Brevard Zoo Finds Success with TimberTech® Boardwalk At New Meerkat Exhibit

WILMINGTON, Ohio, July 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- When the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, opened its new "Meerkat Hamlet" earlier this year, installing a boardwalk made of durable, low-maintenance TimberTech® decking was a key component in handling the expected increase of visitors.  It also allowed zoo guests an up close and personal view of the fast-moving meerkat action.   

"The meerkats, with their adorable antics, have attracted 150,000 zoo guests through the Meerkat Hamlet since opening in mid-March 2014," said Jon Brangan, Deputy Director of the Brevard Zoo.  "We needed a boardwalk that could handle the wear and tear, while continuing to look great. It is performing beautifully and the entire exhibit has been very well received."

Brangan chose the Brownstone color from TimberTech's Earthwood Evolutions® Natural Collection for the boardwalk because it blends nicely with the meerkat's habitat. TimberTech's Natural Collection features a composite core and a "capped" protective polymer shell to help protect against damage from the elements.  It is also scratch, stain and fade resistant with a natural hardwood look and it's easy to work with. The new 90 ft. boardwalk, designed to withstand heavy usage and tough Florida weather, is expected to have a much longer lifespan than traditional wood boardwalks.

MH Williams Construction Group of Melbourne handled the installation of the new boardwalks, with Michael Williams Jr., project manager, overseeing the new exhibit.

"Specifying TimberTech's capped composite made sense for this project because of the expected crowds day after day," said Williams.  "They needed durability, high performance and looks that would complement the exhibit design."

Bob Zdrojewski, general contractor for MH Williams installed the decking material and said the many angles and miters around trees and poles posed no challenge. "I have installed other composites before but this was my first time installing TimberTech capped composite.  There were miters everywhere so the boards required a bit of cutting.  We found it very manageable and easy to work with.  I would certainly use it again."

With multiple viewing areas, the boardwalk meanders through the meerkat exhibit area and includes interactive tunnels where children can get eye-to-eye with the meerkats as they pass through.  With the new TimberTech boardwalk bringing guests closer than ever, the new Meerkat Hamlet has become a highlight of the Brevard Zoo.  To learn more visit www.brevardzoo.org.  For more information about TimberTech, visit www.timbertech.com.

About TimberTech:
Part of CPG Building Products, TimberTech® is one of the world's leading brands of high-performance decking, railing, lighting and fastening solutions. With a passion for outdoor living and a global reputation for quality and innovation, TimberTech delivers a wide range of low-maintenance, wood-alternative products in an unmatched selection of colors and styles – all available through a network of more than 8,500 contractors and dealers worldwide. Visit TimberTech.com, call 800-307-7708, or view product installation videos on the TimberTech YouTube channel. Stay up-to-date on TimberTech by following the company on Twitter (@timbertech_deck) or Facebook (/TimberTech).

SOURCE TimberTech