A Re-Imagined Substrate: Why Falcata is the New Standard for Millwork Profiles

In the world of millwork, finding the perfect material can feel like an impossible compromise. Builders, installers, and distributors are often forced to choose between a substrate that is lightweight, one that is durable, one that is cost-effective, or one that provides a flawless finish. What if you could have all four?

At CTI, we've engineered a solution. CTI's Falcata is a re-imagined substrate that combines a lightweight design with guaranteed durability and reliability. It’s a versatile, cost-effective, and sustainable choice for builders, installers, and DIYers alike.

Here’s a deeper look at what makes this substrate the new standard for high-quality profiles.

What Makes CTI's Falcata Different?

The secret to CTI's Falcata isn't just the substrate itself; it's our innovative engineering, which features an improved grade selection and an enhanced FJEG (finger-joint edge-glued) process.

• Smarter Engineering: Our boards are crafted using a Clear-Grade Substrate that is edge-glued to an A-Grade Substrate.

• A Flawless Finish: The clear-grade wood is knot-free. This allows for a much smoother profile and finish.

• A Stronger Core: The A-grade substrate provides a strong fiber base, resulting in a stronger, uniquely designed product.

This unique engineering makes Falcata the ideal substrate for products where a smooth, clean appearance is critical, such as baseboards, S3S, and craftsman casings.

The Installer-First Advantage: Lightweight & Easy to Use

For builders and installers on a job site, product handling is a major factor in efficiency. Falcata is a game-changer.

It is exceptionally lightweight, making it easier for builders and DIYers to handle and install. This user-friendly design features effortless cutting and nailing capabilities, making it a reliable and efficient option for any project.

Pro-Tip for Installers: For traditional air-powered or cordless nailers, we recommend lowering the PSI to 80-100 for best results with Falcata.

More Than Just a Substrate: The Vindex™ Finish

A premium substrate deserves a premium finish. CTI's Falcata features Vindex™, our new acrylic-based finish. This finish is a significant leap in durability and performance.

• Dents, Not Chips: Vindex™ offers 73% greater elasticity than previous finishes. This elasticity means that when faced with blunt force, the finish is much more prone to dent rather than crack or chip.

• Proven Durability: All Vindex™ coated Falcata products have exceeded 10 rigorous durability and destructive tests, showcasing remarkable resilience against fracturing, blunt force, extreme temperatures, scratching, and bending.

• Superior Paintability: The new acrylic-based formula is more water-resistant, making it ideal for water-based paints.

• No Chalky Residue: We listened to market feedback. By adding in-line sanders and burnishing wheels during production, we have reduced the "chalky residue" that was common with older gesso-based primers.

The Business Advantage: Cost-Effective & Sustainable

Beyond the job site benefits, Falcata is a smart choice for your bottom line and the planet.

• Cost-Effective: Falcata is approximately 10% more competitive than other wood substrates, making it the most cost-effective option available.

• Price Stability: Because Falcata is a domestic species locally grown in Indonesia, it remains unaffected by volatile global cost fluctuations.

• Sustainable & Reliable: Falcata is a dependable and sustainable product. It features a fast-growing 5-year harvesting cycle and meets Indonesia’s sustainable SVLK Certification.

• Total Quality Control: CTI owns 100% of the mill where Falcata is manufactured. This gives our team direct control over production, quality, and testing, ensuring every product meets our high standards.

CTI's Falcata is the ideal solution for any price-driven or commodity client, especially those looking to upgrade from MDF to a solid wood product.

It's a versatile, reliable, and re-imagined substrate that truly delivers on all fronts. Because Quality Matters™ at CTI.