Learn New Ideas For Your Subsequent House Project
If you are looking in order to enhance your home’s exterior, include things like American hardwoods in the mix. New, eco-friendly treatment techniques now cause hardwood a superb and great looking material choice for outdoor living spaces.
“American hardwoods throughout outdoor applications used to be taboo,” claims Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. “These days, restrictions and concerns are distant memories, and hardwoods are boldly being mounted outdoors as siding, decking, fences – you name it – thanks to non-chemical heat treatments which enhance the dimensional stability and durability of this wonderful product.”
- A method for success
Thermal modification is the non-toxic procedure that simply “cooks” wood in heat. While in the procedure, oxygen is removed out of the oven in order to prevent the wood from burning. The high heat – more than 400 F – generates a naturally durable wood which is permanently resistant to water, insects and rot.
Bob Miller, director of sales and marketing intelligence at Frank Miller Lumber Company, states that because of the course of treatment drastically decreases modified wood’s moisture content and also limits its capability to absorb moisture, products are more dimensionally stable – making them less prone to cupping, warping, expansion, and contraction with changes in humidity.
“The technique also eradicates organic substances from wood’s cells, eliminating a food source for insects and fungi,” Miller adds. “Simply put, thermally modified wood is really a natural and healthy alternative to chemically preserved, pressure-treated wood. And it’s really reasonably priced, too.”
- At home in the outdoors
Productively used within Europe ever since the eighties, thermally modified wood has been slow to migrate to America. But, Scott Seyler, who deals with export product sales at Northland Forest Products, claims the sturdiness and dimensional firmness of thermally modified hardwoods are main benefits that interest homeowners who are searching for outdoor home-improvement projects.
“With all that thermally modified wood offers, it is quickly becoming popular for siding, decking, trim, and flooring,” Seyler explains. “Depending on the particular course of treatment, locally sourced ashes, poplar, maple, as well as other hardwoods are performing just as well, if not better than cedar, well-known imported species, and composite materials.”
- Finishing it off
Within the thermal modification process, a rich chocolate colour results, highlighting the wood’s natural beauty as well as displaying a deluxe look. But just like any other wood, over time, if not sealed, thermally modified hardwood will naturally weather to a shade of gray due to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
“Most homeowners prefer the rich, dark color of the modified wood, and select not to apply a stain or to cover the grain pattern with paint,” states Hal Mitchell, vice president of domestic sales at Atlanta Hardwood Corporation. “We do, however, recommend applying a UV-inhibitor sealant to all sides and ends of the wood, to keep its color and avoid graying.” He added that, “Since thermally modified hardwood is resistant to water, water-based finishes might not perform well. We’ve found out that oil-based sealants and finishes work best.
“I have a screened-in porch with tongue-and-groove flooring made from thermally modified sweet gum,” Mitchell states. “It looks great and is also performing well because it doesn’t cup from contact with the elements. The material is ideal for outdoor applications if sealed properly. No other wood can do that based on my experience.”
- Seeking for ideas?
Think about adding timeless beauty to your home’s exterior with thermally modified American hardwoods. For more info, go to the American Hardwood Information Center at www.HardwoodInfo.com for design ideas as well as inspiration.
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