Due to it’s enhanced durability, dimensional stability, and good appearance, thermally-treated wood has been utilized for many years in Europe for indoor and outdoor applications. When thermally modified wood was first introduced to North America the main focus for its use in the construction marketplace was for the decking and siding sector. Because of the woods exceptional dimensional stability these two exterior wood categories became immediate targets as viable options to less durable natural wood exteriors. As this marketplace grew and the technology behind the thermal modification process evolved many other uses for thermally modified wood came to light.

Because of the woods dimensional stability manufacturers across many woodworking sectors have taken notice and starting incorporating thermally modified wood into the production of exterior and interior wood products. Favorite destinations for TMW are the door and window sector but also many molding, trim and exterior furniture producers are starting to work with TMW. Often times the woods natural beauty plays a secondary role but one should not overlook the fact the species of wood being thermally modified bring with it a raw natural beauty that can’t be replicated. 

The recent resurgence of interest in natural wood products due to the environmental benefits they provide and what thermal wood processing should achieve to contribute to the North American low-carbon economy is not a trend but a new standard that millions of consumers aspire to be apart of. Consumers are once again looking at wood as a substitute for energy-intensive materials but still want the durability these materials provide and this is were thermally modified wood has filled the void.