Has anyone tried those thermally modified woods? Curious if they actually hold up or if it’s just another trend.
Thermally modified wood’s been getting a lot of buzz lately, and I’ve had a few clients go that route for decks and cladding. Here’s what I’ve seen: the process basically bakes the wood at high temps (no chemicals), which changes the cell structure so it resists rot and bugs better. It also gets a bit darker, which some folks love, others not so much.
If you’re thinking about longevity, it’s definitely a step up from most untreated softwoods. I’ve seen ash and pine hold up surprisingly well after a few years—no peeling or weird warping like some of those “eco” composite sidings. That said, it’s not bulletproof. You still need to pay attention to installation details: proper ventilation behind the boards, good flashing, and sealing any cut ends. Skip those steps and even the best material will let you down.
One thing to watch out for is movement—thermally modified wood can be more brittle than regular lumber, so pre-drilling fasteners is key. Also, it’ll gray out over time unless you oil it regularly, kind of like your reclaimed cedar. Some people dig that weathered look; others want to keep it fresh.
I get what you mean about “eco” labels feeling like marketing sometimes. There are products out there that talk a big game but don’t last through a single winter. Thermally modified woods aren’t perfect, but in my experience they’re not just hype either—if you install them right and know what to expect, they can be a solid choice.
If you’re happy with how your cedar’s aging, though, hard to beat that classic look... plus there’s something satisfying about using reclaimed stuff that already proved itself once.
You still need to pay attention to installation details: proper ventilation behind the boards, good flashing, and sealing any cut ends.
If you’re on a budget like me, here’s how I made thermally modified pine work for my tiny balcony: 1) bought offcuts from a local supplier (way cheaper), 2) sealed every end with leftover deck oil, and 3) used hidden fasteners—took longer but looks cool. It’s holding up after two winters. Not as cheap as reclaimed, but less maintenance than regular pine. If you’re creative with sourcing and don’t mind a little DIY, it’s doable without breaking the bank.
Title: Building A Greener City, One Quirky Apartment At A Time
That’s some resourceful thinking—love how you made it work with offcuts and leftover oil. Honestly, thermally modified pine is underrated for small projects like this. It’s not always the cheapest up front, but the lower maintenance pays off. Hidden fasteners are a pain, but they really do look sharp. Sometimes a little extra effort goes a long way toward sustainability.
You nailed it with the thermally modified pine—honestly, it’s one of those materials people overlook until they see how little upkeep it needs. I’ve used it for a few balcony decks and, yeah, the initial price stings a bit, but you barely have to touch it after install. Hidden fasteners are a hassle (dropped more than a few screws down vents myself), but the finished look is worth the headache. Love seeing folks get creative with offcuts too... waste less, save more, right?
Building A Greener City, One Quirky Apartment At A Time
Love seeing folks get creative with offcuts too... waste less, save more, right?
That’s the bit that always gets me thinking—how much material just ends up in a landfill because nobody wants to bother with the “scraps”? I’ve seen some wild stuff done with leftover thermally modified pine. One project, a small infill apartment block, had these benches and planters made entirely from deck offcuts. Looked sharp and honestly felt like a better use of the wood than some of the main cladding.
But I keep circling back to the cost vs. maintenance question. You mentioned the initial price stings—do you think it really balances out over, say, 10-15 years? I’ve had property managers push back on upfront costs, even when I try to show them the long-term savings on maintenance and replacement. Is it just sticker shock, or is there something else at play? Maybe it’s just hard for people to see past year one on a spreadsheet.
Hidden fasteners are another thing I wrestle with. They look great, but man, installation can be a pain—especially if you’re working with crews who haven’t used them before. Ever had issues with movement or warping over time? I’ve heard mixed things about how thermally modified pine holds up in really exposed spots (think rooftop decks). Some swear by it, others say it still cups a bit if you don’t get airflow right underneath.
Curious if anyone’s tried mixing thermally modified pine with other reclaimed materials? I’m always looking for ways to push projects greener without blowing budgets out of the water. Sometimes feels like there’s this sweet spot between durability and sustainability that’s just out of reach... but maybe that’s half the fun of experimenting.
