As Australia is in the middle of another bushfire season, building and renovation decisions are no longer just about design. In bushfire-prone areas, the materials you choose, especially for exposed elements like decking, play a critical role in protecting your home from radiant heat and fire spread.
This is where Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings come in.
In this guide, we explain:
- What BAL ratings are and how they work
- The differences between BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40 and BAL-FZ
- Why BAL-29 is the most relevant rating for most Australian homes
- and why NewTechWood’s BAL-29 decking range is a reliable choice for bushfire-prone areas
Homeowners in bushfire-prone areas must consider BAL compliance, long-term durability, and how to protect their homes from ember attack and radiant heat. This is exactly why NewTechWood is the best choice for homeowners looking for a trusted, BAL-29-rated decking solution.
What is the BAL Rating
BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) is a classification system used across Australia to assess how exposed a property is to bushfire risk. BAL ratings are defined under AS 3959:2018, Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas.
A BAL assessment considers factors such as:
- proximity to bushland or vegetation
- type and density of surrounding fuel
- slope of the land
- likelihood of ember attack, radiant heat and flame contact
The higher the BAL rating, the more severe the potential bushfire exposure and the stricter the construction requirements.
BAL Rating Classifications
BAL-12.5 & BAL-19
Lower risk levels where most decking materials are permitted.
BAL-29 Requirements
Higher bushfire risk, including:
- intense ember attack
- radiant heat up to 29kW/m²
- increased likelihood of fire exposure
At this level, decking materials must be tested and compliant to meet council approval, insurance and safety requirements.
In BAL-29 zones, decking must be certified to meet BAL-29 standards. NewTechWood meets this requirement, offering homeowners a reliable, fully compliant choice – the entire NewTechWood decking range, from Avenue to Terrace and Coastal, is BAL-29 Rated.
Even if your home is below a BAL-29 rating, choosing a BAL-29-rated decking board provides added protection and peace of mind. Lower-rated materials may meet minimum requirements, but a BAL-29 product is tested to perform safely under more severe bushfire conditions, giving you confidence that your deck is built to a higher standard.
BAL-40 & BAL-FZ
Very few Australian homes are classified as BAL-40 or BAL-FZ. These classifications are rare for residential homes and require highly specialised construction systems.
Why BAL-29 Is the Most Relevant Rating for Homeowners
While BAL-40 and BAL-FZ often attract attention, BAL-29 is the most common rating for residential homes located near bushland, regional areas and peri-urban suburbs.
If your home is assessed as BAL-29:
- Decking must comply with AS 3959:2018
- Non-compliant materials may delay council approvals
- Insurance claims may be affected if incorrect products are used
Even if your home is assessed below BAL-29, many homeowners choose BAL-29 decking as a proactive safety measure. It provides a higher performance benchmark and greater peace of mind during bushfire season.
Quick Answer: What Is BAL-29-rated Decking?
BAL-29-rated decking is a decking material that has been independently tested to withstand:
- ember attack
- radiant heat exposure up to 29kW/m²
- increased bushfire conditions under AS 3959:2018
In Australia, homes assessed as BAL-29 must use compliant decking materials to meet building approvals and insurance requirements.
To meet BAL-29 standards, decking must undergo some of the strictest fire tests in the building industry. These include ignition resistance, ember attack simulation, radiant heat exposure, and structural stability under heat. Independent fire laboratories conduct this testing to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Why BAL-29 Matters for Homeowners
If your home is assessed as BAL-29, you must use materials that comply with this rating, including decking. Using non-compliant products can cause insurance complications, council approval delays, and increased fire risk during peak season.
BAL-29 ratings are common in regional, rural, and bush-adjacent suburbs, making it essential to choose decking that meets the standard.
Risks of Using Non-Compliant Decking in Bushfire Areas
Many homeowners don’t realise the risks associated with installing non-rated decking in high-risk areas. These can include failed inspections, rejected insurance claims, and even council orders to rebuild the deck.
Non-compliant materials ignite more quickly, spread fire faster, and significantly weaken your home’s protection during a bushfire. When safer BAL-rated options exist, the risk simply isn’t worth taking.
