What Thermal Modification Means for Your Next Project
A stronger, low-carbon, chemical-free wood.
Tired of compromising on exterior wood?
Specifying wood for outdoor use is a constant tradeoff:
Cedar looks classic, but it warps.
Pressure-treated lasts, but it’s toxic.
Ipe looks beautiful, but it’s unsustainable.
Thermal modification gives you the best of all worlds:
Durability, beauty, and environmental responsibility (all without chemicals).
At Cambium, we use thermal modification to unlock the full potential of our salvaged wood, transforming underutilized species into long-lasting, high-performance
Carbon Smart™ Wood products.
Project in Maryland. Thermal Oak Deck.
Thermal Modification: Wood, Heat, and Time
At its core, thermal modification means wood is treated with heat, not chemicals, to make it stronger, more stable, and more durable.
This process works by heating the wood in an oxygen-free environment—often with steam—at temperatures ranging from 160°C to 215°C. This controlled environment breaks down sugars in the wood that would normally feed decay and insects and reduces its moisture content to nearly zero.
No chemicals, no coatings—just wood, heat, and time.
Thermal modification takes domestic wood that might not
normally be suited for outdoor use—and makes it tough enough to
handle siding, decking, fencing, and more.
Project in Virginia. Thermal Oak for decking, siding, and fencing.
Why Builders, Architects, and Designers Trust Thermally Modified Wood
Thermal modification changes the wood from the inside out—unlocking benefits that matter in real-world applications:
It lasts longer. The wood can naturally resist the elements with no sugars left to feed rot, decay, or insects.
It stays in place. Reduced moisture absorption means wood is less likely to warp, cup, or swell.
It looks beautiful. The heat treatment deepens the wood’s natural color, producing rich, even tones that resemble tropical hardwoods.
It performs outdoors. The combination of stability and durability makes it ideal for exterior applications like cladding, decking, fencing, and siding.
For architects → It’s a material that specs well and holds up.
For builders → It means fewer callbacks and maintenance issues.
For clients → It’s sustainable, non-toxic, and built to last.
A Smarter Use of Local Wood
At Cambium, we don’t just believe in using better wood. We believe in starting at the source.
Our Carbon Smart™ Wood, is made from salvaged trees – local wood that would otherwise go to waste or be underutilized. Thermal modification allows us to transform overlooked species—like ash, red oak, and soft maple—and give them a second life as durable, outdoor-grade materials.
In doing so, we avoid importing tropical hardwoods like ipe or teak, reducing deforestation and long-distance emissions. The end result is a product that performs like premium wood but comes with a smaller environmental footprint—and a traceable story.
Thermal modification is more than just a performance upgrade. It allows us to:
🔁 Upcycle salvaged, underused species into high-performance materials
🌳 Avoid deforestation by replacing tropical hardwoods with local alternative
📦 Deliver traceable, low-carbon wood that performs in real-world projects
🚫 Skip the chemicals and still meet demanding durability requirements
We don’t have to cut into rainforests to deliver strength, beauty, or resilience, and you don’t have to sacrifice performance to prioritize sustainability.
With Carbon Smart™ Wood, you get both.
Ready to Build Smarter With Thermally Modified Wood?
Thermal modification allows us to turn salvaged local wood into something better:
Wood that is durable, chemical-free, low-carbon, and built to last.
If you’re specifying materials for cladding, decking, fencing, or siding—and want something that performs without compromise— Thermally modified Carbon Smart™ Wood delivers.
We can help you choose the right species, finish, and profile for your project. Fill out the form below to get started.
☀️ If you’re considering Thermal Oak, we’re running a limited summer offer—check it out .
