Modified wood decking is an innovative approach to creating durable and sustainable decking by altering the cellular structure of wood to improve its resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage.
One of the most popular types of modified wood decking is thermally modified wood, a process that subjects the wood to high temperatures in a controlled environment. This heat treatment significantly enhances the wood’s natural durability, stability, and aesthetic qualities, making it a popular choice for outdoor applications like decking.
The Process of Thermal Modification
Thermal modification uses high heat, typically in the range of 180-215°C (356-419°F), in an oxygen-controlled environment to alter the physical properties of the wood. This process removes organic compounds, like sugars, that attract fungi and insects, resulting in a wood product that is highly resistant to rot and pests.
Additionally, the thermal treatment reduces the wood’s moisture content, increasing its dimensional stability, which minimizes warping, cupping, and cracking in changing weather conditions.
Arbor Wood Thermally Modified Wood Decking
When it comes to thermally modified wood decking, Arbor Wood stands out as a leader in the industry. Offering both Ash and Southern Yellow Pine, Arbor Wood products are sourced from the USA, ensuring high quality and sustainability. The thermal modification process elevates these wood species, enhancing their durability and longevity for outdoor applications such as decking.
Thermally Modified Ash Decking
Ash is a hardwood known for its strength and attractive grain patterns, making it a popular choice for decks. Arbor Wood’s thermally modified Ash offers improved resistance to decay and insect damage, making it a long-lasting and visually appealing option for homeowners who want a natural hardwood look with less frequent maintenance associated with untreated wood.
Thermally Modified Southern Yellow Pine Decking
Southern Yellow Pine is a softwood known for its strength and versatility. Thermally modified Southern Yellow Pine from Arbor Wood is a game-changer in decking, offering enhanced durability and resistance to the elements. The thermal modification process stabilizes the pine, making it less prone to shrinkage or expansion due to moisture changes, resulting in a more reliable and long-lasting decking option.
Why Thermally Modified Southern Yellow Pine is Better than Radiata Pine
One of the key comparisons in the world of modified wood decking is between Thermally Modified Southern Yellow Pine and Thermally Modified Radiata Pine. While both are used in decking applications, Thermally Modified Southern Yellow Pine has proven to be far superior to Radiata Pine for several reasons:
- Durability: Southern Yellow Pine, after thermal modification, becomes a much harder and denser wood compared to Radiata Pine. This increased density helps it better withstand foot traffic and wear over time.
- Rot Resistance: Radiata Pine has been known to fail in as little as two years in outdoor applications due to its susceptibility to rot and decay. In contrast, Thermally Modified Southern Yellow Pine has shown much greater resistance to rot, even in harsh outdoor conditions.
- Stability: Southern Yellow Pine is naturally more stable after thermal modification, resisting the common issues of cupping, warping, or splitting seen with Radiata Pine. Its ability to maintain dimensional stability under fluctuating weather conditions makes it a superior choice for long-lasting decking.
- Aesthetics: Thermally Modified Southern Yellow Pine offers a richer, more attractive natural color compared to Radiata Pine. The heat treatment enhances the wood’s natural beauty, giving it a warm, golden-brown hue that many homeowners find desirable.
Below is a picture of 2×6 Thermally Modified Radiata Pine that has completely rotted out in less than 2 years.
Conclusion
Modified wood decking, especially thermally modified wood, offers a sustainable and durable solution for outdoor decking. Arbor Wood’s thermally modified Ash and Southern Yellow Pine decking are excellent choices for homeowners seeking long-lasting, low-maintenance, and visually appealing decking. The superior performance of Thermally Modified Southern Yellow Pine over Radiata Pine makes it a standout option, ensuring your deck remains beautiful and functional for years to come.