Is Thermally Modified Wood Siding Better Than Cedar or Redwood?

Would you be interested in wood siding that’s been given superpowers? Right now, many home builders and designers are looking for readily available, budget friendly wood siding materials that rival Western Red Cedar and Redwood in color and beauty.

Thermally modified lumber as siding material looks fantastic on this lodge style home.

If this sounds like you, thermally modified wood can meet design needs, inventory needs, and budget. Check out these comparisons, pictures, and resources that can help you decide.

You are probably familiar with popular types of softwood siding material like Redwood and Western Red Cedar. Architects and home designers specify these wood sidings in their design for their how attractive they are.

But - they come with higher prices and are not always available when you need them. 

Thermally Modified Hemlock siding shown with horizontal rainscreen installation

Not all heroes wear capes. There is another amazing wood siding option:  Thermally Modified American Ash or Hemlock wood. These siding materials can easily meet (and exceed!) your cedar or redwood project criteria in looks, style, and budget. Plus, several other benefits that may surprise you!

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get even more information on wood siding in our free download here.

What is Thermally Modified Wood Siding?

A public area showcases the thermally modified wood siding used in a commercial application

Thermal modification is a scientific process that kind of “superpowers” the wood at the cellular level and make it a better and stronger exterior material than the original. (No radioactive spiders required!)

The result is high performing wood siding material frequently chosen for commercial and residential projects. Especially when it is important to stay on budget without compromisng strength.

RELATED: Learn More about Thermally Modified Wood Siding Materials

Recent price increases made Thermally Modified Wood a frequently chosen wood siding option.  

Free download: The Ultimate Guide to Selecting The Right Rainscreen Siding, click here. 

Why Should I Use Thermally Modified Wood Siding? 

With great modification comes great responsibility. The thermal process significantly increases the durability and decay resistance of Ash and Hemlock. Why is this important for your project? Thermally modified Ash and Hemlock:

• compares favorably in appearance for designs calling for Western Red Cedar, Redwood, and other softwoods.
• have lower upfront investments.
• are more readily available for your project.
• have an impressive increase in moisture, mold, and rot resistance.
• have had the sugars "cooked out" so are less tempting and very resistant to insect damage.
• are less brittle after thermal modification than kiln-dried, easier to work with, and therefore saves time on site.
  
  

Thermally modified wood siding has low maintenance needs and can stand up to all weather types of weather

RELATED: What Is Thermally Modified Wood Siding?

• are exceptionally stable with lower expansion and contraction than non-modified softwoods.
• are very low maintenance and have a higher lifecycle return on investment than Cedar and Redwood.
• boast rich, darkened grain patterns from the heat process that makes it beautiful and distinctive.
• can be installed with a tongue and groove profile or, for a healthier exterior and more design options,
  use a Climate-Shield Wood Rainscreen Siding System profile.
• are sustainably harvested.
• are non-toxic to the environment, humans, and pets.

RELATED: 4 Things You Should Know About Thermally Modified Wood Siding

RELATED: "How Do Exterior Woods Weather?"

SEE: COMPARE KILN DRIED HEMLOCK TO THERMALLY MODIFIED HEMLOCK SIDING

DOWNLOAD THIS COMPARISON CHART HERE

ThermaWood Hem-Fir Wood Siding Material

ThermaWood Hem Fir siding chosen for this custom wood rainscreen system installation. 

RELATED: Compare Western Red Cedar Siding to Therma Wood Hem-Fir Siding

ThermaWood Hem-Fir Wood Siding Material:

• Looks very much like “old growth” clear Western Red Cedar, so rarely found now.
• Light to medium brown color range and grain pattern.
• Color can be preserved with an oil-based finish, or it can be allowed to weather to silver
• gray.
• Can be stained for more color options.
• Also available with fire resistant treatment to meet California fire codes.
  
  

Close up example photo of Therma Wood Hem Fir Siding colors and grain pattern

RELATED: Learn more about Fire Resistant ThermaWood Siding

RELATED: Request a Free ThermaWood Rainscreen Siding Sample

The free Ultimate Guide to Rainscreen Wood Siding can answer your questions

about siding materials and rainscreen installation. 

Thermowood American Ash Siding

Thermowood exterior wood siding material was essential to designing this stunning four season room with outdoor exposure, including the ceiling and decking.  

RELATED: See the Thermowood Siding Project Photo Gallery

• North American hardwood species
• Medium to dark chocolate brown color range and grain pattern
• Color can be preserved with an oil-based finish, or it can be allowed to weather to silver gray.

Close up example photo of Thermowood Ash Wood Siding colors and grain pattern

RELATED: Request a Thermowood Rainscreen Siding Sample

Have these resources given you a new option to consider? We hope so. If we can help answer any questions or offer a price quote, contact our team. We are happy to help. 

Grab your free copy of the Ultimate Guide to Wood Rainscreen Siding before you go.