NewTechWood Composite Decking and BAL-29 Compliance
Tested to AS 3959:2018
NewTechWood composite decking has been independently tested in accredited Australian fire testing laboratories in accordance with AS 3959:2018.
Testing assesses:
- resistance to ignition
- behaviour under radiant heat
- ember exposure performance
- structural stability under bushfire conditions
NewTechWood’s BAL-29-certified composite decking has undergone extensive testing in accordance with AS 3959:2018. Its ability to withstand radiant heat, ember exposure, and harsh fire conditions is independently verified, a major reason why NewTechWood decking is the best choice in bushfire-prone areas.
Trusted by Builders & Homeowners
Builders and architects frequently choose NewTechWood because it delivers consistent BAL-29 performance, longevity, and architectural quality. Compliance is straightforward, making it a hassle-free option for homeowners.
BAL-29 Compliance Across the Entire NewTechWood Decking Range
Unlike some products that achieve BAL-29 only in limited profiles, all NewTechWood composite decking boards are BAL-29 compliant, including:
This means homeowners, builders and designers can select any NewTechWood board style without compromising bushfire compliance.
Why Decking Is Critical in Bushfire Zones
Decking is one of the most exposed elements of a home during a bushfire. Embers can lodge between boards, beneath structures or ignite combustible materials.
Using non-rated decking in bushfire-prone areas increases the risk of:
- ignition from embers
- faster fire spread
- failed inspections
- insurance and compliance issues
Choosing BAL-29 compliant decking is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and protect your home.
NewTechWood allows homeowners to build a safe outdoor area without sacrificing style. Available in a wide range of natural timber tones, including Teak, Walnut, Ipe and Blackbutt. It suits both modern and traditional homes.
Homeowners in regional and bushland suburbs often say their NewTechWood deck feels premium while also delivering the safety and compliance they need. This combination of beauty and protection is another reason why NewTechWood is the best choice.
Composite Decking vs Timber in BAL-29 Zones
Fire Performance
Natural timber can crack, warp and ignite more easily under radiant heat. Composite decking does not behave as a traditional fuel source in the same way and maintains its structural integrity more consistently.
Maintenance
Timber decks often require:
- Regular oiling or sealing
- Ongoing fire-retardant treatments
- Higher long-term maintenance
NewTechWood requires no sanding, oiling or staining and remains stable year-round.
Sustainability
NewTechWood decking is made from 95% recycled materials, offering a lower environmental impact than many traditional hardwood options.
What Makes NewTechWood BAL-29 Ready?
- 360-Degree Capping Technology
Each NewTechWood board is wrapped in a 360-degree polymer cap that resists warping, swelling, UV rays, moisture, fading, or insects.
- Recycled Composite Core
The core, made from recycled timber fibres and high-density polyethylene, is dense and stable, reacting predictably under radiant heat and bushfire conditions.
- Low Maintenance & All-Season Stability
NewTechWood never needs sanding, oiling, or staining. Its full capping ensures it stays stable and attractive year-round, no matter the climate. This advanced engineering is one of the strongest reasons why NewTechWood is the best choice for BAL-29 decking.
How To Plan a Build or Renovation in a Bushfire Zone
Start by getting a BAL assessment. Once your rating is confirmed, choose compliant materials to avoid approval delays. Councils often fast-track projects that specify BAL-29-rated materials, making NewTechWood a smooth and reliable choice for builders and homeowners.
Designing a BAL-Compliant Outdoor Area with NewTechWood
A BAL-29 deck doesn’t need to look plain. NewTechWood allows homeowners to create warm, modern outdoor spaces that meet strict safety requirements. Rich tones like Teak and Walnut complement bush settings, while Blackbutt and Antique finish modern architecture beautifully.
Pairing NewTechWood with black aluminium framing or glass balustrades adds a contemporary touch. Raised planter boxes (instead of dense vegetation) also help maintain BAL compliance.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to building safely in a bushfire-prone area, NewTechWood is the best choice for BAL-29 decking. It is independently tested, bushfire-resistant, beautiful, durable, sustainable, and low-maintenance.
If you’re planning a safe, stylish, and resilient outdoor space, NewTechWood BAL-29 composite decking delivers the perfect balance of design, performance, and fire protection.