When shopping for wood products, you may have come across terms like thermally modified wood, thermo-treated wood, thermal modified, or thermally treated wood. These names often pop up in discussions about decking, siding, or other outdoor applications, but the variety of terms can create confusion for consumers.
In this post, we’ll clarify what these names mean, explain what thermally modified wood is, highlight its benefits, and touch on other modified wood options like Accoya, which is also available at AdvantageLumber.com alongside thermally modified Ash and Pine.
The Many Names of Thermally Modified Wood
The world of thermally modified wood is filled with different labels, including:
- Thermally Modified Wood
- Thermo-Treated Wood
- Thermally Treated Wood
- Thermal Modified Wood
- Heat-Treated Wood
These terms are often used interchangeably, which can make things tricky for consumers trying to understand what they’re buying. The good news? In most cases, these names all refer to the same thing: wood that has undergone a specialized heat-treatment process to enhance its properties. The variation in terminology often comes from manufacturers, marketers, or regional preferences, but the core process remains consistent.
The confusion arises because there’s no universal standard for naming. For example, one supplier might call their product “thermo-treated” to emphasize the thermal process, while another might use “thermally modified” to sound more technical. Regardless of the name, the key is to confirm that the wood has been treated using the thermal modification process, which we’ll explain next.
What Is Thermally Modified Wood?
Thermally modified wood is created through a controlled, chemical-free process that involves heating wood to high temperatures (typically between 180°C and 230°C) in a low-oxygen environment. This process alters the wood’s cellular structure, removing moisture and organic compounds that contribute to decay, rot, and insect damage. The result is a more durable, stable, and weather-resistant material that’s ideal for outdoor applications like decking, siding, and cladding.
The thermal modification process typically involves three stages:
- Drying: The wood is heated to remove moisture.
- Heat Treatment: The wood is exposed to high temperatures, which changes its chemical and physical properties.
- Cooling and Conditioning: The wood is gradually cooled and reconditioned to stabilize it for use.
Common species used for thermal modification include Ash, Pine, and Poplar, though other hardwoods and softwoods can also be treated. At AdvantageLumber.com, thermally modified Ash and Pine are popular choices for their balance of aesthetics and performance.
Benefits of Thermally Modified Wood
Thermally modified wood offers several advantages that make it a standout choice for homeowners, builders, and architects. Here are the key benefits:
- Enhanced Durability: The heat-treatment process makes the wood highly resistant to rot, fungi, and insects, extending its lifespan even in harsh outdoor conditions.
- Improved Stability: By reducing moisture content and altering the wood’s structure, thermal modification minimizes warping, shrinking, and swelling, ensuring the wood maintains its shape over time.
- Eco-Friendly: The process is chemical-free, relying solely on heat and steam, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to chemically treated wood.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Thermally modified wood often develops a rich, warm color tone that enhances its natural beauty. It can also be stained or finished to achieve a desired look.
- Weather Resistance: The heat treating process makes thermally modified wood less prone to absorbing water, making it ideal for outdoor applications like decking and siding.
- Sustainability: Many thermally modified wood products come from sustainably managed forests, aligning with eco-conscious building practices.
These benefits make thermally modified wood a versatile and reliable choice for projects where durability and low maintenance are priorities.
Clearing Up the Modified Wood Confusion
The variety of names for thermally modified wood can make it hard for consumers to know exactly what they’re getting. To avoid confusion, always ask suppliers for details about the treatment process and confirm that the wood has been thermally modified.
Reputable suppliers like AdvantageLumber.com provide clear information about their thermally modified wood products, including the species (like Ash or Pine) and the specific benefits of their offerings.
It’s also worth noting that not all modified wood is thermally modified. There are other types of modified wood on the market, each with its own unique treatment process and characteristics. One notable example is Accoya, which AdvantageLumber.com also carries.
Accoya: A Different Kind of Modified Wood
While thermally modified wood relies on heat treatment, Accoya is a type of acetylated wood created through a chemical process that modifies the wood’s cellular structure. During acetylation, the wood (typically Radiata Pine) is treated with acetic anhydride, which makes it exceptionally resistant to moisture, insects, and decay. Accoya is known for its outstanding dimensional stability and is often used in high-performance applications like windows, doors, and exterior cladding.
At AdvantageLumber.com, you’ll find both thermally modified wood (in species like Ash and Pine) and Accoya, giving you options to suit different project needs. While thermally modified wood is a great choice for cost-effective, eco-friendly durability, Accoya offers premium performance for projects requiring the highest levels of stability and longevity.
Choosing the Right Modified Wood for Your Project
When deciding between thermally modified wood, Accoya, or other wood products, consider your project’s specific requirements:
- Budget: Thermally modified Ash or Pine is often more affordable than Accoya.
- Aesthetics: Thermally modified wood has a warm, natural look, while Accoya can be painted or stained for a custom finish.
- Application: Both options excel in outdoor settings, but Accoya may be preferred for projects exposed to extreme moisture or requiring minimal maintenance.
- Environmental Impact: Both thermally modified wood and Accoya are eco-friendly, but thermally modified wood’s chemical-free process may appeal to those prioritizing sustainability.
If you’re unsure which product is right for you, the team at AdvantageLumber.com can provide expert guidance to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
The world of thermally modified wood can seem complex due to the variety of names like thermo-treated, thermally treated, or heat-treated wood. However, most of these terms point to the same innovative, heat-based process that creates durable, stable, and eco-friendly wood products. By understanding what thermally modified wood is and its many benefits, you can make confident choices for your next project.
At AdvantageLumber.com, you’ll find high-quality thermally modified Ash and Pine, as well as Accoya, a premium acetylated wood option. Whether you’re building a deck, installing siding, or tackling another outdoor project, these modified wood products offer the performance and beauty you need. Clear up the confusion, explore your options, and choose the wood that best fits your vision!