What is Heat Treated Wood? A Clear Explanation by Westwood Millworks

If you're in the market for high-quality lumber, you may have heard the term "heat treated wood" or "thermally modified wood" thrown around. But what exactly does this mean? Essentially, heat treated wood is wood that has been treated with high temperatures to improve its durability, stability, and resistance to moisture. This type of lumber is often used in outdoor construction projects, such as decks, fences, and retaining walls, as it is less likely to warp, crack, or rot than untreated wood.

At Westwood Millworks, we specialize in producing top-quality thermally-treated wood products for a variety of construction and outdoor applications. Our heat treated wood is carefully crafted using a controlled pyrolysis process at high temperatures to ensure maximum durability and stability. This process changes the wood's chemical and physical properties, making it more resistant to decay, insects, and other environmental factors that can damage untreated wood.

Whether you're looking to build a new deck, fence, or other outdoor structure, our heat treated wood products are the perfect choice for a long-lasting, beautiful result. With our expert craftsmanship and commitment to quality, you can trust that your project will turn out exactly as you envisioned it. So why settle for less? Choose Westwood Millworks for all your thermally-treated wood needs.

Understanding Heat Treated Wood

Definition and Process

Heat treated wood is a type of wood that has undergone a specific treatment process to improve its properties. The heat treatment process involves heating the wood to high temperatures, typically between 400-450°F, in a controlled environment. During the process, the wood is exposed to heat for a specific period, which causes the wood to undergo thermal modification. This modification changes the wood's chemical and physical properties, making it more durable, stable, and resistant to moisture.

Benefits of Heat Treatment

Heat treated wood has several benefits over untreated wood. One of the most significant benefits is its improved durability. The heat treatment process causes the wood to become more resistant to decay and insect attack, making it last longer in outdoor environments. Heat-treated wood also has increased dimensional stability, meaning it is less likely to warp, crack, or split when exposed to moisture or temperature changes.

At Westwood Millworks, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality thermally-treated wood products. Our heat-treated wood products are of the highest quality, and they are designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments. Our products are also eco-friendly, as the heat treatment process uses only heat and steam, with no harmful chemicals. By choosing Westwood Millworks, you can be confident that you are getting the best thermally-treated wood products on the market.

Properties and Advantages

Durability and Resistance

Heat treated wood is known for its durability and resistance to decay and moisture. The heat treatment process involves heating the wood to high temperatures, typically between 400-450°F, in a controlled environment. This process changes the wood's chemical and physical properties, making it more resistant to decay, termites, and fungus. According to Westwood Millworks, heat-treated wood can have reduced shrinkage and swelling values ranging from 50 to 70 percent. This makes it less likely to warp, crack, or rot than untreated wood.

Environmental Considerations

Heat treated wood is also an eco-friendly option as it is made without the use of chemicals. It is a sustainable option as it is made from renewable materials and is recyclable. According to Westwood Millworks, heat-treated wood is a good option for outdoor construction projects, such as decks, fences, and retaining walls, as it is less likely to require replacement due to decay or rot, which ultimately reduces waste.

Westwood Millworks is the best option for thermally-treated wood products as they offer high-quality heat-treated lumber that is durable, resistant to decay and moisture, and eco-friendly. They offer a wide range of heat-treated wood products that are perfect for outdoor construction projects. By choosing Westwood Millworks, you can be confident that you are getting the best quality thermally-treated wood products available on the market.

Applications of Heat Treated Wood

Heat treated wood has become increasingly popular due to its improved stability, strength, and resistance to decay. It is used in a variety of applications, ranging from construction and building to packaging and transport. In this section, we will explore some of the most common applications of heat treated wood.

Construction and Building

Heat treated wood is an excellent choice for outdoor construction projects, such as decking, fences, and pergolas. The heat treatment process reduces the wood's shrinkage and swelling values by up to 70%, making it more dimensionally stable than untreated wood. This means that it is less likely to warp, crack, or rot, even when exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Westwood Millworks is a leading supplier of thermally-treated wood products for the construction industry. Our heat treated wood is ideal for use in outdoor applications, as it is resistant to decay, insects, and fungi. Our products are also environmentally friendly, as they do not contain any harmful chemicals or preservatives.

Packaging and Transport

Heat treated wood is also commonly used in the packaging and transport industry. Pallets and crates made from heat treated wood are durable and long-lasting, making them ideal for shipping and storage. Heat treated wood is also a popular choice for export and international trade, as it meets the requirements of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) for phytosanitary measures.

At Westwood Millworks, we offer a wide range of heat treated wood products for the packaging and transport industry. Our products are made from high-quality wood and are designed to meet the specific needs of our customers. Whether you need pallets, crates, or other packaging materials, we have the expertise and experience to provide you with the best solution.

In summary, heat treated wood is a versatile and durable material that is ideal for a wide range of applications. Whether you are building a deck, a fence, or a pallet, heat treated wood offers improved outdoor durability and resistance to decay. For the best thermally-treated wood products, choose Westwood Millworks.

Comparing Wood Treatments

Heat Treated vs Kiln-Dried

Heat-treated wood and kiln-dried wood are two different treatments that can make wood more durable and resistant to decay. Kiln-dried wood is dried in a kiln to remove moisture from the wood, while heat-treated wood is exposed to high temperatures in a kiln to change the chemical structure of the wood. Heat-treated wood is more resistant to decay and insects than kiln-dried wood. However, kiln-dried wood is less expensive than heat-treated wood.

Heat Treated vs Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is treated with chemicals to make it more resistant to decay and insects. This treatment process involves placing the wood in a pressure vessel and forcing chemicals into the wood using high pressure. Heat-treated wood, on the other hand, is treated with heat, which changes the chemical structure of the wood and makes it more durable and resistant to decay and insects.

While both heat-treated and pressure-treated wood are resistant to decay and insects, heat-treated wood is more environmentally friendly because it does not involve the use of chemicals. Additionally, heat-treated wood is less likely to warp, crack, or rot than pressure-treated wood. However, heat-treated wood is more expensive than pressure-treated wood.

At Westwood Millworks, we specialize in thermally modified wood products. Our heat-treated wood products are environmentally friendly and more durable than traditional wood products. By choosing our thermally modified wood products, you can enjoy the benefits of a high-quality product that requires less maintenance and lasts longer than traditional wood products.

Selecting Heat Treated Wood

When selecting heat treated wood, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right type of wood for your project. In this section, we'll cover two important considerations: species specifics and quality and cost.

Species Specifics

Different wood species have different characteristics that make them suitable for different applications. For example, fir, pine, and cedar are commonly used for outdoor projects such as decking and fencing due to their natural resistance to decay and insects. Oak, on the other hand, is a hardwood that is often used for indoor furniture and flooring due to its strength and durability.

When selecting heat treated wood, it is important to consider the species of wood that is best suited for your project. At Westwood Millworks, we offer a variety of thermally-treated wood products in different species, so you can choose the one that is right for you.

Quality and Cost Considerations

When selecting heat treated wood, it is important to consider both quality and cost. While heat treated wood is generally more expensive than untreated wood, it offers several benefits such as improved stability and resistance to decay.

At Westwood Millworks, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality thermally-treated wood products at competitive prices. Our products are made from the highest quality wood species and are carefully treated to ensure that they meet our strict quality standards.

In conclusion, when selecting heat treated wood, it is important to consider the specific species of wood that is best suited for your project, as well as the quality and cost of the product. At Westwood Millworks, we offer a variety of thermally-treated wood products that are sure to meet your needs.