If you’re planning to use wood in your next outdoor project, it’s important to understand that the original color of all wood naturally transitions to silver over time with exposure to the elements. You can choose to embrace the evolution or preserve the original aesthetic via straightforward solutions.
At Thermory, our wood scientists naturally enhance wood using only heat and steam, creating products that are unrivaled in quality.
This thermal modification process imparts our woods with a distinct coloring, depending on the wood type and the intensity of modification applied. These colors are darker than the original hue and range from a golden tone to a deeper brown. If left untreated, they will gradually fade and transition to a gray pigmentation, which can vary from bold silver or platinum to a softer rustic tone.
Rain and UV light are the primary catalysts for the color transformation. To maintain your wood’s original appearance and safeguard its hue, you can apply UV-protection oil annually or opt for pigmented UV mineral oil for color enhancement.
We encourage the captivating evolution of our wood’s appearance because we feel it’s a testament to its natural beauty. But the choice is up to you. Whether you appreciate their evolving charm or prefer to preserve their original colors, Thermory products offer versatility and enduring allure.
To get a sense of how our wood’s beauty can change over time, check out how our Benchmark Ash has aged in this Tulsa, Oklahoma, installation.
The Gathering Place is a 64-acre park whose name reflects its purpose: to serve as a center for bringing people together and reviving the city. Nestled within an established forest, the park needed to be constructed with eco-friendly materials capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic—and that wouldn’t compromise the park’s natural feel.
This focus on sustainable design and materials without forgoing beauty or functionality meant that Thermory surfaced as the ideal partner for the project. View our case study to learn about the architectural challenges, Thermory’s solutions, and how our wood appears throughout the park on wooden docks, walkways, benches, and seating areas—which have gracefully aged to a platinum gray patina.
Whatever your building needs, our thermally modified woods stand strong against environmental conditions and natural wear and tear. We believe in wood as the ultimate building material and are excited to share that belief with you and everyone else who joins us in our vision.
Check out our brands to find the best solution for your needs and aesthetics.
Benchmark Ash
Benchmark Pine
Benchmark Clear Pine
Benchmark Oak
Kodiak Spruce
Ready to dive into your next outdoor design?
Image Credits: Ryoma Tominaga. Michael Voelkel.
