ELEMENT Thermally Modified Woods is a direct product line of Branch A.S.
Our thermally modified woods are produced in speciality kilns using only high heat and steam. The European technology enhances the performance and natural beauty of the wood with a chemical free process.
Modified using only heat and steam to create a premium building material.
Durability rated for 25+ years resistance to rot and decay in outdoor applications.
Easy to install and designed to age beautifully in any climate.
Sustainably sourced and produced in North America.
Exterior Applications
The modification process lowers moisture absorption of the wood while also baking out the wood sugars that fungal growth and insects typically feed on. The result is high durability and resistance to rot and decay.
The improved response to moisture also enhances the dimensional stability of the wood, meaning thermal wood is also less prone to shrinking, swelling and warping than natural woods.
Maintain the vibrancy of the original colour by applying a penetrating UV protective oil or embrace the silver patina that naturally develops.
Interior Applications
The high temperatures of the modification process enhance the wood to bring forward deeper tones that provide warmth to any space. Our thermal wood is available in various species, each with unique colour and grain patterns to express your design intent.
The increased dimensional stability reduces movements – keeping installation quality high and joints tight – making it an ideal material for interior spaces with high humidity.
We recommend both highlighting and preserving the colour tones through the use of a clear hardwax-oil.
Thermal Ash
Thermal Ash is the industry standard for thermal hardwoods, due to its strength, durability and smooth surface.
It is ideally suited for both exterior and interior surfaces.
Pair Thermal Ash with a UV protective oil when preservation of the deep colour tones is desired.
Thermal Oak
Thermal Oak is a durable and smooth hardwood, with a slightly lighter colour tone than Thermal Ash.
It is ideally suited for both exterior and interior surfaces.
When left unprotected to UV exposure, Thermal Oak will develop a silver patina much
faster than Thermal Ash. This makes it an ideal selection for a weathered design intent or accent walls.
Thermal Aspen
Thermal Aspen is a hardwood with workability similar to a softwood.
It’s warm, copper colour tone and knot-free grain pattern make it an excellent substitute for clear cedar.
It is ideally suited for soffits, porch ceilings and all interior surfaces.
Thermal Nordic Pine
Thermal Nordic Pine is a durable and versatile softwood.
It is ideally suited for both interior and exterior surfaces.
A more cost-effective option than hardwoods, it is an ideal selection when tight-sound knots are part of the design aesthetic.
A responsible alternative for the discerning owner.
The conventional selection for a premium architectural wood is often clear-grade cedar or western hemlock, both of which are logged from the diminishing old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest. Similarly, tropical hardwoods such as Ipe contribute to rainforest deforestation and lack transparency over logging practices.
We believe it’s essential to know where your material is sourced – which is why our thermal woods are produced exclusively from sustainably managed species that grow abundantly throughout North America.
Thermally Modified Ash vs. Ipe
Our Thermal Ash compares well to Ipe on many variables and also outperforms on others.
| First Head | Ipe | Thermal Ash |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Class 1 - 25+ Years | Class 1 - 25+ Years |
| Stability | Very stable, still prone to minor movement due to density. | Excellent stability |
| Workability | Extremely dense and hard – special cutting and drilling. | Medium density – still predrill, but easier to work with. |
| Weight | ~5lbs/BF | ~3lbs/BF – easier to handle. |
| Color | Dark brown to reddish hues with varied grain pattern; will silver if left untreated. | Rich, deep brown tones with uniform grain; will silver if left untreated. |
| Sustainability | Concerning sourcing from Brazil + long transport distances. | Sustainable sourcing in North America + chemical free process. |
