Understanding The Evolution Of Thermo Treated Wood

Thermowood is a heat-treated timber that resists decay and rotting, making it perfect for harsh environments and outdoor applications. Developed in the 1990s, it offers a sustainable, chemical-free alternative to traditional wood, widely used in construction, saunas, decking, and more.

Introduction: 

Thermowood is an alternative to traditional timber. Thermowood undergoes modification procedures by Thermowood Manufacturers that enables such wood to become immune to rotting and decaying, making it an ideal choice for applications exposed to moisture and harsh weather conditions. This method gained popularity in early 20th century and has been in demand since then.

 History and development of Thermowood

Humans have been preserving wood for thousands of years, driven by the need for durable construction materials. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Vikings used heat and natural oils to protect wood from decaying, particularly for shipbuilding and construction in damp environments. Over time, chemical preservatives emerged, especially during the Industrial Revolution, significantly increasing wood’s resistance to rot. However, concerns about such preservatives and their impact on environment and health always existed which led to further research on alternatives. The true breakthrough came in the late 20th century when Finland’s Technical Research Centre (VTT) developed the ThermoWood process in the 1990s. This method, was performed using high heat and steam in an oxygen-deprived environment, produced durable, eco-friendly, and visually appealing wood products.

Thermo treated birch or Thermo wood was first commercialized in Finland with the establishment of the Finnish ThermoWood Association in 2000, consisting of Thermowood Manufacturers, Distributors and Suppliers . The process rapidly gained popularity in Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, where sustainable forestry was a priority. Today, ThermoWood remains a preferred choice for architects and designers, offering an innovative, natural alternative to chemically treated wood.

Innovative and Sustainable Thermally Modified Wood

Architects, designers, and homeowners are embracing a sustainable, chemical-free material rooted in both ancient traditions and Modern science. This cutting-edge process enhances the natural beauty and resilience of British-grown timber, ensuring its longevity for generations. By carefully reducing the wood's equilibrium moisture content and then cooling it, the thermal modification process strengthens the wood without the use of chemicals—relying solely on heat and steam to produce a strong and hard quality Thermowood Ash.

Procedure for modification of wood

Unlike traditional timber, Thermowo ki od undergoes a specialized manufacturing process that enhances its physical and chemical properties, making it a highly desirable choice for a wide range of applications. At the heart of Thermowood's remarkable qualities is its thermal modification process. During this process, the timber is subjected to high temperatures, typically ranging from 180°C to 240°C, in a controlled environment with limited oxygen by Thermowood Manufacturers. This heat treatment triggers a series of chemical and physical changes within the wood, resulting in a material that is significantly more durable, stable, and resistant to various environmental factors.

Why Thermal Modification of wood is necessary

The thermal modification process reduces the wood's tendency to swell, shrink, making it a highly reliable choice for outdoor structures. This improved dimensional stability also contributes to the material's long-lasting performance, as it is less susceptible to cracking, splitting, or warping over time. Additionally, Thermo treated wood offers exceptional resistance to decay, rot, and fungal growth, making it an ideal choice for applications exposed to moisture and harsh weather conditions. One great example of the usage of such wood is in Saunas.  Due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and humidity, Thermowood is often used in sauna construction. Different types of Thermo treated wood can be modified, like Thermo treated Oak, Thermo treated Pine, Thermo Ayous. All these thermos treated wood can be used for outdoor furniture, Thermowood decking, Thermo Cladding  flooring, and wall paneling

Conclusion

Over the period of time, Thermowood has emerged as a sustainable, durable durable, and chemical-free alternative to traditional timber. Its stability, resistance to decay, and ability to withstand harsh conditions make it ideal for various applications like in Saunas. As eco-friendly choices gain importance, ThermoWood remains a reliable and attractive solution.