In the realm of wood and construction, the term ‘modified wood’ is making waves, but what does it truly entail? Whether you’re a timber industry professional, carpenter, builder, or joiner, a comprehensive understanding of the materials you work with is essential.
Modified wood is defined as “wood that has undergone treatment with chemical, biological, or physical agents to enhance its performance.” This robust building material finds application in residential, commercial, and public structures worldwide, both indoors and outdoors. The modification process involves subjecting wood products to treatment with chemical, biological, or physical agents. This treatment can render the wood suitable for external uses, such as cladding and decking. It also increases wood’s resistance to rot, fungi, and termites, making it a viable choice for applications like canal lining, penguin bridge construction in aquariums, and external climbing walls. Notably, this is a far cry from the limitations of wood in its natural state. Some of the most commonly modified wood species include radiata pine, ash, sycamore, and poplar.
Accoya stands out as a household name in the realm of modified wood. It is chemically modified wood, typically radiata pine, that boasts non-toxic, high stability, and exceptional durability. Frequently employed in external applications like cladding, decking, and joinery, Accoya has gained widespread recognition. Another chemically modified wood is Organowood, which is modified by attaching protective silicon compounds to wood fibers, rendering it rot-resistant after treatment.
Thermo modified wood, on the other hand, is a physically modified wood created through the heat treatment of Scandinavian-grown pine or spruce. These woods undergo heating to temperatures exceeding 200 degrees centigrade, leading to alterations in their chemical structure, resulting in improved durability and stability, particularly suitable for cladding.
The practice of enhancing wood properties through fire treatment is not a recent concept. Shou Sugi Ban, an ancient Japanese method, produces charred versions of wood, including Accoya, Kebony, Yukari cladding, standard cedar, Douglas fir, and Larch cladding. This charring process not only imparts a striking visual appearance but also makes the wood fire-retardant and more durable. It’s evident that modifying wood through fire has been recognized as valuable for centuries.
In the Western world, the potential of modified wood through various processes is only now gaining the attention it deserves. Organizations like @usfs_r9 have noted the tremendous opportunities offered by modified wood, with projects such as constructing boardwalks using wood affected by native bark beetles and innovative heat-treatment processes. Anticipate more success stories that highlight the advantages of modified wood in the near future.
For in-depth knowledge about modified wood and various timber types, along with eco-friendly sustainable timber, explore our website today.
