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ThermoWood Charred / Burnt Timber Cladding
Our ThermoChar range follows a specialist and bespoke process. QTD are the only UK producers of Charring Thermally Modified Hardwood and Softwood.
For centuries the Japanese perfected the art of charring/burning wood to make the wood resistant to fire, rot, insects and the UV effects from the sun. The process of charring/burning the outer surface brings out the richness of the different wood species grain structure. Therefore, varying the intensity of the burning process produces different finishes.
After coming across a burnt-out barn on a family holiday in the West Country In 2012, we loved the charred effect. We spent many years of experimenting and testing this process using 15 different species of wood. With the intention to create an interesting new range, we left the wood’s to age and weather over several seasons to see how they would perform in our UK climate. We subsequently too the lessons learnt and introduced into the marker our unique ThermoChar collection.
This labour intensive and dangerous process takes previously Thermally Modified hardwoods and softwoods produced at our factory and then charring/burning the outer surface in a variety of ways. Therefore, this process makes the boards far more fire resistant than standard charred/burnt timbers such as larch and cedar etc.
Our ThermoChar® collection is sealed using our specially formulated: QFlex® - A flexible, UV, Sealer.
Only Heavy charring becomes UV resistant to fading.
What are the benefits of charring Thermally Modified Timber?
The benefit of Thermally Modified wood (ThermoWood) is that all the resins, sugars and tannin’s that are normally present in timbers like larch and cedar have been removed. With this in mind, by applying the additional process of charring/burning the surface, the result is a much improved charred surface. Overall, eliminating the risks of the timber igniting when exposed to sparks or flames. Only Heavy charring becomes UV resistant to fading. If the surface is chipped or damaged it does not expose the natural parts of the timber that may lead to surface peel or potential decay and minimal on going maintenance is required.
All things considered, these days the primary use is for aesthetics and improved performance in exterior applications.
Please note: The charring/burning process is not an exact science and therefore there will be slight surface burn variations throughout the board length which adds to the unique charring/burning characteristics of each board and species. In fact, ThermoWood is 30% more fire resistant than regular wood. Also bear in mind that the softwood char on Pine and Ayous is more delicate than the hardwood Ash and should be handled with more care prior and during installation to prevent any compromising of the surface finish. All delivered material have a protection layer between the boards, this should be utilised onsite until and during installation. Stacking and carrying several boards will rub the surface together and may compromise the finish. The timber itself will be unaffected in terms of durability.
What ThermoWood species are available charred?
Species currently available: ThermoWood Pine Softwood, ThermoWood Ash Hardwood, ThermoWood Tulip Hardwood, are available in the charred collection. However, other species will come online soon once fully tested.
Safe.
ThermoWood is 30% more fire resistant than regular wood.
Combined with the charring/burnt process the boards become highly fire resistant.
Wildfire
ThermoWood Pine Charred Cladding (Knotty) - Light
Weathered Rustic
ThermoWood Pine Charred Cladding (Knotty) - Heavy
Crazy Crackle
ThermoWood Pine Charred Cladding (Clear Grade) - Heavy
Tiger-Lite
ThermoWood Ash Charred Cladding - Light
Ebony
ThermoWood Ash Charred Cladding - Medium
Snake-Skin
ThermoWood Ash Charred Cladding - Heavy
Brushed
ThermoWood Tulip Charred Cladding - Medium Brushed
Little/no Maintenance
High Stability
High Quality
Ecological
Easy Installation
Highly Durable
What is ThermoWood?
ThermoWood is a thermal modification procedure that preserves wood in its most natural and flawless state for a life-long journey. The “ThermoWood method” involves a carefully computer controlled heat and steam process up to 210 degrees C.
Besides the preservation, the ThermoWood process also causes certain chemical changes in wood. Not only does the colour darken but the stability, decay resistance and insulation properties are largely increased after the process is complete.
The ThermoWood method, brand, and logo can only by the used by members of the International ThermoWood Association.
"CLICK TO LEARN MORE ON WHY THERMOWOOD IS PERFECT FOR THE UK CLIMATE and steal all our helpful hints on installation"
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