Thermally Modified Wood

5 Reasons Why Thermally Modified Woods Are the Next Big Thing

In today’s construction and architectural landscape, the focus is shifting towards environmentally sustainable and long-lasting materials. One noteworthy advancement in woodworking is thermally modified woods, a practice that has gained traction since the 1990s.

This innovative process involves heating the wood to high temperatures in a controlled environment, which enhances its durability, stability, and resistance to moisture and pests. By improving these properties, thermally modified wood also contributes to sustainability efforts.

Here are 5 reasons why thermally modified woods are the next big thing in the industry.

Durability

Thermal modification goes through phases to achieve this durability. First, the process involves carefully heating wood to high temperatures, often in the absence of oxygen. During the second phase, the breakdown of hemicellulose, a sugar compound in the wood, significantly reduces the likelihood of fungal growth and enhances rot resistance.

In addition to being resistant to moisture-related issues, thermally modified woods are less appealing to insects. This natural insect resistance provides added peace of mind, as it reduces the likelihood of costly and time-consuming pest control measures.

Stability

A common issue with traditional wood is that variations in moisture levels can cause it to expand and contract, potentially leading to warping and cracking. In contrast, the final phase of the thermal modification process significantly reduces and stabilizes the wood’s moisture content. This improved stability makes thermally modified wood ideal for extreme weather conditions and applications such as saunas or ocean docks.

Eco-Friendly

Thermally modified woods are non-toxic—no chemicals are employed in the heat treatment process—and they also exhibit synthetic qualities, boasting superior durability and reduced weight compared to conventional wood counterparts like cedar, cypress, and non-thermally modified pine.

Furthermore, thermally modified woods exclusively utilize real woods like ash, ayous, and pine, ensuring that any eventual waste generated remains organic. For more details, refer to Brazilian Lumber Los Angeles’ page on thermally modified wood.

Low Maintenance

One of the standout benefits of thermally modified wood is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike some wood products that necessitate regular staining or sealing to maintain their appearance and structural integrity, thermally modified wood naturally develops a beautiful silver-gray patina over time. This natural aging process means less effort and time spent on upkeep, making it an ideal choice for those looking to minimize maintenance tasks.

Additionally, due to its enhanced durability, certain species of thermally modified wood, such as ash siding, can last upwards of 60 years. As noted by GBD Magazine, “It’s an investment. With thermally modified wood, you can design something that will give you peace of mind for your whole life.” For further details, refer to Arbor Wood Co.’s blog on the benefits of thermal modification.

Timeless Beauty 

The thermal modification process imparts a rich, uniform color to the wood, ranging from deep brown to chocolate hues. This enhancement accentuates the wood’s natural beauty, giving it a warm and earthy tone. The consistent color throughout the wood makes it highly desirable for various applications, including cladding, decking, and outdoor furniture. The distinctive appearance of thermally modified wood, exemplified by Arbor Wood Co.’s offerings, sets it apart from other building materials, highlighting its unique and sophisticated charm.

In Summary 

Thermally modified woods represents a significant advancement in the construction and architectural fields, offering a range of benefits that make it the next big thing. Its enhanced durability, stability, and resistance to moisture, pests, and maintenance tasks make it a superior choice for various applications. Additionally, its eco-friendly characteristics and timeless beauty add further appeal, setting it apart from conventional wood products.

For those interested in incorporating thermally modified wood into their projects, Brazilian Lumber Los Angeles offers a selection of high-quality options that showcase these advantages.

What Makes Thermally Modified Woods the Best Interior and Exterior Siding Solution

When deciding to renovate your indoor or outdoor living spaces, choosing the best material in terms of cost, longevity, aesthetics, and functionality is always at the forefront of a homeowner’s mind. A recent game-changer in siding, soffit, and ceiling applications that truly considers these priorities like no other is thermally modified woods. 

If you haven’t heard of the thermal modification process yet, stick around. In this blog, we’re going to delve into the world of thermally modified woods, the history of the thermal modification process, its benefits, technical process, sustainability, and other important considerations.

History of Thermally Modified Woods

The thermal modification process dates back to the early 20th century, in 1915 when kiln specialist Harry Tiemann heated wood at 150° Celsius. Harry was the first person to notice how when the wood is heated to a certain temperature, there is a subsequent drop in the hygroscopicity of the wood. Hygroscopicity is a fancy word used to describe a material’s ability to absorb moisture.

Why was this revelation so important? When wood absorbs moisture, it can expand and contract, which has negative implications in construction, furniture making, and woodworking. So, figuring out a chemical-free way to make wood less susceptible to absorbing moisture is key to longer-lasting wood applications.

Although Harry made this revelation in 1915, the thermal modification process was only popularized in the 1990s in Europe, specifically Finland. Decades later, this process has finally made it to the United States. 

Thermal Modification Technical Process

Before we get into the benefits of thermally modified woods, it’s important to understand the process itself. Thermally modified woods go through a chemical-free kiln that solely uses heat and steam to remove moisture and sugar from the wood’s cells.

The traditional process includes three phases. In the first phase, the wood is placed in the kiln with a gradual increase in temperature to reduce the Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) of the wood. In the second phase, there is a quick increase in temperature to alter the cell’s composition.

