Thermally Modified Timber
Using only heat, steam and water, the properties of the timber are changed.
The results are permanent, resulting physical and chemical changes that make it an outstanding building material – tough, stable and sustainable.
The Timber
CSI [Specialities] Ltd is proud to represent SWM Wood Oy, one of the first Finnish companies to be involved in the manufacture of thermally modified timber
Timber is hygroscopic, absorbing or losing moisture depending upon the humidity of the environment. This leads to swelling or shrinkage of the finished timber product. It is this movement which is responsible for many of the malfunctions in final timber use, and a high moisture content will make the timber more susceptible to decay or fungus.
Thermal modification was developed to improve this, modifying the structure of the cell walls within the timber. Thermal modification can be successfully applied to both softwoods and hardwoods. It is particularly suitable for softwoods such as Pine and Spruce, and hardwoods such as Fraké and Ayous.
The Timber
Our Timber
All our dimensional cut stock is carefully treated and graded to the highest industrial standard
Thermo-D PINE - Class 2 Durability. Thermally modified Finnish Redwood. Produced from the live knotted part of the tree (top log) giving a natural finish. Suitable for cladding and decking applications.
Pino Premio - Class 2 Durability. Thermally modified Radiata Pine, sourced from responsibly managed plantations in New Zealand with full Chain of Custody certification. Pine Premio is 4 sides Clear of defects making it an excellent choice for interior or exterior projects.
Spruce Thermo-D Select - Class 2 Durability. Thermally modified Finnish Spruce. Sawn and graded at a single primary sawmill to our own specification results in a product with a grain pattern and knot content comparable to unavailable Siberian Larch. Aimed at commercial applications, this product now comes with added Nordic Ecolabel accreditation for added environmental credentials.
FrakéNoir® - Class 1 Durability. Thermally modified Limba, sourced from Central Africa with FSC certification. Virtually clear of defects (PHND) with attractive mineral streaks for aesthetic appeal.
Thermo D Ayous - Class 1 Durability. Sourced from Central Africa with FSC Certification. Virtually clear of defects, a great alternative to Western Red Cedar.
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When Only Larch Will Do...
As well as our large stocks of thermally-modified timber, we also offer stocks of European Larch, a medium density softwood widespread in Northern and Western Europe. The timber ranges in colour from straw yellow to brick red, having a straight grain and characteristic figure with darker knots. Our European larch is kiln dried, sustainable (with full PEFC Chain of custody) and readily available. The timber is cost effective when compared to Canadian/Western Larch, is more readily available and can be supplied as original sawn 25mm, making it an excellent option for exterior projects.
