| (an alternative to exotic , pressure treated and | | | | regular lumber) |
| hardwood) | | | | - Low water absorption |
| Background | | | | - Harder |
| Heat treated wood (or torrefied wood) has been | | | | - Natural darker color (no need to use stain for some |
| around for about 40 years. It now, stands out as a | | | | applications) |
| valuable ecological method to produce a material that | | | | - Lower cost than woods with similar benefits such |
| has the advantages of several species without | | | | as cedar, redwood and cypress. |
| creating any large negative impact in our environment. | | | | Why it is good for the environment ? |
| What is it , how does it work? | | | | The increase in demand for wood building materials |
| The basic process uses heat and water. When wood | | | | could have a negative influence on timber |
| is exposed to high temperatures (200°C or | | | | sustainability unless corresponding increases in material |
| more), its properties change significantly. Sugars inside | | | | durability and/or expected service-life can be found. |
| the wood break up into a form that rot fungi cannot | | | | Insects (termites in particular) and fungi are the main |
| use. What is more, natural protective compounds in | | | | causes for wood replacement and pressure-treated |
| the wood are effectively distributed to protect the | | | | lumber has copper, chromium, and arsenic chemicals |
| wood. Heat treatment usually takes about 24 hours. | | | | that are known to be, in high levels, harmful to the |
| Any type of wood can be heat-treated, but the | | | | environment and life . The heat treatment in lumber |
| most commonly used species are pine, poplar, spruce, | | | | does not add any chemicals to the wood and allow |
| birch and aspen. As mentioned above, heat treating | | | | the use of locally and less desirable wood to be used |
| the wood will cause a number of chemical and | | | | (after heat treatment) as outdoor safe lumber. This |
| physical changes that depend upon temperature and | | | | will decrease the harvest of exotic trees and help |
| time of treatment. | | | | preserving the tropical zones from heavier |
| As a result, the material will have enhanced | | | | deforestation. |
| properties like: | | | | As a small custom sign making shop, we believe if a |
| - Protection from rot, fungi (15-25 times better than | | | | broader use of torrefied lumber is accepted, there |
| untreated lumber) and termites | | | | can be a significant reduction not only in wood |
| - Enhanced durability (varies from wood species to | | | | imports (which destroy South American forests) but |
| another) | | | | also in our carbon footprint due to the use of locally |
| - Dimensional stability because the treated wood can | | | | harvested lumber. |
| not absorb as much water (50 to 70% less than | | | | |