If you’re going to be completing a project, or you are thinking of planning a project that is going to need timber, you need to be researching the different types. It’s important that you choose the best possible wood for your project, having it match all of your needs and ensuring that it’s the right type of wood for the project that you are completing.
The last thing that you need is to regret the type of wood that you’re using, starting from scratch when things are going wrong during the construction process. That’s why we recommend thermal wood for most projects. Thermal wood is a massively popular product at the moment, and only appears to be rising in popularity as time goes on, with more people realising the fantastic nature of this timber. Down below, we’re going to be shedding some more light on thermal wood, including looking at the benefits, uses, and why it’s the future of timer design. So, if you would like to find out more, feel free to read on.
What Is Thermal Wood?
Thermal wood, also known as thermally modified wood, is wood that has undergone a heat treatment process called pyrolysis. This is chemical free, and is usually completed between 180-230 degrees in temperature. This process is completed in a controlled, low-oxygen environment, altering the cell structure of the wood and therefore giving it properties that other types of wood do not have.
Benefits Of Thermal Wood
Reduced Risk Of Rot
One of the best benefits of using thermal wood is the fact that there is a reduced risk of rot. Rot is a pain in the behind when you have used wood for a project because there is always a risk that this is going to happen over time. So, if you’re purposely trying to avoid fungi or mould, this is your best bet.
The reason for this is that during the process in which the wood is heat treated, the wood no longer holds onto the sugars and moisture the way that it used to, making it less appealing to insects.
Increased Stability
The stability of thermal wood is around 60% more than that of untreated wood, making it a fantastic choice if you need something that is sturdy and stable.
The problem that most wood has is that it absorbs water like crazy, which then causes it to expand and shrink accordingly. But, going through the process to create thermal wood makes the wood hydrophobic, meaning it no longer holds onto the water the way it used to. As such, it’s no longer as flexible, and it doesn’t expand and shrink in the same way, making it a more stable option.
Longer Life Span
Thermal wood has a lifespan of up to 60 years which is significantly longer than other types of treated wood, and indeed wood that has not been treated at all. At best, if your regular wood is constantly being exposed to the elements, you can expect to be replacing this every couple of years, maybe four or five if you’re lucky. But, when you use thermal wood, even if it’s being battered by the elements on a regular basis, it will still hold and last longer than normal wood.
Chemical Free
If you’re looking for a sustainable wood option, then thermal treated wood is the way forward. The process is completely chemical free unlike some of the other treatment processes that wood undergoes, making it the most environmentally friendly option. Pressure treated timber and chemically treated timber both may be strong, but as the chemicals used for the process are plentiful, it does more damage to the environment than thermal wood does. In fact, this makes this perfect for the future of timber design, keeping things as sustainable as possible.
Uses Of Thermal Wood
Cladding
Thermal wood is a fantastic option for interior and exterior cladding for your property. If you don’t know, the cladding of a property is the outer layer that exists to protect the building from the elements, and assist with the insulation of the home. Due to its strength and durability, it’s fantastic for this use.
Decking
Many people also choose thermal wood for their decking in their backyard. Due to the cell changes the wood undergoes during the heat treatment, this makes it a fantastic choice for decking as it doesn’t hold onto as much moisture and is more resistant to rot, as we mentioned above.
Furniture
If you’re looking to create long-lasting furniture and you need strong wood for it, thermal wood is your best bet. It lasts for years, and creates sturdy pieces for your home or business.
Saunas
Thermal wood is now becoming extremely popular for those who are looking to add a sauna to their home or business. Again, the fact that thermal wood is hydrophobic, meaning it won’t absorb all of the moisture that you get with all the steam, makes it the perfect choice for a sauna. On top of that, its ability to withstand extreme high temperatures also contributes to its brilliance for a project like this.
Summer House
Perhaps you want to add a summer house to your backyard, but you want to ensure that it looks as natural as possible, so wood is the best choice. You want something strong, and something that will stand the test of time, not crumble when the weather gets a little extreme. Thermal wood can provide you with the peace of mind needed for a project like this.
Choosing The Right Company
When it comes to choosing a company to provide you with the thermal wood that you need, you should consider using Timbeck Architecture. They are one of Australia’s leading importers and manufacturers of high quality timber products, including thermal wood. You can trust companies like this to provide you nothing short of excellence, ensuring that you have everything that you need, and assisting you through the process from start to finish.
Do your research, and don’t settle for any company that you’re not sure of.
