building product complies with the NCC—especially useful for new, innovative, or non-standard products that fall outside the deemed-to-satisfy (DTS) provisions.
Because CodeMark can be time-consuming and expensive, it’s typically reserved for products that lack a clear compliance pathway under existing codes or standards.
Understanding NCC Clause FP1.4: Weatherproofing
Clause FP1.4 of the NCC requires that roofs and external walls—including openings such as windows and doors—must prevent water from penetrating the building in a way that could:
- Create unhealthy or unsafe conditions
- Reduce the amenity of the building
- Cause undue dampness or deterioration of building elements
To comply with FP1.4, builders can use:
- Deemed-to-satisfy solutions in the NCC
- Relevant Australian Standards
- Manufacturer-supplied installation instructions that provide a valid performance solution
Do Trendplank and Shou Sugi Ban Comply?
While Trendplank and Mortlock’s Shou Sugi Ban cladding do not hold CodeMark certification, they can meet the NCC FP1.4 weatherproofing requirements when installed in accordance with Mortlock’s installation details and the relevant Australian Standards.
Compliance with FP1.4 can be demonstrated through:
- Installation to Australian Standards – such as AS 1684.2, AS 1684.3 and AS 1684.4
- Mortlock Timber installation guidelines – detailing best practices for weatherproofing, drainage and durability
- Correct construction detailing – including a breathable membrane (Pro Clima or similar), flashings, seals and trims to prevent water ingress
Because these systems follow well-established compliance pathways, CodeMark certification is not required for Trendplank or Shou Sugi Ban to achieve compliance with NCC FP1.4.
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We are committed to bringing you timber products that add value and endure for years to come, even in heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions. We understand the value of efficiency when it comes to installation and keeping hardwood timber costs down. That’s why we’ve spent decades perfecting our designs to make them easier to handle, less wasteful and more efficient to install. This efficiency allows us to offer you premier products that are more cost-effective so that you can experience greater savings on timber wall costs, timber ceiling costs, timber cladding costs and timber decking costs.
Download our Pricing and Product Guide for our complete hardwood timber price list including timber decking prices, timber wall prices, timber ceiling prices and timber cladding prices.