Frequently Asked Questions

ACRE is a wood-alternative building material made from upcycled rice hulls manufactured in a zero-waste USA facility. ACRE is tree-free and contains no phthalates, phenol, formaldehyde, or adhesives.

• Decking and porch flooring
• Sheet goods
• Trim boards
• Siding (including shiplap, nickel gap, V-groove, board and batten)
• Millwork

Yes, ACRE contains PVC and must be installed according to specific spacing, fastening, and coating guidelines to prevent warping, discoloration, or expansion.

ACRE can expand and contract with environmental temperature fluctuations and if installation guidelines are not followed. Following installation conditions and using an approved paint or stain can impact the degree of movement. Always follow product-specific installation guides to minimize these effects.

Based on the temperature at time of installation, proper gapping between boards must be followed. The chart below applies to ACRE installed with applied finishes having an LRV of 55 or greater. Gapping requirements will change with darker color choices.

Gapping Chart:

No, ACRE will not naturally gray like traditional teak. However, the color may fade over time due to UV exposure from sunlight. Use of proper coatings can mitigate this.

• Do NOT use brads, finish nails, or staples
• Fasteners must penetrate solid framing members
• Use the correct type and number of fasteners as specified in installation guides

Compatible adhesives:

• PVC glue or cement
• Polyurethane glue
• Construction adhesives

Do NOT use wood glue.

• Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight
• Allow boards to acclimate to their environment before installation
• Install ACRE immediately after cutting to maintain dimensional stability

Yes, but you MUST follow our coating instructions. Priming isn’t necessary.

All coatings must meet these requirements:

1. Must be water-based
2. Must have a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 55 or greater
3. Must be from Modern Mill’s approved coating list
4. Colors with LRV below 55 require approval – contact Modern Mill

For best results, apply approved coatings to a smooth, flat surface before installation to ensure even coverage and optimal adhesion. Check out this video.

Yes, Modern Mill recommends applying a UV-resistant clear coat for:

• Color preservation (protects against UV-induced fading)
• Easier maintenance (creates protective barrier for simpler cleaning)
• See recommendations here.

Yes, coatings can impact heat retention. Follow Modern Mill’s Coatings Resources and use only manufacturer-approved coatings and finishes, especially for installations in direct sunlight.

• Clean dirt and stains promptly
• Use soap and water or products like Simple Green®
• For tougher stains, light sanding may be required
• If pressure washing keep pressure under 2,500 psi, use wide fan or oscillating tip, maintain 12+ inches distance

• Light dings or marring can be sanded using 120-grit sandpaper on a pole or block sander
• Sand following the grain direction
• Do NOT use sandpaper below 120 grit
• Do NOT use orbital or palm sanders (may damage grain and affect staining)

No. Never burn ACRE products or scraps. They are not safe for use as firewood, kindling, or fuel sources under any circumstances.

ACRE is environmentally friendly:

• Made from upcycled rice hulls
• Manufactured in zero-waste U.S. facility
• Tree-free production
• Free of phthalates, phenol, formaldehyde, and adhesives
• Recycling options available (contact hello@modern-mill.com)
• See live stats here

ACRE comes with a limited lifetime guarantee against material defects caused by manufacturing when:

• Used under normal conditions
• Installed per Modern Mill guidelines
• Get the details

• Labor costs
• Installation or re-installation
• Freight charges
• Taxes or related charges
• Get full warranty details

Complete installation guides and technical resources are available here.

• Product-specific installation guides
• ACRE Coatings and Finishing Guide
• Technical data sheets
• Product literature and fact sheets
• Architectural specifications
• Technical drawings
• Installation videos
• Browse all

• General inquiries: Contact your Modern Mill representative
• Recycling questions: zen@modern-mill.com
• Coating approval for colors with LRV below 55: Contact Modern Mill directly

• Grooved edge decking: 6” (5.5″) width, available in 8′ to 20′ lengths
• Square edge decking: 6” (5.5″) width, available in 8′ to 20′ lengths
• Decking Installation Guide

• Shiplap: 1” x 6”, 12′, available in 16′, 20′ lengths
• Shiplap: 1” x 8”, available in 12′, 16′, 20′ lengths
• Shiplap: 1″ x 10″, available in 12′, 16′, 20′ lengths
• Nickel Gap Shiplap: 1” x 6”, 12′, available in 16′, 20′ lengths
• Nickel Gap Shiplap: 1” x 8”, available in 12′, 16′, 20′ lengths
• Nickel Gap Shiplap: 1″ x 10″, available in 12′, 16′, 20′ lengths
• V-Groove Shiplap: 1” x 6”, 12′, available in 16′, 20′ lengths
• V-Groove Shiplap: 1” x 8”, available in 12′, 16′, 20′ lengths
• V-Groove Shiplap: 1″ x 10″, available in 12′, 16′, 20′ lengths
• Shiplap Siding Collection Installation Guide (Shiplap, Nickel Gap, and V-Groove)
• Edge and Center Bead and V-Groove: 1” x 6”, available in 16’ lengths
• Edge and Center Bead Installation Guide
• Board and Batten: Sheets available in 1/2” or 3/4” thickness, trim available in 1” x 2”, 1” x 3”, 5/4” x 2”, or 5/4” x 3”
• Board and Batten Installation Spotlight

• Standard Trim Boards: 5/8″, 3/4″, 15/16″ x 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″, 16”, available in 8′ to 20′ lengths
• Trim Installation Guide
• Rabbeted Trim Boards: 5/4” x 4”, 6”, 8”, available in 16’ and 20’ lengths
• Rabbeted Trim Installation Guide

• Sheets: 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 1” x 4’, available in 6‘ to 20‘ lengths
• Available for custom applications
• Outdoor furniture components available
• Porch Boards: 1” x 4”, available in 10’, 12‘ and 16’ lengths
• Porch Boards Installation Guide
• Custom millwork options