HEAT TREATMENT

For thousands of years, wood has been heated to protect it against rot. Industrial thermal treatment of wood became possible only a few decades ago.

The treatment process is mostly carried out at a temperature of 170-230°C in a specially constructed heating chamber, i.e. a thermal furnace. The temperature is dependent on what type of wood is being treated, and which properties are need.

During heat treatment, no chemicals are used – the whole process is performed using hot air and steam – this increases the environmental friendliness of heat treated wood.

The main characteristics of heat treated wood:

Strength and extended lifecycle

When considering its properties, heat treated wood is a step above luxurious tropical wood.

During the heat treatment of wood, all of its living organisms (bugs and their larvae, bacteria as well as mold, fungi and their spores) are destroyed, which makes it extremely durable against biological damage. Also, in case of conifers, the resin contained in the wooden materials evaporates. Heat treated wood is also extremely durable to wear. Because of the changes in the structure of the wood, heat treated wood is significantly more resistant to wear and fire.

The lifecycle of heat treated wood is up to 25 times as long as for regular wood.

Stability

The equilibrium moisture content of heat treated wood is practically zero, and its ability to absorb water vapor is also close to zero. Because of this, heat treated wood does not deform due to moisture, as is the case with natural wood.

Over time, heat treated wood also does not develop any structural changes – no rot, sagging or splitting.

Ecology

Heat treated wood is an ecologically clean and safe product, since during the heat treatment of wood, no chemical substances are used. Only temperature and water vapor is used during treatment.

Visual appeal

Heat treated wood has great aesthetic potential, which is a key factor in beautiful appearance, design and originality. Heat treated wood has a smooth surface, bright color, an intensive shine that covers the whole surface of the wood, and a clearly visible wooden texture.

Heat treated wood fits perfectly into interior and exterior spaces.

In interior spaces, heat treated wood can be used e.g. on walls, ceilings and floors as well as in saunas, furnishings and furniture. In exterior conditions, heat treated wood can be used on the facades of buildings, in yard structures (terraces and fences) and in the manufacturing of joinery products (doors, windows, furniture).

In exterior conditions, heat treated wood tarnishes due to the effects of UV radiation and weather conditions. To avoid this, we recommend to treat the surface of the wood using an agent that protects it from UV radiation.