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Hollow or solid: choosing a Tarimatec board profile
Tarimatec is extruded in two decking profiles from the same PVC-mineral composite of rice husk and limestone. The hollow board is the standard specification for terraces, rooftops and pool surrounds. The solid board is heavier, stiffer and far harder to dent, and is specified where the traffic or the trolley load justifies it.
The two profiles, drawn to shape
Drawings are indicative cross-sections, not scaled shop details. Dimensioned CAD sections are in the technical pack.
Hollow 150 x 27 mm
Five internal voids cut weight and material without losing the walking stiffness needed at a 350 mm joist spacing. Ends are closed with matching end caps.
- Weight approx. 17.1 kg/m2 (EPD S-P-07588)
- Flexural strength 38.1 MPa (UNE-EN ISO 178)
- Impact resistance greater than 7 J (UNE-EN ISO 477)
- Available in Tecno, Nature and Surco finishes
- All three collections: Chromatic, Wood, Ethnic
Solid 149.2 x 20 mm
A fully filled section. Heavier to handle and to freight, materially harder to dent, and the profile to specify where furniture, trolleys or heavy foot traffic will work the surface.
- Weight approx. 23.9 kg/m2 (EPD S-P-07588)
- Flexural strength 46.4 MPa (UNE-EN ISO 178)
- Impact resistance greater than 20 J (UNE-EN ISO 477)
- Nature finish (Nature Maciza)
- Wood collection colours
Which profile should you specify?
Specify hollow when
- It is a residential terrace, balcony, pool surround or roof terrace.
- Dead load matters: rooftops, balconies and structures where every kilogram per square metre is counted.
- You want the full colour and finish range, including the grooved Tecno and the Surco texture.
- Freight cost per square metre is part of the decision.
Specify solid when
- The deck takes commercial traffic: restaurant terraces, hotel pool decks, service routes.
- Trolleys, service carts or hard furniture feet will move across it daily.
- Point-load denting is a named risk in the specification.
- The structure can carry the extra 6.8 kg/m2.
Both profiles use the same substructure and the same hidden clip. You can mix them on one project. Neither is rated for vehicle loading, and the manufacturer warranty excludes damage from weight overload.
Profile comparison
Every figure below is manufacturer test data to the European standard named in the right-hand column. Canadian code equivalence is covered on the specifications page.
| Property | Hollow 150 x 27 | Solid 149.2 x 20 | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section | 150 x 27 mm | 149.2 x 20 mm | Manual Tecnico 2023 |
| Length | 2,500 mm plus or minus 10 | 2,500 mm | Manual Tecnico 2023 |
| Coverage | approx. 6.5 linear metres of board per m2 (approx. 2.6 boards) | approx. 6.5 linear metres of board per m2 (approx. 2.6 boards) | Manual Tecnico 2023 |
| Weight | approx. 17.1 kg/m2 | approx. 23.9 kg/m2 | EPD S-P-07588 |
| Density | 1.54 g/cm3 | 1.44 g/cm3 | UNE-EN ISO 1183-1 |
| Flexural strength | 38.1 MPa | 46.4 MPa | UNE-EN ISO 178 |
| Impact resistance | greater than 7 J | greater than 20 J | UNE-EN ISO 477 |
| Brinell hardness | 179.95 HB | 179.95 HB | UNE-EN 1534 |
| Water absorption, 24 h | 0.59 % | 0.38 % | UNE-EN 317 |
| Water absorption, 28 d | 1.66 % | 0.95 % | UNE-EN 317 |
| Fire reaction | Bfl-s1 | Bfl-s1 | UNE-EN 13501-1 |
| Slip resistance | Class 3 (R11) | Class 3 | UNE-ENV 12633 |
| Joist spacing | 350 mm maximum | 350 mm maximum | Manual Tecnico 2023 |
| Finishes | Tecno, Nature, Surco | Nature | Catalogue 2025/2026 |
| Collections | Chromatic, Wood, Ethnic | Wood | Catalogue 2025/2026 |
Solar reflectance index above 80 was measured by Tecnalia (report 082062-002, ASTM E1980) on a white sample; darker colours reflect less. No cold-temperature rating exists for this product, and none is claimed.
180 mm and 200 mm hollow boards
The hollow profile is also extruded at 180 x 27 mm and 200 x 27 mm as a special order. Wider boards mean fewer joints across a large terrace and a calmer, more architectural surface. They are made to order in Valencia rather than held, so they add to the lead time and need a minimum quantity.
What to expect
- Minimum order quantity applies; confirmed on quotation.
- Colour and finish availability is confirmed per run, not guaranteed across the full 31-colour range.
- Boards are import-to-order; plan on 8 to 12 weeks from order to delivery in Canada.
- Lengths beyond 2,500 mm, up to 4,000 mm, can be quoted on projects above 100 m2.
Before you specify a special width
Order a sample of the colour first, then talk to us about quantity and timing before the width goes into a drawing set. We would rather tell you it is impractical early than late.
Profile FAQ
Is the hollow board weaker than the solid board?
It is less stiff and less impact resistant: 38.1 MPa flexural strength against 46.4 MPa, and above 7 J impact against above 20 J, both to UNE-EN ISO 178 and ISO 477. At the specified 350 mm joist spacing both profiles are rated for pedestrian decking. The difference matters for point loads and dents, not for whether the deck holds people up.
Can I mix hollow and solid boards on one deck?
Yes. They share the same aluminium joist, the same hidden clip and the same 350 mm spacing rule, so a solid board can be used on a high-traffic run and hollow elsewhere. The two profiles are 7 mm different in depth, so the substructure has to be packed to bring them level; plan that at the drawing stage.
Do the hollow voids fill with water?
The boards are laid with an air gap over a ventilated aluminium substructure, with end caps closing the ends, so water drains and does not sit inside. The material itself absorbs 0.59 percent at 24 hours and 1.66 percent at 28 days for the hollow profile (UNE-EN 317). It is a low figure for a decking board, not a zero one.
Which profile is standard on a Canadian quote?
Hollow 150 x 27 mm is the default. It carries the full colour and finish range, is lighter to freight from Valencia, and suits the residential terraces, balconies and pool decks that make up most Canadian projects. We quote solid where the brief calls for it.
How many boards do I need per square metre?
About 6.5 linear metres of board per square metre for both profiles, which is roughly 2.6 boards at 2,500 mm lengths, before cutting waste. The quote itemises boards, aluminium joists, clips, screws, fascia and end caps as one system so nothing is missed on site.
See the profile in your hand before you draw it
Samples ship from Vaughan in 5 to 10 business days. Boards are import-to-order, with an 8 to 12 week lead time.
Specifying? Download the technical pack or read the installation guidance.