Board · 19–32 mm
Timber — indicative fig. O·15
Fire Combustible CombustibleEmbodied carbon 0.29kgCO₂e/kg LowCompressive 20-45MPa StructuralDesign life 30yr
Chemical-free heat treatment (190-230 degC) modifying timber at cellular level. Reduces moisture uptake to 4-6% EMC, achieves Class 1-2 durability (EN 350), improves insulation by 20-25%. Trade-off: 10-30% strength reduction and increased brittleness. Available from Abodo, Lunawood, and Thermory in Australia.
01 Physical
Density 350-550kg/m3
Specific gravity 0.35-0.55
Porosity 4-6 (EMC)%
Water absorption 4-6 (EMC)%
Hardness 2.5-6.0kN
UV resistance Moderate (requires coating for colour retention)
Chemical resistance Good
pH tolerance 4-8pH
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 30-70MPa
Compressive strength 20-45MPa
Flexural strength 25-45MPa
Impact resistance 10-35J/m
Creep resistance Good (non-structural applications only)
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.06-0.10W/mK
Specific heat 1200-1700J/kgK
Thermal expansion 0.003-0.005mm/mK
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Combustible
Fire resistance level Not currently BAL-29 rated (softwood base)minutes
Ignition temp 300-420degC
Flame spread index 90-200FSI
Smoke dev. index 150-300SDI
Heat release rate 150-300kW/m2
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon 100-400 (before biogenic offset)kg CO2-eq/m3
Carbon footprint -50 to 200 (accounting dependent)kg CO2-eq/m3
Embodied energy 600-1200MJ/m3
Water footprint 40-120L/kg
Recyclability 95-100%
Recycled content 0%
Renewable content 100%
Circular score 8.5/10
VOC emissions <10ug/m3
Toxicity rating Non-toxic (thermal modification process itself)
LEED contribution 4-7points
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 30-50+years
Maintenance interval 5-15years
Warranty period 15-50years
Material cost (range) 130-250AUD/m2
Material cost (per unit) 5500-12000AUD/m3
Lead time 14-56days
Lifecycle cost 160-350AUD/m2
Annual maintenance 1-3AUD/m2/year
Market availability Good — multiple brands and national distribution
07 Assessment
Advantages
- 100% chemical-free — only heat and steam, no toxic treatments
- Class 1-2 durability (EN 350) from plantation softwood base
- Significantly improved dimensional stability — EMC reduced to 4-6%
- Enhanced natural decay and insect resistance
- 20-25% reduction in thermal conductivity — improved insulation
- Consistent darker brown colour throughout the board
- Maintains natural timber workability (with pre-drilling)
- Multiple species and brands available in Australia
- FSC-certified plantation timber sources (Abodo, Lunawood)
- Abodo Vulcan: H3 LOSP termite treated for Australian conditions
Constraints
- Reduced mechanical strength — MOR decreases 10-50%, impact strength significantly reduced
- Increased brittleness — pre-drilling mandatory, care with impact tools
- NOT suitable for structural/load-bearing applications
- Checking and surface cracking can occur (especially in exposed applications)
- Greys/silvers when exposed to UV (like all timber) — requires coating or acceptance
- Imported products — Abodo from NZ, Lunawood from Finland, Thermory from Estonia
- Premium pricing over untreated timber ($130-250+ AUD/m2)
- Softwood base species — lower hardness than Australian hardwoods
08 Applications
A1 External cladding and facade systems Primary application — shiplap, channel, and board-on-board cladding with enhanced durability
A2 Window and door components Dimensionally stable frames and surrounds with improved insulation properties
A3 Decking and outdoor structures Outdoor decking where moisture resistance is critical (Ash species preferred for hardness)
A4 Interior millwork and paneling Interior feature walls and panelling using Thermo-S class treatment
A5 Bathroom and wet area applications Wall linings and vanities in high-moisture environments
A6 Garden and landscape architecture Fencing, screening, and garden structures with chemical-free durability
A7 Screening and privacy battens Square and rectangular battens for screening, louvres, and privacy applications
A8 Commercial and residential millwork Premium facades and interior finishes for commercial and residential projects
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.