According to Turkish researchers, the wood loses up to 20% of its strength if its heated up to the 400 degree range. But if its heated only up to the 275 degree F, range but for a longer time, around 5-6 hours, then it only loses around 8% of its strength. Also, it does not get rid of sugars in the wood- it caramelizes the sugars so that they are not in a form fugus can grow in. By the way maple is very striking when thermaled.
@@emreduygun It varies by species. I don't have a single source. Instead I read a variety of technical papers. There may be an authoritative book on the subject, but I do know this- some experts cite crucial differences from one thermal processer to another.
A reminder: termites are the only insects that can "eat" their way through thermal wood without dying. Not for nourishment but to escape. They do not like the taste of it, though, and avoid it when possible. All other known a dozen or so wood eating insects die of starvation in a day or two as they cannot digest it and the fiber blocking their bellies. This means surface damage can happen but not structural.
The only problems we have seen with thermally modified wood is that 1) it becomes slightly more brittle (be careful when transporting it) and 2) on some softwoods knots can fall out in very rare cases. But all other characteristics are vastly improved, the wood becomes far more durable (it can give softwoods like pine that would last 5 years outside, the durability of ipé that will easily last 15 years), it becomes far more stable (it expands and shrinks far less), it tends to darken to a (imo) nicer color. It's also environmentally friendly, unlike impregnation that adds chemicals to increase durability, thermally modified woods are completely environmentally safe. The main advantage is really that you can give softwoods characteristics of hardwoods in terms of durability and stability. Yes you can increase durability with impregnation too, but that is a chemical process and it does not improve stability. Thermally modifying wood improves durability and stability in an environmentally friendly way without much added cost.
I first heard about thermally treated wood at a trade show in Las Vegas, but haven't heard anything since then. I'm interested that you neglected to mention wood density. How does the thermal treatment affect density? Also, although you did mention briefly that this wood is more stable, you should discuss whether or not movement is a factor in things like tabletops or countertops. Otherwise, great video.
Hi Sal, the process of thermal treating is a whole different conversation! And yes, I have customers who use it for cutting boards often. When gluing thermally treated wood, it likes to suck in the glue. Let the glue up set for twice as long. We've not seen a problem thereafter.
I have not seen any information that says thermal treatment improves the UV resistance of wood. It does improve the face hardness (janka rating) of the wood (slightly). The thermal process eliminates the sugars in the wood, so there is nothing there for bugs or fungus to eat--improving resistance to rot. Thermally modified woods will grey with age like all woods left outdoors and unprotected. Hoe that helps.
According to Turkish researchers, the wood loses up to 20% of its strength if its heated up to the 400 degree range. But if its heated only up to the 275 degree F, range but for a longer time, around 5-6 hours, then it only loses around 8% of its strength. Also, it does not get rid of sugars in the wood- it caramelizes the sugars so that they are not in a form fugus can grow in. By the way maple is very striking when thermaled.
Hi, do you have a study/resource you could share, also is this for across the board or with deviations from one wood type to another?
@@emreduygun It varies by species. I don't have a single source. Instead I read a variety of technical papers. There may be an authoritative book on the subject, but I do know this- some experts cite crucial differences from one thermal processer to another.
@@paulbriggs3072 understood, nothing unusual there, thanks
A reminder: termites are the only insects that can "eat" their way through thermal wood without dying. Not for nourishment but to escape. They do not like the taste of it, though, and avoid it when possible. All other known a dozen or so wood eating insects die of starvation in a day or two as they cannot digest it and the fiber blocking their bellies. This means surface damage can happen but not structural.
Cool info!
The only problems we have seen with thermally modified wood is that 1) it becomes slightly more brittle (be careful when transporting it) and 2) on some softwoods knots can fall out in very rare cases.
But all other characteristics are vastly improved, the wood becomes far more durable (it can give softwoods like pine that would last 5 years outside, the durability of ipé that will easily last 15 years), it becomes far more stable (it expands and shrinks far less), it tends to darken to a (imo) nicer color. It's also environmentally friendly, unlike impregnation that adds chemicals to increase durability, thermally modified woods are completely environmentally safe.
The main advantage is really that you can give softwoods characteristics of hardwoods in terms of durability and stability. Yes you can increase durability with impregnation too, but that is a chemical process and it does not improve stability. Thermally modifying wood improves durability and stability in an environmentally friendly way without much added cost.
Thanks for the prompt and thorough response. Very kind and considerate of you. Thank you.
thanks for hte info!
I first heard about thermally treated wood at a trade show in Las Vegas, but haven't heard anything since then. I'm interested that you neglected to mention wood density. How does the thermal treatment affect density? Also, although you did mention briefly that this wood is more stable, you should discuss whether or not movement is a factor in things like tabletops or countertops. Otherwise, great video.
😊thanks
Awesome info. New Sub. Please keep up the informative videos!
Thank you! Welcome to our channel! :-)
Good information. Also love seeing women in the trades!
Thanks! We appreciate the feedback! :-)
How is the process done? And is thermal treated wood good for cutting boards?
Hi Sal, the process of thermal treating is a whole different conversation! And yes, I have customers who use it for cutting boards often. When gluing thermally treated wood, it likes to suck in the glue. Let the glue up set for twice as long. We've not seen a problem thereafter.
Does the thermal treatment affect the Janka rating?
It actually kicks it up a notch because the lack of moisture in the wood condenses the fibers, making the face more dense.
Does thermal modification improve the UV resistance?
I have not seen any information that says thermal treatment improves the UV resistance of wood. It does improve the face hardness (janka rating) of the wood (slightly). The thermal process eliminates the sugars in the wood, so there is nothing there for bugs or fungus to eat--improving resistance to rot. Thermally modified woods will grey with age like all woods left outdoors and unprotected. Hoe that helps.
@@HardwoodLumberandMillwork thanks!
You forgot guitars!
Good catch, thanks for pointing that out!
Environmentally friendly ? Maybe, but you need to take into account the grey energy.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_energy
I like my energy heterosexual miss.