What is the thermal modification process and how does Thermory set the bar? Thermal modification is a process where wood is heated to high temperatures in a controlled environment, altering its properties. The wood absorbs less moisture than untreated wood, reducing the risk of mildew and mold while handling the heat. It keeps all of the natural qualities of wood but improves the color to a rich, even tone. This technique enhances the wood’s durability, stability, and resistance to decay, making it suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
The 48 Hour Process
Thermal modification is a process where wood is heated to high temperatures in a controlled environment, altering its properties. This technique enhances the wood’s durability, stability, and resistance to decay, making it suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
Thermory’s thermal modification process uses a specialized formula derived from years of hard work and experience. Designed by our expert scientists, it requires no chemicals, just heat, and steam, and takes place in a thermokiln. Our expert scientists, who have been with us since the beginning (25 years), ensure Thermory’s standards of stability and durability are met. The process begins in the heating chamber, where the wood’s moisture level is reduced to 0% over 35 to 46 hours. The temperature then peaks to the required threshold, depending upon the species and intended use, allowing the cooling and misting process to begin. For exterior applications, intense thermal modification peaks at 419 degrees. This increases the durability of the wood for outdoor conditions, ensuring the wood does not need UV oil protection for longevity. For interior applications, medium modification peaks at 374 degrees making it durable enough for indoor use, but not recommended for exterior use.
The Advantages of Thermal Modification
Thermal modification not only enhances the durability of wood, but also introduces several properties that render it a highly coveted building material. With enhanced dimensional stability, the wood ceases to respond to fluctuations in humidity, making it ideal for exterior applications and saunas. When compared to unmodified wood, thermally modified wood absorbs less moisture, lowering the risk of mildew and mold, while also enduring heat more effectively. (Go barefoot on a hot summer day? Absolutely!). These improvements preserve the innate qualities of wood while creating a rich and consistent tone. At Thermory, we leave no fiber unaltered, modifying each board completely, creating unrivaled durability and stability to produce extraordinary longevity and rich, beautiful color.
Unmatched Color, Durability, and Versatility of Thermory Wood
Thermory’s process gives our woods a distinctive color, darkening them from their original color, and adds decades of rot resistance without the chemicals. Ash becomes a rich brown, while pine takes on a golden-brown hue. Exposure to sunlight will affect these colors over time. The woods will take on a silver-grey tone without regular UV protection.
Thermally modified wood is highly resistant to decay, fungal growth, and insect infestation, making it well-suited for exterior applications. It can be used in decking, cladding, fencing, and outdoor furniture, where exposure to moisture, sunlight, and fluctuating weather conditions can compromise the integrity of non-modified wood. The modification process reduces the risk of warping, shrinking, or swelling due to changes in humidity and temperature. It also increases dimensional stability, reducing the need for maintenance, such as sanding and refinishing.
Thermory wood stands out as an ecological and visually striking material, making the wood ideal for interior and exterior applications. Its durability makes it perfect for various settings, from residential homes to public spaces.
Our thermally modified products are tried and true with extensive testing. See for yourself.
Are you more of a visual learner? Check out Thermory.com’s Masterclass: What is thermal modification?
