Thermally Modified Wood Components

Poplar
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A Smart Choice for Outdoor-Kitchen Cabinetry!
• Cabinet Doors
• Drawer Fronts
• Cabinet Face Frames
• Dovetailed Drawer Boxes
• Decorative Moulding
• Wainscoting
• Shelves and more

See below for deck components.

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WHAT IS IT?
Thermally Modified Wood is produced by a technology new to the American wood industry that offers the best of all worlds for outdoor wood applications. Wood is dried in specially designed kilns, at temperatures in excess of 400 degrees, in an oxygen-deprived atmosphere. Steam is introduced at planned intervals to control stability and final moisture content.

The result is a superior alternative to pressure treated wood with a cost advantage over the more expensive exotic species which are also hard to find. While thermally modified wood is ideal for outdoor applications, it is suitable indoors as well, especially in high moisture areas.

CHARACTERISTICS:
The process of thermal modification causes chemical changes in the wood on a molecular level producing a water repellant, decay resistant wood that is hardened, yet light weight and dimensionally stable. Naturally occurring wood sugars are converted to a form that is not digestible by insects, and will not support the growth of mold or fungi.

The resulting rich brown color is characteristic through to the center of the piece, not just on the exposed surfaces. Over time, unfinished wood components used outdoors will fade to a silver-gray due to UV exposure. To maintain the original color of the thermally modified wood, a high quality UV protectant is highly recommended. For more information, see the "Q & A" in the research link below.

WOOD SPECIES:
Any wood species can be thermally modified. Currently, poplar, red oak and ash are offered by Keystone Wood Specialties. Other species may be considered depending on demand and availability.

THE ENVIRONMENT:
Wood that is thermally modified is 100% wood—completely free of foreign chemicals—so it is environmentally safe.

Thermally modified wood components can be ordered FSC certified (call for availability). As with all projects requiring FSC certified wood, FSC must be specified at the time of quoting or placing an order.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESEARCH INFORMATION.
NOTE: the term most used in the industry appears to be "Thermally Modified Wood". The termanology used at this linked resource is "Thermo-Treated Wood". Both terms refer to the same technology.

Deck Components

A Smart Choice for Outdoor Deck Components!
• 1 x 6 Decking
• 4 x 4 Posts
• 2 x 4s
• 2 x 6s
• Square and Turned Balusters
• Moulding

Call for information.