Story at a glance:
- Tantimber ThermoWood thermally modified wood products set the bar when it comes to durability, dimensional stability, sustainability, safety, and workability.
- ThermoWood products are also very versatile with wide a range of finishes, profiles, and sizes to fit various requirements across projects.
- You can also choose end-matching boards to minimize waste and cutting on-site and install with hidden fastener systems for added durability, stability, and ease of installation.
Not all thermally modified wood products are created equal. When it comes to thermally modified wood solutions that are nontoxic and natural, it can only be ThermoWood.
ThermoWood is an all-natural, nontoxic thermally modified wood solution created through a patented manufacturing process from the International Thermal Wood Association (ITWA) that only uses heat and steam.
“Tantimber ThermoWood products are an ideal choice for architects and designers who want to use natural, sustainable materials in their projects,” says Mehmet Zenginler, cofounder and managing partner of G Wood Pro, the exclusive supplier of Tantimber in the US. “Our products offer the perfect balance of durability and beauty for inspiring, distinctive designs for a wide range of interior and exterior applications.”
Beyond ThermoWood’s strength, stability, design flexibility, and other benefits, here’s what architects and designers should know before specifying ThermoWood in their next project.
1. Consider the application.
Photo courtesy of G Wood Pro
One of the biggest design benefits of ThermoWood is its versatility. ThermoWood can be used for decking, siding, beams, decorative interior wall coverings, pergolas, and more.
And though all types of ThermoWood are exceptionally durable, even when exposed to extreme weather, architects and designers should consider the application to select the right ThermoWood product.
“When selecting a ThermoWood product, it is important to ensure the durability rating is sufficient for the intended use,” Zenginler says.
ThermoWood’s ash, iroko, and oak species are Class 1 durability—the highest level of natural durability. In above-ground settings Class 1 durability wood species have a service life of more than 40 years, while in-ground applications have a service life of more than 25 years.
Other common ThermoWood species, like pine, are Class 2 durability. Class 2 durability species have an above-ground service life of 15 to 40 years and in-ground service life of 15 to 25 years.
Understanding the role ThermoWood will play in the project—be it used in exterior or interior designs, areas with a lot of foot traffic, or in a location that experiences extreme weather events—can help you specify the right ThermoWood product for long-lasting designs.
2. Choose from a variety of beautiful finishes.
Photo courtesy of G Wood Pro
“We take pride in offering designers, specifiers, and architects the finest range of sustainably sourced ThermoWood products using luxurious species, from Iroko to Ash, that offer a unique palette of beautiful colors to choose from,” Zenginler says. “This ensures our products not only deliver unparalleled texture and beauty but also a one-of-a-kind appearance that adds character to any project.”
Considering the unique needs of each project, designers can play with different colors, textures, and finishes to achieve any desired aesthetic effect using ThermoWood. “Whether aiming for a modern, rustic, or traditional look, our innovative products can bring a project to life with unmatched durability and visual appeal. We believe our ThermoWood products offer designers, specifiers, and architects an exceptional opportunity to differentiate their project while reducing its environmental impact.”
3. Coatings bring additional benefits.
Photo courtesy of G Wood Pro
Specifying a coated ThermoWood product offers additional benefits, too.
“Specifiers often spec our pre-aged Tantimber ThermoWood products to uniform gray-driftwood appearance to add character and depth from the start or to avoid the problem of an inconsistent or patchy look due to uneven UV exposure, while still providing the benefits of durability, stability, decay, and insect resistance that our Tantimber products offer,” Zenginler says. “Traditional coating products fade with exposure to UV from the sun, resulting in the problem of uneven weathering to different faces of a building. It solves this problem, but pre-aging is also becoming a very popular treatment method for remodelers and designers for wanting to achieve a cohesive look by blending newly installed pre-aged Tantimber products with existing aged wood without having to remove it.”
Coated ThermoWood products are also coated with water-based paints that are environmentally friendly and tested for weather resistance.
4. Make installation easier with press-and-click fasteners.
Photo courtesy of G Wood Pro
The hidden fasteners are a game-changer when it comes to ease of install. “Not only do they save time and money on labor costs during the installation process, but they also ensure a durable system that will last for years to come,” Zenginler says.
Zenginler points to their Grad Concept™ for both cladding and decking products, as it features advanced press-and-click fastening systems that require minimal effort to install and reduces labor time significantly. Their decking and siding products also have pre-cut tongue-and-grooves on the ends of the board. This allows cladding and other ThermoWood products to be fitted easily together with minimal cutting time required—which results in less time and labor costs during construction. “The whole system is designed to minimize waste, save time and money, and provide a safer, sleek, and consistent appearance that will enhance the aesthetics of any project.”
No matter the application, Tantimber ThermoWood offers a unique combination of beauty and performance that is destined to be the new industry standard for thermally modified wood products. “Tantimber ThermoWood checks all the boxes when it comes to selecting quality timber for projects—from superior aesthetics to greater user-friendliness during installation,” Zenginler says. “It’s an excellent choice when specifying timber for building projects, both inside and out.”
