For decades, tropical hardwoods have been prized for their density, durability, and rich appearance. But their popularity comes at a high cost. Many of these species are sourced from endangered forests, contributing to biodiversity loss, illegal logging, and climate degradation. Is there a better way to get the beauty and performance of tropical hardwood without harming the environment?
The answer is yes: thermally modified wood. At Thermory, we craft sustainable, high-performance wood products that are beautiful, durable, and sourced from responsibly managed forests. In this article, we’ll explore how thermally modified wood compares to tropical hardwoods and why it’s a smarter choice.
Thermally modified wood, also known as heat-treated wood or thermowood, is natural timber enhanced through a controlled process using only heat and steam with no chemicals added at any stage.
This process significantly improves the wood’s durability, rot resistance, and dimensional stability. It also deepens the color and enhances its natural grain, creating a rich, elegant finish.
Because no toxins are used, thermally modified wood is completely safe for indoor and outdoor use, including wellness-focused environments like saunas, spas, and homes with children or allergy-sensitive people.
Tropical hardwoods like ipe and teak have long been considered the gold standard for outdoor applications due to their impressive density and resistance to rot. But thermally modified wood, especially thermo-ash, delivers the same level of durability with several added benefits.
Both materials belong to Durability Class 1, the highest rating for wood resistance to decay. Thermowood’s most notable quality is its dimensional stability, meaning it absorbs significantly less moisture and maintains its form better across changing seasons. This makes it especially reliable in climates with high humidity or temperature swings.
When it comes to appearance, thermally modified wood offers a strikingly similar aesthetic to tropical hardwoods. The thermal process brings out rich, deep tones and a refined grain that closely resembles species like ipe or teak.
A key difference comes from sourcing. Tropical hardwoods may offer beauty and durability, but their environmental cost is high. Many tropical hardwoods are harvested from endangered forests, which contributes to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Thermory sources its wood exclusively from sustainably managed forests, offering full transparency and supply chain stability.
Read also: CITES Regulations on Ipe and Cumaru: What You Need to Know
Finally, thermally modified wood offers greater availability and pricing stability. While tropical hardwoods can be subject to long lead times and volatile pricing, Thermory products are readily available, competitively priced, and backed by consistent performance in every board.
Thermory’s thermo-ash is rated Durability Class 1 in resistance to rot, decay, and insects in outdoor conditions.
Reduced moisture absorption means fewer gaps, less warping, and better performance in humid or changing climates.
Thermally modified ash offers a rich, tropical-like tone with uniform color throughout.
Modified using only heat and steam, Thermory products are non-toxic and safe for saunas, interiors, and allergy-sensitive environments.
All Thermory wood comes from responsibly managed forests—offering a renewable, traceable alternative to tropical hardwoods.
Thermory’s thermally modified wood gives you the best of both worlds: the performance and elegance of tropical hardwoods without the environmental impact or unpredictability.
Explore our products to experience the Thermory difference firsthand.
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