®

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, Class 0 Fire-Rated Sealer.

​

​

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: that 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.

​

​

What ThermoWood species are avaliable charred? 

​

Species currently available: ThermoWood Pine Softwood, ThermoWood Ash Hardwood, ThermoWood Tulip Hardwood, ThermoWood Ayous 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.