What is Thermowood?
Thermowood is a technological process that increases the durability of wood materials by heating (thermal modification). This process uses high temperatures to change the properties of the wood. In this article, you will find the answers to frequently asked questions such as qualities and usage areas of thermowood.
Features of Thermowood
1. Durability
Thermowood, the result of heat treatment, is more resistant to environmental influences. Unlike natural wood, it retains its durability even in conditions where it is damaged by termites, fungi, and insects. Also, after the heating process, the ability to take water is reduced so it reduces swelling and prevents cracking. As a result of documented tests, it was observed that Thermowood has a minimum 25-year lifespan compared to natural wood.
2. Water Resistance
Thermowood is water resistant and the risk of decay is low. This is very important in outdoor applications where the material is exposed to the elements. Since it is water resistant, its need for care is lower.
3. Dimensional Stability
The heating application reduces the humidity of wood so it also reduces the risk of dimensional stability. That’s why, Thermowood is dimensionally stable compared to natural woods. Dimensional changes in wood may lead to problems in structural materials, especially doors, and windows. Thermowood minimizes this problem.
4. Aesthetic
Thermowood makes natural wood color darker and it provides a matte finish. In addition, the grains on its surface become denser. That’s why Thermowood is preferred in making aesthetic wood products.
5. Usage Areas
Thermowood is durable and water resistant so it is ideal for outdoor applications. It can be used in many different areas such as terraces, fences, garden furniture, coatings, roofs, pergolas, and exterior cladding.
Thermowood can be used indoor applications as well. It can be preferred in areas such as doors, windows, floors, wooden panels, and furniture. It is very popular especially due to its resistant structure in wooden flooring.
What Kind Of Trees Are Suitable For Thermowood Application?
Thermowood is a thermal modification process that is applied to increase the durability of wooden products. In this method, the qualities of the wooden materials are changed under the high temperature and this makes it more durable. There are many species such as pine, birch, linden, poplar, oak, spruce, cedar, teak, eucalyptus, maple, walnut, and bamboo among the tree species applied to thermowood.
Pine
One of the most used tree species for thermowood applications is pine. The durability and water resistance of the pine tree increase after the thermal modification process. Since its color becomes darker, it is also preferred in terms of aesthetics.
Birch
The birch tree is another commonly used tree species for the thermal modification process. After the heating process, the birch tree becomes more durable and water resistant. Since the risk of changing dimensions during the heating process is low, it is also preferred as a covering material.
Linden
After thermal modification, linden wood has high durability compared to natural wood materials and is more resistant to water. After the heating process, the color of the linden becomes darker and also becomes matte. Because of these features, it can be preferred in the applications of indoor areas.
Poplar
Poplar is another tree used in the thermal modification process. The color of poplar wood becomes brown after the process and it provides higher durability compared to natural wood. The elasticity and lightness of poplar make it preferred in structural applications.
Oak
Oakwood becomes more durable after the thermowood process and becomes resistant to water. Also, oak provides higher dimensional stability compared to natural wood. That’s why it is preferred as a covering material.
Spruce
Spruce tree provides higher durability compared to natural wood after the thermowod process. The color of the spruce becomes darker and it also becomes matte. In addition, the dimensional stability of spruce is high, so that it is preferred in structural applications.
Cedar
After thermal modification, cedar wood provides a higher water resistance compared to natural woods and its resistance to pests such as fungi and termites increases. In addition, the color tone of cedar wood turns brown after thermal treatment and is also preferred aesthetically.
Teak
After thermowood process, teak wood provides a higher durability than natural woods and becomes more resistant to water. In addition, the color tone darkens after this process, and the hardness of teak wood is preserved. Therefore, it is also preferred for outdoor applications.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus wood becomes more durable and water-resistant after the thermowood process. In addition, the lightness and moisture resistance of eucalyptus wood is popular in applications such as outdoor furniture.
Maple
After thermowood treatment, maple wood provides higher dimensional stability than natural woods and becomes more resistant to decay. In addition, the color tone darkens and is aesthetically preferred.
Walnut
Walnut wood provides higher dimensional stability and durability compared to natural wood after the thermal modification process. In addition, the color of walnut wood darkens after thermal treatment and is aesthetically preferred.
Bamboo
After thermal modification, bamboo becomes more durable and more resistant to water. Bamboo is also preferred for structural applications due to its high dimensional stability.
There are many types of wood such as pine, birch, lime, poplar, oak, spruce, cedar, teak, eucalyptus, maple, walnut, and bamboo. Each type of wood has different properties after the thermowood process. Therefore, the most suitable wood species should be selected according to the intended use and desired properties. Thermowood increases the durability and water resistance of wood-based materials. In addition, they can also be preferred from an aesthetic point of view, as their color tones change as a result of the heat treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Thermowood cost?
Thermowood is more expensive than other wood materials. However, due to its durability and longevity, it has lower maintenance and renewal costs in the long term, which means that the investment is recouped.
Does thermal modification affect the quality of the wood?
The thermal modification process does not affect the quality of the wood material and in some cases can improve it. During the heating process, starch and sugar-related compounds in the wood are thermally degraded. This changes the properties of the wood materials and makes them more durable.
How do I maintain Thermowood?
Thermowood, like other wooden materials, requires regular maintenance. A suitable wood oil or varnish should be used to clean and protect the material. It is also important to protect it from sunlight and rain to maintain its gloss.
Why does Thermowood stand out as a sustainable material?
The main reason why Thermowood stands out as a sustainable material is that it conserves our natural resources by reducing the need for chemical heat treatment. By using temperature instead of chemicals in the thermal modification process, the material produced is eco-friendly and recyclable.