Installation Guide

Thermo-Treated Wood –
is a Real Wood
- Cut it, sand it, nail it, drill it, paint
or stain it as you would practically
any standard-grade lumber
- Enjoy a beautiful color and grater
workability of TTW
A unique thermal-modification process applied to lumber turns wood into a durable
and beautifully looking product without any chemicals. The changes happen on the
molecular level, but physically it is the same specie of wood. You can use Thermo-
Treated Wood (TTW) like you would regular, non-treated wood. Cut it, sand it, nail it,
drill it, paint or stain it as you would practically any standard-grade lumber, using the
same standard tools. TTW is drier (4% EMC), lighter in weight and a little more
brittle than non-treated wood. Unlike other exterior products, TTW is evenly modified
throughout so you are assured of the same performance and look from board center
to outside edge. No extraordinary care is needed after sawing and machining TTW -
its characteristics and color are consistent throughout the product.
Main features of TTW:
ü The thermo-modification increases durability of the wood 25 times on molecular
level, but it still needs the care and maintenance as other natural wood products
to keep its original performance.
ü We decreased shrinkage and swelling of TTW 5-15 times - it is still might be
moving slightly with relative humidity changes, but proper oiling is eliminating this.
ü The color of TTW has a beautiful brown exotic-like tint. As any natural material
TTW will fade under the direct sunlight, but proper oiling with UV protection will
keep its original color. Color changing is not reflecting on durability of TTW.
Structural Applications
of Thermo-Treated Wood
- Not necessary to use TTW for
structural applications
Usually TTW is not necessary to use in applications, when you don’t see the beauty
of TTW. Also, due to decreased strength, the TTW is not used as joists, stringers,
beams, support posts, columns or other load-bearing applications. Decking made
with TTW must be supported by use of a code-compliant substructure (16” span for
¾” and 1” thick products, especially with JEM).
Generally, the strength of wood has strong correlation with density. TTW has 10-25%
lower weight and density compared to non-treated wood of the same specie, and
correlated lower strength values. The strength factor is decreased additionally in
darkest colors of TTW.
Ground contact and
termite resistance
- Allowed direct ground contact in
non-structural applications
- The termite resistance of TTW is
improved significantly
Direct ground contact is allowed for highest temperature treated material (darkest
colors), where structural performance is not critical and periodic drying of the
surfaces is allowed. This is especially apparent when the ground has good drainage
and is made up of sand. Also, due to bacteria in the air or dirt carried in the rain,
when TTW positioned near the ground, fungi can grow on the surface, as they grow
on any surface (even on stone). However, this is on the surface only and can be
removed by wiping or scraping. We recommend keeping thermo-treated products at
2” above grade.
The termite resistance of TTW is improved significantly.
Cu#ng&and&Drilling&
&
- Saws
- Drill Bits
Pay special attention to saw and tool coarseness/fineness to better improve the end
results. Saw speed will have an effect on the cut quality; generally, the higher the
saw power, the better the cut quality.
Radial and Table Chop saws – Use blades (10") with greater than 30-tooth carbide
tipped for optimal results.
Circular saws – For 7-1/4" circular saws, use a 36–40 tooth carbide tipped blade for
optimal results – fewer teeth will result in a coarse cut, especially at board ends.
Also, as with most wood products, be sure to use sharpened blades to ensure clean
cuts.
Hand saws – Standard wood handsaws also work well with TTW. Pay careful
attention to the saw tooth count and blade type for optimal cutting performance. Fine
tooth crosscut saws work best.
Drill Bits – Use standard wood-working bits; however, extra attention should be
taken when drilling near edges to avoid wood splitting. Using sharp bits and attention
to tool pressure will help improve end results. Coarse, flathead borer bits will tear
and split the wood; we recommend standard, round drill bits.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION FOR OUTDOOR
APPLICATIONS OF THERMO-TREATED WOOD