Modified timber compared
Our modified timber range: Lunawood, Thermory, Abodo, Accoya, Kebony and Thermowood
Modified timber is wood that has been permanently changed, by heat, by acetylation or by furfurylation, so that it is more stable and more durable than the species it started as. Different processes give different looks and performance, so the right choice depends on your design, budget and exposure.
We can supply the main modified timber systems used in UK cladding and decking. This page explains how each one is made and how to choose. For current availability, profiles and pricing, contact our team or ask for free samples.
Three ways to modify timber
| Process | How it works | Products in this range |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal modification | Heat and steam change the wood structure; nothing is added | Thermowood, thermally modified pine, spruce and ash, Abodo Vulcan |
| Acetylation | Acetic anhydride reacts with the wood so it absorbs far less water | Accoya Clear, Accoya Color Grey |
| Furfurylation | A bio-based liquid derived from agricultural waste is cured inside the wood | Kebony Clear, Kebony Character |
Abodo Vulcan: thermally modified radiata pine
Abodo Vulcan is a thermally modified radiata pine from certified New Zealand plantations, cut for vertical grain so the boards are knot-free and very stable. It is modified with heat and steam only, with no chemical preservatives.
- Look: refined straight grain with a deep, even brown that silvers outdoors if left uncoated.
- Stability: vertical grain orientation and thermal modification make wide boards possible without the usual risk of warping.
- Finishes: can be left natural or supplied with factory-applied oils or protective coatings, in a range of surface textures.
- Profiles: shadow gap, rainscreen and board-on-board are typical. Ask us about sizes and bespoke milling.
Accoya: Clear and Color Grey
Accoya is acetylated radiata pine, known for outstanding dimensional stability and a very long service life. It is offered in two looks.
- Accoya Clear: the natural pale timber. Leave it unfinished and it weathers to an attractive silver-grey, or coat it to keep the original colour. It is the most flexible choice for painting, staining and charring.
- Accoya Color Grey: a through-coloured grey finish from day one, giving the weathered look immediately and with minimal maintenance. Choose it when you want a consistent grey from the start and do not want to wait for natural weathering.
Accoya suits cladding, decking, joinery and wet or demanding locations. See our Accoya page for products and profiles.
Kebony: Clear and Character
Kebony is softwood that has been impregnated with bio-based furfuryl alcohol and cured, giving a hard, dense timber with the look of a premium tropical hardwood. It starts a rich dark brown and gradually silvers outdoors. It comes in two grades.
- Kebony Clear: a neat, knot-free grade with a subtle grain. Because it is modified throughout the board, it can be machined further, which makes it popular for refined cladding and decking.
- Kebony Character: a grade that keeps natural knots and organic variation for a more rustic, characterful look. It should not be re-machined or split after modification because that would expose untreated core, and cut ends should be treated.
Check the current specification with us for species and sizes, since these can vary by market.
Thermally modified brands: Lunawood, Thermory and Abodo
Thermally modified timber is made by several producers, each with its own species, grades and profiles. We can quote the main brands used in UK cladding, decking and sauna projects.
| Brand | What it is | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Lunawood | Finnish thermally modified pine, spruce and ash made to the ThermoWood® standard | Cladding, decking, sauna and interior panelling |
| Thermory | Estonian thermally modified ash, pine, spruce and aspen, including benchmark and sauna grades | Cladding, decking and sauna interiors |
| Abodo Vulcan | Thermally modified, vertical-grain radiata pine from New Zealand | Premium cladding with wide, stable boards |
Species, grades and profiles vary by brand and change with stock, so ask us for current availability and prices, or request free samples to compare them side by side.
Thermowood and thermally modified timber
Thermowood and other thermally modified timber, in pine, spruce and ash, are the most economical route into modified timber and the traditional choice for saunas. See our thermally modified cladding and sauna guides for detail.
Which one should I choose?
| If you want | Consider |
|---|---|
| Best value modified cladding | Thermowood (pine or spruce, Class D), such as Lunawood or Thermory |
| Premium, very stable, wide boards | Abodo Vulcan |
| Maximum service life and finish flexibility | Accoya Clear |
| A grey facade from day one with low maintenance | Accoya Color Grey |
| A refined, dark, hard-wearing finish | Kebony Clear |
| A more rustic look with natural knots | Kebony Character |
| A sauna interior | Thermally modified aspen, alder, pine or ash |
| A dramatic black charred look | Charred larch, Accoya or thermally modified timber |
Shop and specify
Frequently asked questions
Talk to our timber team
Tell us about your project and we will recommend the right species, profile, finish and fire performance. Free samples are available, and we can quote for bespoke milling.