Send us a text In this episode of Between the Walls, Verity sits down with Felix from Forté — the New Zealand family business celebrating 40 years of working with timber. From a small native mill in Pukekohe to a nationwide brand trusted by architects, designers, and homeowners, Forté’s journey is rooted in family, craft, and a commitment to creating high-performing surfaces that last. Felix shares how Forté evolved from local milling to designing and manufacturing world-leading engineered timber, cladding, decking, and cabinetry solutions. They explore the beauty of patina, the realities of wear, how to care for timber across generations, and why choosing materials that are low-maintenance, high-performance, and genuinely enjoyable to live with matters more than ever. From colour trends and texture to underfloor heating, E3 wet-area compliance, and the rise of experience centres, this conversation offers a deep, practical look at designing spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and enduring. What you’ll hear in this episode: The Forté story • How a small family-operated sawmill grew into a national timber brand, with all five brothers now part of the business. • The rebrand from Heritage Timber to Forté — and the philosophy behind “high performance, low maintenance.” Engineered timber explained • What engineered timber actually is — how it’s built, why oak is preferred, and what gives it strength and stability. • Why glued-down floors outperform floating systems, especially when it comes to lifespan, comfort, and re-sanding. Living with timber • Wear, dents, patina, and why the marks of life are part of the beauty. • Daily care, deep cleans, and how long you can expect timber to last before needing a refresh. Cladding, decking, and exterior performance • UV stability, zero maintenance requirements for up to 15 years, and why Forté’s exterior range is perfect for the Kiwi lifestyle. Climate, durability, and performance in NZ conditions • Why certain timbers in overseas projects don’t translate well into New Zealand’s dry, harsh climates — especially in the south. • The realities of underfloor heating and what homeowners need to know. E3 wet-area compliance • The industry shake-up that changed kitchen flooring rules. • How Forté created a full, CodeMark-approved solution — including design guides, adhesives, sealing methods, and installation requirements. Cabinetry and veneers • The launch of Forté’s paired veneer panels — allowing floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinetry to connect seamlessly. • Why “pairings” (not matching) creates harmony across different planes of light. Longevity and lifecycle • Expected lifespan, re-sanding opportunities, and how long timber can truly stay beautiful under daily life. Felix’s advice for homeowners and designers: Think long-term Choose materials that will age gracefully — not just look good on install day. Prioritise performance and lifestyle Low maintenance and engineered stability matter just as much as appearance. Consider flow Flooring, cladding, decking, and cabinetry can work together to create a calm, cohesive space. Connect with Forté: Website: www.forte.co.nz Experience Centres: Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Melbourne Connect with AD Library: Website Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions you need to make for your new build or renovation and have no idea where to start. The Architecture + Design Library is your answer. A one stop 'shop' for finding designers and trades, sourcing materials and products and gaining education on those items so you know you are making the right decisions.
