WoodEx® Clip-On Battens
Screening, Feature Walls and Pergolas, Done in Aluminium
Timber battens are everywhere in contemporary Australian architecture. Privacy screens between neighbouring properties. Feature walls behind reception desks and pool areas. Pergola structures in residential outdoor living. Decorative facade screening on commercial buildings. The batten look is versatile, current and genuinely useful; it lets light filter through, creates visual interest through repetition and gives a facade or screen a depth that flat panels can’t achieve.
Real timber battens in all of these applications come with the familiar trade-offs: UV fading, moisture movement, splitting ends, ongoing maintenance and, in bushfire zones, a compliance problem that timber simply can’t resolve. WoodEx® Clip-On Battens keep the aesthetic and eliminate the compromises. Solid aluminium, sublimation timber-look finish, and concealed clip-on fixing that allows individual battens to be replaced without disturbing the surrounding installation.
Technical Specifications
Material
100% solid aluminium, no timber, no thermoplastic
Fixing system
Two-part concealed clip-on batten clips over fixed bracket; the face stays clear
Available sizes
50mm × 50mm · 100mm × 50mm · 150mm × 50mm (depth × width configurations)
Surface coating
Sublimation timber-look finish, UV stable, fade resistant
Marine-grade coating
Yes, prefinished marine-grade coatings for extra protection
Fire classification
Non-combustible, tested to AS1530.1 and AS1530.3
Weatherproofing
Certified weatherproof, F3P1 requirements
Maintenance
Virtually zero;, no oiling, sealing, painting or sanding required
Span capability
Greater spans achievable vs timber battens; aluminium has a structural advantage
Suitable applications
Privacy screens, pergolas, feature walls, facade articulation, carport screens
Project types
Residential, commercial, public amenity, mixed-use
Stocked
Locally stocked in Australia, through CSP Architectural
Available Timber Finishes
Why the Clip-On Fixing Matters
Most aluminium batten systems use direct-fix installation, screws driven through the face of each batten into the substrate. WoodEx® Clip-On Battens take a different approach. The fixing clip is installed to the substrate first, and each batten is then clipped over the clip; the batten face is completely clear of visible fixings. This has two practical advantages that matter over the life of a building:
Clean, uninterrupted face
No screw heads, no fastener patterns, no plugs or caps. Each batten face is completely smooth; the grain pattern runs from end to end without interruption, exactly as it would on a piece of solid timber.
Individual replacement without disruption
If a batten needs to be replaced due to damage, colour matching for a later addition, or access to services, each batten can be removed independently without disturbing the battens beside it. A genuine practical advantage over direct-fixed systems, where replacement involves removing and refixing multiple elements.
Applications
Residential privacy screens
Between-property privacy screens, pool surrounds, balcony privacy panels and garden screens are all common uses for WoodEx® Clip-On Battens on residential projects where the timber look is part of the outdoor aesthetic.
Pergola cladding and screening
Pergola side panels and end walls clad in WoodEx® battens create the warm, natural character of a timber pergola without the splitting, fading and maintenance that affects real timber in outdoor conditions. Greater spans achievable than timber battens of equivalent section.
Commercial facade articulation
Retail, hospitality and office buildings use batten screening to add texture, depth and warmth to facades that would otherwise be flat panels or glazing. WoodEx® Clip-On Battens achieve this on a non-combustible aluminium substrate.
Feature walls, internal and external
Vertical batten feature walls in reception areas, behind retail counters, in restaurant dining rooms and on external building entries are all applications where WoodEx® delivers the timber aesthetic in a controlled, consistent format.
Carport screening and garage surrounds
Carport screen walls, between-tenancy screens in townhouse developments and garage surround cladding, WoodEx® Clip-On Battens add material warmth to what can otherwise be the most utilitarian parts of a residential development.
Featured Projects with WoodEx® Clip-On Battens
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are available in WoodEx® Clip-On Battens?
WoodEx® Clip-On Battens are available in three sizes: 50mm × 50mm, 100mm × 50mm and 150mm × 50mm (depth × width). The different sizes allow battens to be selected for different visual scales: narrower battens for fine-screen privacy applications and residential feature walls, and wider battens for bolder feature facade elements and pergola screening. Contact our team to confirm current stock availability for each size.
How does the clip-on fixing system work?
The WoodEx® Clip-On Batten system is a two-part assembly. The fixing bracket is installed to the substrate (wall, frame or backing structure) using standard fixings appropriate to the substrate material. The aluminium batten then clips onto the bracket. The clip engagement is secure enough to hold the batten firmly under wind loading and vibration conditions, but the batten can be removed by disengaging the clip if replacement or access is required.
Are WoodEx® Clip-On Battens non-combustible?
Yes. WoodEx® Clip-On Battens are manufactured from 100% solid aluminium and are classified as non-combustible when tested to AS1530.1 and AS1530.3. They are suitable for use in Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)-rated zones and on buildings where the NCC requires non-combustible construction elements. This is one of the primary specification advantages of WoodEx® battens over timber battens in Australian fire-prone conditions.
Can WoodEx® Clip-On Battens span greater distances than timber battens?
Yes. Aluminium has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than timber, which means WoodEx® Clip-On Battens can typically achieve greater unsupported spans than timber battens of equivalent cross section. This reduces the number of fixing points and backing structure elements required, simplifying installation and reducing material cost on large-scale screen and pergola applications. Contact our team for span data relevant to your specific batten size and application.