Thermally modified wood is even better than ipe? – Here’s why

We’re really impressed with the thermally modified ash pavers we just installed at the Durst Organization’s 4 Times Square and 1133 Avenue of the Americas.

Thermal modification relies on super heating wood, like ash, in a low oxygen environment to transform the wood into a much tougher, more durable product. Perfect for decking, outdoor furniture and pavers, the treated wood outperforms untreated ash, with a much longer life (25 years), better fire safety rating, and is far more resistant to decay, warping and splintering.

It’s a very eco-friendly product- Sustainably harvested from North American forests, some of the material being used today is reclaimed and repurposed timber felled to help combat blight endangering ash trees.

Heated to temperatures in excess of 180 C, moisture, resins and other extractives are removed from the wood. A low oxygen environment prevents combustion, and the finished product is stronger, better suited to exterior applications and will develop a lustrous, rich patina.

Thermally modified decking and pavers perform as exotic hardwoods, but are ecologically sound, sustainably grown, and a great alternative to depleted stocks of hardwoods like ipe. Available in a variety of sizes as pavers and decking in dimensional lumber sizes.