Thermally Modified Wood Decking

Ash Decking Pine Decking Appearance Options Installation Technical Resources

Introducing Arbor Wood™ Thermally Modified Wood Decking

Unmatched Durability & Natural Beauty

Arbor Wood is an eco-friendly alternate option to composite and synthetic decking, as well as chemically-treated or exotic hardwood decking materials. Thermally modified wood is less prone to water absorption, expansion, contraction, rot and decay. Native wood species that are not typically suitable for outdoor usage are able to perform admirably - with a long service life.

Arbor Wood Decking

Locally and sustainably harvested from American forests
White Ash and Southern Yellow Pine are both sourced from responsibly managed forests in the United States, offering a very low carbon footprint.
Enhanced durability
The Thermowood thermal modification changes the wood at the cellular level, and increases its resistance to rot, decay, and insects—similar to tropical hardwoods.
Improved dimensional stability
The process makes the wood quite resistant to water. This reduces the potential for warping, cupping, and makes it far more resistant to expansion and contraction.
Non-toxic and chemical-free
No preservatives are used in the thermal modification process, the treatment relies solely on heat and steam and a proven production process.
Richer color and appealing aesthetics
The process darkens the wood somewhat, providing a warm, more uniform color and appearance.
Low maintenance
Arbor Wood thermally modified decking can be left to naturally silver-gray or maintained with exterior oil for color retention. In either case, protecting the wood with an oil finish for the first season is considered a best practice.

Arbor Wood Ash Decking

Thermally modified American White Ash decking by Arbor Wood is sustainably harvested in American forests. Thermally modified Ash hardwood is considered the best option for hardwood decking. Its natural beauty, unique graining and rich brown tones are sought after by architects and design professionals. The Thermowood™ thermal modification ensures the durability, stability, and rot resistance of your decking project maintains its performance and lasting beauty for years to come.

Wood Species: North American White Ash

Grade: Premium Clear

Sizes: 5/4x4, 5/4x6, 1x6

Lengths: Random length, 5' through 12', odds and evens

Profile: S4S E4E (square with eased edges), Pre-Grooved

Warranty: 20 years

WUI Approved: Yes

Ideal Use: Residential or commercial decks, where beauty, lasting quality and sustainability are the top priorities.

Seeing is believing. See for yourself:

CHECK OUT THERMALLY MODIFIED DECKING PROJECT GALLERIES HERE

Learn more:

Arbor Wood Pine Decking

Arbor Wood thermally modified Southern Yellow Pine decking is domestically sourced and sustainably harvested in responsibly managed forests in the US. Southern Yellow Pine is an exceptionally hard softwood species. Well known for its unique graining, natural beauty, and exceptional strength, this product will ensure that your decking remains beautiful for many years to come. The patented Thermowood thermal modification process increases the stability, durability, insect and rot resistance, and helps minimize unwanted movement, warping and cupping in this durable wood species.

Wood Species: Southern Yellow Pine

Grade: C or Better Clear Arbor Wood thermally modified Southern Yellow Pine decking with oil finish

Sizes: 5/4x6 nominal (1" x 5-1/2" actual)

Lengths: 6' through 16', even lengths

Profile: S4S E4E (square with eased edges), Pre-Grooved

Warranty: 20 years

WUI Approved: Yes

Ideal Use: Residential or commercial decks, where beauty, lasting quality and sustainability are the top priorities.

Learn More:

Thermally Modified Wood Decking Appearance Options

What does Arbor Wood thermally modified wood decking look like as it ages? Arbor Wood is celebrated for its striking appearance, dimensional stability, and durability. The thermal modification process enhances the wood’s natural beauty, imparting richer, darker brown tones. However, as a natural wood product, thermally modified wood decking will weather over time when exposed to outdoor elements. You have options.

Arbor Wood decking can be treated with sealers and maintained as needed. Oil-based sealers, such as Penofin, are particularly effective for protecting your investment. If maintaining a “new wood look” is your goal, using an oil based sealer works great. Alternatively, if you prefer a natural “weathered wood” appearance, thermally modified decking can be left unfinished. Over time, it will develop a silvery-gray patina for a low-maintenance, natural wood aesthetic.

Here is an example of what to expect as your thermally modified ages throughout its life cycle.

Thermally Modified Wood Weathering Cycle explained:

An oil finish will darken the wood, blend the colors and help protect the product initially as it seasons. This is considered a best practice for exterior wood decking materials.
As the oil finish is exposed to the elements, the boards will lighten up quickly to their original unfinished appearance.
Within 6 months to a year or so, depending on the exposure, the wood will continue to lighten up, naturally.
At this point, you can recoat the decking with oil to restore it to the original look. ...OR...
Allow the material to continue to weather out to a silvery gray patina naturally for a low maintenance deck option.

For additional information please download "How Exterior Woods Weather".

How Will Exterior Woods Weather? DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE HERE

Installing Arbor Wood Thermally Modified Wood Decking

Arbor Wood decking is a natural wood product and most of the standard carpentry skills and techniques apply for a successful installation. There are a few nuances, though, that will help you achieve the best results. Please download and follow the Arbor Wood Decking Installation Guide before installing.