20 x 93mm ThermoWood
Silva's commitment to supplying consistent and high quality timber products is reflected in our latest material - ThermoWood®. Our extensive supply network has led us to source the finest ThermoWood® available, from one of the world's leading producers of this innovative timber product.
ThermoWood® is produced using a chemical-free natural process. By heat treating only the finest Scandinavian Redwood to enhance the chemical and physical properties of the timber, ThermoWood® offers an exceptional material with outstanding durability and stability.
Along with enhanced physical properties, the treatment also results in an attractive, consistent, deep brown tone for a beautiful appearance. Due to it's stability, Thermowood also takes and retains finish well, allowing for translucent or solid colour stains to be applied to create unique and striking designs.
Thanks to an improved durability against decay, ThermoWood® is well suited to projects facing harsh weather conditions.
ThermoWood® Properties:
- Improved durability against decay
- Resin removed
- Reduced splitting strength
- Slightly reduced bending strength
- Improved dimensional stability
- Consistent colour throughout the timber
- Chemical-free, entirely natural manufacturing process
- Reduced equilibrium moisture content
Logging Selection Process
Only the finest raw materials are used which best suit Thermowood production in terms of type and quality. The timber species chosen are exclusively Redwood, that have fewer knot characteristics. The knots which do exist in the timber are sound and tight due to their structure, for a superb performing exterior material.
In Nordic forest logging processes, trees are cut into three sections; Butt Log, Middle Log and Top Log. Silva's ThermoWood is produced from the top or middle log for a high quality, consistent product, with only the centre of the log used to ensure live-intergrown knots.
ThermoWood® Manufacturing Process
Thermal modification of timber is a clean, ecological process which enhances the properties of the wood. The process is completely natural and chemical free, using only high temperatures and steam to transform and control the timber's characteristics.
During the thermal modification process, timber is treated with high temperature (+212oC). Water vapour is used as a protective gas and heat conductor, enabling heating of the wood beyond its auto-ignition temperature. By heating the wood to 212oC, resistance to decay and dimensional stability are greatly enhanced.
Thermal modification can be divided into three phases:
1: Temperature of the wood is raised, then dried
2: Thermal modification takes place - Moisture content of wood is dropped to close to zero, and then heated to 212oC.
3: The treated wood is cooled down and moisturised to the desired level.
ThermoWood® Finish & Treatment
ThermoWood's dimensional stability provides an ideal exterior material. With improved resistance to decay and weather conditions, ThermoWood® holds an unbeatable advantage in outdoor use. As with all timber, ThermoWood will naturally weather to a silvery-grey colour with prolonged exposure to the elements if left untreated.
To maintain the longevity and appearance of ThermoWood® , it is recommended to apply a surface treatment for added UV protection such as a penetrating oil, translucent finish or solid colour stain.
Silva Timber offer a prefinishing service in either a translucent finish, or stained to any colour imaginable, ready for immediate onsite installation. Contact us for more information.
