Heat Modification

Important wood attributes are evaluated based on functionality, appearance and cost.  When buying timber, this normally limits you to 1 or 2 of these choices.  But SeasonWood is different.  By subjecting commodity lumber to steam and high temperatures, we produce SeasonWood.  SeasonWood is wood that is visually enhanced by ‘cooking’ it to a darkened color and improving its performance in dimensional stability and durability.

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SeasonWood appearance – “Wow”, “What tropical species is that wood?”, “Is that wenge?”, “Is that Ipe?” .  Those are typical phrases our customers say when they see our products like SeasonWood hickory and ash.  After treatment, many of our woods acquire a darker look and tone resembling that of more expensive woods.

SeasonWood dimensional stability – By heat treating wood to 180° Celsius (Thermo-S), wood equilibrium moisture content is lowered and wood will shrink and swell less.  About 50 percent less shrinkage and swelling means that SeasonWood is a fantastic product suitable for exterior applications such as siding, decking, fencing, and patio furniture.

SeasonWood durability – SeasonWood Thermo-D slows down biological decay rates and offers greater rot resistance when compared to ‘natural’ wood.  Thermal modification technology allows species like pine rival extractive-rich species like red cedar in decay resistance but without the need of logging old growth forests.

Cost –SeasonWood achieves all the improved properties at only about $1 per board foot.  This is significantly less than the cost of using tropical, difficult-to-find, endangered species.  Prices vary based on species, thicknesses, condition, and other factors that affect the treating recipe.

Flexibility – Oak, maple, ash, hickory, poplar, birch.  Check.  Blue-stained pine?  Check.  Tsuga Heterophylla (AKA Western Hemlock)?  Check.  Any species, any thickness.  SeasonWood has the flexibility to heat treat any wood.

For SeasonWood timber inquiries contact us here or please call us at 604-762-7075