Thermally modified wood

[flatrock58]

Does anyone know of a company in the Georgia area that will thermally modify your wood?  I know there are plenty that will sell you thermally modified wood but have not found one that takes your wood and treats it. 

[nativewolf]

Also interested. 

[thecfarm]

I had to google that one. Got it.  Interesting. Costly? But safer.

[flatrock58]

Thermally modified lumber is wood that has been through a natural, non-toxic process that "cooks" the wood, changing the make-up of the wood. Wood is heated in 400+ degree heat in an oxygen-free environment. Thermal modification uses heat to remove organic compounds from the wood cells, so it will not absorb water, expand, contract, or provide nourishment for insects or fungi.

[flatrock58]

 

 

Got a sample of thermally modified poplar.  It is dark all the way through the wood.  I could see this as siding.

[Southside]

Funny - I think I have actually made some of that without realizing it.  I have a bunch of stickers that were Poplar and have been through the kiln umpteen times, they are dark as walnut.  

[mike_belben]

Oxygen free as in they draw a vacuum or displace oxygen with some sort of gas or what?

[flatrock58]

I believe they use steam to keep combustion down.

[flatrock58]

Found a place near Macon Georgia that will treat your wood for .80 cents/bf.  Minimum of 4000 bf.  That is about half the price of yellow wood treated lumber.  Might need to get some wood cut and dried and try it out.