Rot, decay, and mold thrive on the sugars present in wood, making this second step imperative for enhancing resistance against these environmental hazards. Without proper treatment, non-thermally modified woods often require frequent maintenance and repair for homeowners. The last phase of the process uses steam to bring the wood’s temperature and EMC back down to normal levels.

Benefits of Thermally Modified Woods

Improved durability: The thermal modification process alters the wood’s composition, ensuring it remains more stable and durable over time. As a result, structures built with thermally modified woods are better equipped to endure harsh weather conditions & moisture levels without compromising their structural integrity.

Resistance to Rot and Decay: The thermal modification process makes the woods inherently resistant to biological agents such as fungi, mold, and insects, that commonly cause rot and decay. The process also makes the wood less susceptible to moisture absorption and microbial growth, ensuring the wood remains strong when exposed to humid environments (they can even be used in saunas and showers!). 

Enhanced Visual Appeal: The thermal modification process not only improves the performance of the wood but also enhances its natural beauty. By subjecting the wood to controlled heat and steam, the treatment brings out rich, caramelized tones, resulting in a rich homogenous appearance. 

Ideal for Builders, Designers, and Homeowners

As you can probably tell by now, thermal modification is the ultimate way to increase the wood’s lifespan, aesthetics, and performance in a sustainable, chemical-free environment. Architects, designers, builders, and homeowners love this wood for a variety of reasons. 

Since the process removes the wood’s moisture, it makes the wood considerably lighter in weight, making the installation process a lot more simple than with more dense woods. This means less time for installation for the builder and lower labor costs for the homeowner. 

Also, the rich and uniform look of these woods makes a considerable difference in the overall look of the project, whether that be an accent wall, ceiling, soffit, or sauna. Architects and designers appreciate the sleek and modern look of these woods in comparison to non-thermally modified wood alternatives like cedar and cypress.

Installation Procedure

Because of the lightweight nature of thermally modified woods, even DIYers can install it! These woods are installed with a nail gun and finished nails rather than screws because they’re so lightweight. 

Sustainability

Since the process involves no chemicals, thermally modified woods are 100% natural and don’t cause harm to our environment. Also, because of the enhanced durability and resistance to biological agents, homeowners don’t need to replace the wood as frequently, meaning less resources will be used long term. 

Other Considerations for Thermally Modified Woods

Thermally-modified woods may come with a higher price tag compared to their conventional counterparts. However, they undoubtedly represent the wiser investment in the long run, boasting a lifespan of 15-25 years free from the risks of rot or decay.

At Brazilian Lumber, we directly import thermally modified woods in three species: ash, ayous, and pine. Ash is generally a darker brown, ayous is a lighter brown, and pine has a knotty texture. Ash and ayous come with 25-year lifespans, while pine comes with a 15-year lifespan. Respectively, pine comes with a lower price tag than ash and ayous. At Brazilian Lumber, you can get thermally modified woods in fluted and traditional profiles.

5 Hot Trends in Thermally-Modified Wood Applications

The lumber industry is no stranger to innovation, and one of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of thermally modified woods. These remarkable materials are revolutionizing the way we think about wood, offering unmatched durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of use.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of thermally-modified woods, exploring their history, benefits, and current trends. 

What Are Thermally Modified Woods?

Before we dive into the exciting applications and benefits of thermally-modified woods, let’s take a closer look at what they are and how they are created.

History of Thermally Modification

The thermal modification process is not a new concept around the world, but it has gained significant traction in recent years due to its innovative approach. This process effectively brings technology to a commodity—wood—and transforms its physical properties, making it more akin to tropical hardwoods, like ipe, cumaru, and garapa. What was once considered a traditional material has now been elevated to meet modern demands for durability, sustainability, and aesthetics.

Today, thermally-modified wood is not just a niche product; it has become commercialized, readily available, and widely adopted across various industries. Architects, designers, and builders are increasingly turning to thermally modified wood to meet the growing demand for sustainable and visually-appealing materials that stand the test of time.

As this innovative material continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of modern construction and design, it’s safe to say that thermally-modified wood is here to stay. Its ability to combine the natural beauty of wood with enhanced durability and environmental consciousness is reshaping the way we think about and use this age-old building material. So, whether you’re designing a cozy sauna or transforming your outdoor living space with a stunning deck, thermally modified wood is the smart choice for a sustainable, beautiful, and enduring solution.

So, where did thermally-modified wood get its name? Thermally-modified woods undergo an innovative heat treatment process that involves subjecting wood to high temperatures in a controlled environment, without the use of chemicals.

The result is a wood product with altered physical properties—not chemical—that has enhanced durability, stability, and biological resistance compared to conventionally comparable woods, such as cedar, cypress, and non-thermally modified yellow pine. Even more, thermally-modified woods boast a beautiful finish characterized by their striking homogeneity, a quality unattainable with traditional woods without the application of a paint or stain. Thermo woods eliminate this arduous task for the buyer!

Benefits of Thermally Modified Wood

Thermally-modified wood offers a range of advantages that make it a top choice for various applications. These benefits include:

1. Weather resistance: Thermally-modified wood can withstand different weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use. 
   
