Over 25 years ago, we created Thermory as a way to develop wood products from sustainably sourced, long-lasting ash trees that could compete with the performance of tropical rainforest woods. As we evolved, we’ve introduced many more products, but this all started with a vision: to fulfill an important need in the building industry. We were determined to create a product that could stand up against the sturdiness, strength, and beauty of tropical woods, all while prioritizing sustainable wood sourcing.
What are some disadvantages of using tropical woods?
Environmental Impact: Harvesting tropical woods often contributes to deforestation, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline, which can have significant ecological consequences.
Sustainability Issues: Many tropical woods are sourced from unsustainable practices, leading to inconsistent availability.
Challenging on Saws: Tropical wood is dense and tough, which can lead to increased wear on saw blades, making cutting more difficult and requiring more frequent sharpening or replacement.
Movement: Tropical wood is prone to twisting and cupping due to its high density and moisture content. Changes in humidity and temperature can cause the wood to warp, resulting in irregular shapes that can affect its stability and usability in construction.
Inconsistent Color: Tropical wood often exhibits a wide range of colors and grain patterns, which can vary significantly within the same species. This inconsistency can create a unique aesthetic but may pose challenges in achieving a uniform look in larger projects.
Thermory Advantages
Our thermal modification process results in simple, stunning wood that offers unrivaled durability and matches tropical wood in longevity. Thermory Benchmark Ash is certificated with 25+ years of rot resistance, modified all the way through for an even, smooth, (splinter-free!) finish.
Compared to popular tropical woods like Ipe, Teak, or Tigerwood, our ash boards are all a consistent, creamy dark brown, require little to no maintenance, do not dry out and crack (because they’re modified thoroughly with heat and steam), and are milled with our signature JEM joint (joint-end match). This eliminates the need to rest boards on joists so all board lengths can be used. No waste. Build without the guilt!
The Thermory Difference
For centuries, ash trees have symbolized healing and life. At Thermory, we source our ash from Europe and northeastern North America, carefully selecting high-quality, clear boards while avoiding cracks and knots.
We primarily use a mixed sawing technique, processing one board at a time to meet our quality standards. This meticulous approach ensures that each board is equally beautiful and pristine.
The origin of the wood is as crucial as the processing it undergoes. Our thermal modification process, perfected by wood scientists over decades, offers a non-toxic, sustainable solution that matches the durability of tropical woods—without the downsides or guilt.
2019: Enter Spruce!
In our continued mission to provide eco-friendly and reliable alternatives for our clients, we welcomed our rugged Kodiak line of spruce products. Offering 25+ years of rot resistance like Thermory Benchmark Ash, Kodiak adds boldness to any project with its brushed texture and extra wide size (8”). Bring the ambiance and aura of the forest to you with Kodiak. (It’s named after the Kodiak bear, after all!)
Construct with Pride
Rainforests are home to over 30 million species of plants and animals—they’re essential to all of our lives, and we’d like to keep them that way!
“Rainforests are being reduced at a rapid pace. 100 acres of rainforests are cleared every minute for agricultural and industrial development.” —National Geographic
To put it simply, rainforests are vital to human and animal life, which is why we focus on sustainable wood sourcing to create the perfect alternatives. Build with honor. Build with Thermory.
Image Credits: Ryann Ford. Ethos Modular.
