THERMOWOOD TECHNOLOGY
The Science of Sustainable Timber
Tantimber employs an advanced Thermal Modification Process to ensure products meet international standards for quality and endurance in various climate and weather conditions.
What is Thermowood?
Thermowood is a natural, chemical-free process that transforms softwoods and hardwoods into high-performance building materials. By heating timber to temperatures above 200°C in controlled chambers, we permanently enhance its properties.
The process releases relative humidity from the timber, resulting in products with exceptional moisture resistance, resistance to decay, and excellent dimensional stability, even when exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
Importantly, this natural process does not involve any chemicals, leaving no toxic residue on the final product and aligning with environmentally responsible practices.
200°C+
Treatment Temperature
Class 1-2
Durability Rating
100%
Chemical-Free
25+ Years
Expected Lifespan
THE SCIENCE
How Thermowood Works
Understanding the cellular transformation that makes Thermowood superior to conventionally dried timber.
Wood Before Drying
Due to the natural structure of wood, it contains H2O and OH groups throughout its cellular structure.
Conventional Drying
With conventional drying, the free water (H2O) in the wood is removed from the cell, but OH groups remain.
Thermowood Process
OH hydroxyl groups are removed from the wood by the Thermowood process (180-212°C), preventing moisture exchange and ensuring dimensional stability.
The thermal modification process permanently alters the wood's cellular structure, resulting in enhanced durability and stability.
THE PROCESS
How Thermowood is Made
The thermal modification process is conducted in specialized heating chambers, monitored by experienced specialists using advanced computer systems.
Moisture Reduction
Wood moisture content is carefully reduced to 0% over 38-76 hours in specialized heating chambers.
Thermal Modification
Temperature is raised above 200°C (392°F) to initiate permanent chemical and physical changes in the timber.
Controlled Reactions
Experienced specialists monitor and adjust parameters to achieve desired product characteristics.
Cooling & Steaming
Wood is cooled with steam to reach final moisture content of 4-7%, completing the transformation.
WHY THERMOWOOD
Advantages of Thermal Modification
The transformation of wood through thermal modification results in a range of advantageous changes to its physical and chemical properties.
Reduced Absorbency
Thermal modification markedly lowers wood absorbency, reducing swelling in moist conditions, ideal for outdoor use with varying weather conditions.
Dimensional Stability
Enhanced dimensional stability minimizes expansion and contraction due to environmental changes, helping maintain structural integrity.
Biological Resistance
Modification deters pests and microorganisms, enhancing wood's resistance to decay. This natural resilience reduces the need for toxic chemical treatments.
Heat & Sound Insulation
Superior heat and sound insulation properties compared to untreated wood, potentially enhancing energy efficiency and acoustic comfort.
Easy to Work With
With lower weight and density, thermally modified wood is easier to work with mechanically, simplifying construction and installation.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Beautiful, throughout penetrated colour that retains its attractive appearance over time with graceful aging.
Safe & Recyclable
Chemical-free process ensures safety, and products are fully recyclable with no hazardous substances at end of life.
25+ Year Lifespan
Extended lifespan with durability increased to a minimum of 25 years, ideal for demanding applications in harsh conditions.
BIOLOGICAL DURABILITY
Certified Performance
Tantimber Thermowood products are classified into Durability Class-1 and Durability Class-2, depending on the wood species, in accordance with European Norms CEN/TS 15679 and EN 350-2.
The high-temperature treatment effectively reduces moisture content to 4-7%, making products highly resistant to wood-decay organisms such as fungi, insects, and other pests.
Highest biological durability rating for ground contact and severe exposure applications.
High biological durability suitable for above-ground exterior applications.
OUR PARTNERS
Certified Excellence in Thermal Modification
AXIS partners exclusively with industry leaders to deliver thermally modified timber of the highest international standards.
Tantimber
Exclusive Manufacturing Partner
AXIS's exclusive partner for thermally modified timber production.
ThermoWood Association
Licensing Authority
International body licensing thermal modification standards.
Jartek
Technology Partner
Advanced Thermowood kilns and treatment line manufacturer.
Weinig
Profiling Partner
World-leading wood profiling machinery manufacturer.