ShockDeck™

Overview of Materials That Can Be Used for ShockDeck™

Only specific types of pine decking boards, with a thickness of 28 mm or 26 mm, can be used to build ShockDeck™. These are available in several variants and supplied by multiple manufacturers.

For battens, CU-treated pine 28×45 mm is always used. Along fixed edges, 28×45 mm battens are also used.

Please note that the European standard for battens differs from the Norwegian standard. The ShockDeck™ system is designed to be compatible with both the Norwegian standard (30×48 mm) and the European standard (28×45 mm).

Approved Decking Board Types for ShockDeck™

Building with Nordic Swan-Certified Materials

ShockDeck™ playground surfacing can be built using Nordic Swan-certified materials such as Nowa from Organowood.

All material choices for ShockDeck™ are environmentally responsible

The materials are treated to enhance durability and maintain high quality over time. The most common type of decking board uses copper-salt pressure-treated (CU-treated). For a more premium finish, boards are treated with heat, steam, and oil.

Read more about the Treatment Types below.

Durability and Maintenance

Treated decking boards have a long lifespan. Suppliers indicate that additional treatment is only necessary for aesthetic purposes. To ensure long-lasting performance, cleaning according to the manufacturer’s instructions is recommended.

Examples of Different Types of Pine Decking Boards That Can Be Used

Among the decking boards suitable for ShockDeck™ construction, there are several options with varying quality and appearance.

Examples:

Example of CU-treated This is the most affordable decking board and is also the type most commonly associated with standard decking. Available with or without grooves.

Example of royal-impregnated Duo type from Talgø Tre (Møre Royal). Available in several colors, with or without grooves.

Example of royal-impregnated Concise type from Talgø Tre (Møre Royal). Concise features a textured planed surface that gives a nice brushed finish. Available in several colors; the color shown here is “Fjellgrå”.

Example of Thermo-Pine from Moelven – a Nordic Swan-certified, completely chemical-free product. Fresh boards have a warm brown tone that naturally ages to a beautiful grey patina, with a comfortable and inviting surface.

Example of heartwood pine from Hasås with SiOO:X treatment. This dense, resin-rich inner wood naturally absorbs less water and is enhanced with a silica-based SiOO:X treatment. Over time, it ages to a smooth, natural grey patina.

Example of royal-impregnated Barfot type from Alvdal Skurlag. Barfot decking boards have a distinctive curved profile that improves water runoff.

Overview of Treatment Types

Copper-based Pressure Treatment (CU-treatment) Pressure treatment with copper salts makes the wood resistant to rot. Visually, it is not possible to distinguish CU-treated wood from the older CCA-treated wood (copper, chromium, arsenic), which is classified as hazardous waste. For this reason, all pressure-treated wood is handled as hazardous waste, even though CU-treated material could, in theory, be disposed of with mixed wood.

Royal Treatment The wood is both pressure-treated and boiled in oil under vacuum. This provides exceptional resistance to rot, high dimensional stability, reduced splintering and cracking, and a long service life.

Thermal Modification Treated only with heat and steam, entirely free from chemicals. The wood becomes more resistant to rot, fungi, and moisture, with minimal splintering and cracking, and excellent durability.

Silica Treatment Treated with a water-based silica solution, entirely free from chemicals. Over time, the wood develops a beautiful, natural silver-grey patina while being protected against rot, fungi, and UV exposure.

Key Construction Details

• Use 3–4 shock absorbers per m²
• Only specific decking types and treatments may be used (for details see Materials for Building ShockDeck™)
• Battens 28×45 mm
• Standard construction includes a fixed edge around the perimeter
• Outer boards are fastened to the edge; full shock absorption occurs 30 cm from the edge
• Playground equipment is installed as usual in concrete foundations

Download the full ShockDeck™ assembly guide

For proper shock absorption, it’s important to follow the construction guidelines carefully. For detailed instructions on building ShockDeck™, please download the step-by-step instructions.

Cross-Section of ShockDeck™ Construction

Cross-Section with Edge of Cubic Stone or Cast Concrete

1. Cubic Stone   2. Topsoil/Grass 3. Battens 28×45 mm  4. Concrete  
5. Compacted, Drainage Base Layer, e.g., Fraction 6–16

Cross-Section with Steel Profile Edge

1. Stålprofil  2. Topsoil/Grass  3. Battens 28×45 4. Concrete  
5. Compacted, Drainage Base Layer, e.g., Fraction 6–16

Cross-Section with Installed Equipment

1. Play equipment, e.g., a swing set   2. Concrete 
3. Compacted, Drainage Base Layer, e.g., Fraction 6–16

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