2. Sustainability: Any waste produced is organic and biodegradable because the woods are devoid of any chemicals.
   
3. Rot resistance: Thanks to the thermal modification process, thermo woods are highly resistant to rot and decay, ensuring a longer wood lifespan and less headaches for the owner.
   
4. Termite resistance: Because 95% of the moisture and sugar is removed from the wood during the heat treatment process, termites are not attracted to the wood, reducing the need for chemical treatments or difficult maintenance procedures.
   

5 Exciting Thermally Modified Wood Trends

Now that we’ve explored the fundamentals of thermally modified wood, let’s take a closer look at five exciting trends in its application:

1. Saunas

Thermally modified wood is an ideal choice for sauna applications, and Platino-Thermowood ayous, in particular, shines in this regard. Because thermo woods undergo a transformative process during thermal modification, a significant amount of the original wood’s moisture and sugar is removed, altering its physical cellular structure. This unique combination results in wood that is exceptionally stable and durable, making it perfect for the high-moisture environment of saunas.

Unlike traditional softwoods, Platino-Thermowood ayous is not susceptible to rotting or molding when constantly exposed to high moisture levels. Its resilience and longevity ensure that saunas built with this remarkable material will not only offer soothing warmth and comfort but also stand the test of time, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for years to come.

2. Siding

For an elegant and timeless look, designers, contractors, and architects are using thermally modified wood in siding applications. A great species for siding applications is Platino-Thermowood ash, which combines an American-favorite hardwood (ash) with exceptional durability, meticulous milling, and an easy installation due to the heat treatment process.

Thermo ash’s rich color and exceptional physical properties make it a fantastic choice for enhancing the exterior of homes, resorts, apartment complexes, and commercial buildings. Specifically, the long-lasting performance and ease of installation make it a top pick for siding projects.

3. Sunshade

Another innovative and functional way to incorporate wood while protecting loved ones and guests from harmful UV rays is with a thermally-modified sunshade. These structures provide shade and aesthetic appeal, making them ideal for patios, gardens, and outdoor seating areas. They are lightweight and easy to install, adding both beauty and functionality to your outdoor landscape.

Similar to tropical hardwoods like ipe, cumaru, and garapa, thermally-modified ash, pine, and ayous will fade into a gray color with exposure to the sun. But, this color can be reversed with consistent oiling every 6 months to 1 year, depending on the level of sun exposure.

4. Ceiling

When it comes to ceiling applications, thermally-modified wood offers a blend of beauty and functionality that’s hard to match. Platino-thermowood ash, ayous, and pine can all be used for ceilings! Thermowood’s natural warmth and elegance bring a touch of the outdoors to interior spaces, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.

Since ceilings do not come into contact with sun exposure, the wood will keep a similar color from when you first installed it, making maintenance a minimal part of your backyard’s upkeep. And, the thermal modification process enhances the wood’s stability and resistance to environmental factors, making it an excellent choice for ceilings that may come into contact with rain.

Whether you’re designing a rustic cabin or a modern urban loft, thermally modified wood ceilings add character and charm to any room. With minimal maintenance requirements and a long lifespan, these ceilings are a practical and visually-striking choice that can transform the look and feel of your outdoor living space.

5. Accent Walls

Accent walls are the perfect way to add a striking visual focal point to any room. They offer a unique opportunity to infuse personality and style into your space, transforming it into a captivating masterpiece. Designers are taking advantage of this application for both interiors and exteriors, exemplifying thermally-modified wood’s application versatility.

Whether you’re aiming for a rustic or modern look, thermally modified wood accent walls can transform any space, making it feel warm and inviting. You, as the designer, architect, contractor, or homeowner, can choose what type of vibe you want to create by getting custom milling done to the woods. Platino-thermowood pine, ash, and ayous can all be used for enhancement walls.

Brazilian Lumber Los Angeles: Your Source for Exceptional Thermally-Modified Wood

When it comes to thermally modified wood, Brazilian Lumber LA’s Platino-Thermo Wood stands out in the market. Here are some key points that set us apart:

• Decades of Experience: With over 20 years in the industry, we bring a wealth of expertise to the table.
• IWPA Membership: We are proud members of the International Thermally Modified Wood Association (IWPA), ensuring that our production processes adhere to the highest standards.
• Diverse Product Range: Brazilian Lumber LA offers three exceptional species: Ash, Ayous, and Pine, each with its unique characteristics and applications.
• Warranty: We offer competitive warranties for our products, ranging from 15 to 25 years, depending on the species.
• Low Maintenance: Our thermally-modified wood requires minimal maintenance, with occasional oiling for color-enhancement being the main upkeep.
• Versatility: Our wood can be used both indoors and outdoors, offering endless possibilities for your projects.

As you’ve likely gathered by now, thermally-modified woods are making waves in the lumber industry, presenting a sustainable, weather-resistant, and aesthetically captivating alternative to conventional wood. Whether you’re considering saunas, siding, sunshades, ceilings, or accent walls, thermally modified wood can elevate your outdoor and indoor spaces. 

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