5 Frequently Asked Questions About Thermally Modified Wood

Thermally modified wood has surged in popularity for its durability, eco-friendliness, and striking aesthetic appeal. At AdvantageLumber.com, we receive numerous questions about this innovative material. Below, we address the top five frequently asked questions to help you decide if thermally modified wood is the right choice for your next project.

What Are the Problems with Thermally Modified Wood?

While thermally modified wood offers many benefits, it’s not without challenges. One common issue is increased brittleness due to the high-heat treatment, which can degrade the wood’s cellular structure, making it more prone to cracking or splitting under stress.

This is mostly a concern with pregrooved decking as you can easily split the grooves off when driving a screw at a 45 degree angle like you would with hardwood decking such as Ipe wood. DeckWise makes special hidden deck fasteners called the ThermoClip to prevent this.

Additionally, the wood’s reduced strength makes it unsuitable for structural applications, limiting its use to non-load-bearing projects like decking or siding. Color fading is another concern; the rich, dark tones achieved during modification can fade to a silver-gray without proper maintenance, such as applying UV-protective sealers like DeckWise WiseCoat.

What Is Thermally Modified Wood?

Thermally modified wood is created through a chemical-free process that heats wood to high temperatures (typically 180°C to 230°C) in a low-oxygen environment, altering its cellular structure. This process, often using steam or nitrogen, removes moisture and organic compounds like hemicellulose, making the wood more resistant to decay, insects, and moisture absorption.

The result is a durable, dimensionally stable material with a rich, dark tone that mimics exotic hardwoods. Unlike pressure-treated lumber, it uses no harsh chemicals, making it eco-friendly and safe for indoor and outdoor applications like decking, siding, and furniture.

At AdvantageLumber.com, we offer thermally modified Ash and Pine, sourced domestically and internationally for quality, sustainability and affordability.

How Long Does Thermally Modified Wood Last?

The longevity of thermally modified wood depends on factors like wood species, treatment intensity, installation quality, and maintenance. Generally, it lasts significantly longer than untreated wood, with estimates suggesting 20 years or more for outdoor applications like decking, siding, or furniture.

Proper installation, including adequate ventilation and moisture control, and regular maintenance, such as periodic cleaning or sealing, are critical to maximizing lifespan. For example, using a sealer like DeckWise WiseCoat can extend resistance to water accumulation for up to 10 years on vertical surfaces. Species like Ash and Pine tend to perform well in most climates.

Is Thermally Modified Wood Worth It?

Whether thermally modified wood is worth the investment depends on your project’s priorities. Its pros include enhanced durability, resistance to rot and insects, dimensional stability, and eco-friendliness due to the chemical-free process.

These qualities make it ideal for outdoor applications, reducing maintenance costs and replacement frequency compared to untreated wood. The rich, uniform color also adds aesthetic value, potentially increasing property value.

However, cons include a higher upfront cost compared to traditional wood and reduced mechanical strength, which limits its use in structural applications. Brittleness can also complicate installation, requiring pre-drilling to prevent cracking.

For projects prioritizing longevity, low maintenance, and sustainability—such as custom outdoor furniture like Adirondack chairs or decking—thermally modified wood often justifies its cost, especially when sourced from reliable suppliers like AdvantageLumber.com, which offers high-quality thermally modified wood options.

Where Can You Buy Thermally Modified Wood?

Large Thermally Modified Wood Shipment at our Buffalo, NY Factory

Thermally modified wood isn’t as widely available as standard lumber, often requiring purchase from specialty suppliers. AdvantageLumber.com is a leading source, offering thermally modified products like Ash and Pine for decking, siding, and more.

We stock large inventories to minimize lead times, unlike other suppliers where delays of two months or more are common.

You can order custom-milled profiles directly from AdvantageLumber.com, with free shipping on milled hardwood decking and siding orders over $2,500. We also provide accessories like DeckWise WiseCoat sealer to enhance performance. For those seeking local options you may have a hard time finding a local supplier but AdvantageLumber.com ships directly to your home or job site for convenience.

    Conclusion

    Thermally modified wood is a game-changer for those seeking durable, eco-friendly, and visually appealing materials for outdoor and indoor projects. While it has some limitations, such as brittleness and higher costs, its benefits often outweigh these drawbacks when sourced from trusted suppliers like AdvantageLumber.com. By choosing high-quality species like Ash or Pine and maintaining the wood properly, you can enjoy a long-lasting, sustainable material that enhances your project’s beauty and performance. Ready to get started? Visit AdvantageLumber.com to explore our thermally modified wood products and accessories today!

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