Radiata Pine

Radiata Pine is the new and innovative choice for wood applications. Our product begins its life as clear moulding grade Radiata Pine, all sourced exclusively from FSC certified tree plantations. Then, with the help of a cutting edge technology known as Thermal Modification, our raw lumber is brought to extremely high temperatures in order to improve the wood on a molecular level. The end result is a product that is more durable, straighter and lighter than unmodified wood. Aesthetically the wood is darkened in color, which brings a revered tropical appearance not unlike exotic hardwoods. All of these benefits are achieved without the use of any chemicals, only heat, steam and water.

The Process

Developed in Finland, and successfully used commercially in Europe since the 1990’s, Thermal Modification is a chemical free method of heat treating wood with nothing more than steam and high temperatures in order to increase the woods water repellency, insect and rot resistance and dimensional stability.

Our process begins with the harvesting of moulding grade raw lumber, all of which is sourced exclusively from FSC certified plantation grown Radiata Pine. After our lumber has been harvested and thoroughly graded for any defects it is moved to a specially designed kiln where it will begin the three phase process of Thermal Modification.

Once inside the kiln, temperatures steadily increase to around 500°F, effectively dropping the woods moisture content to nearly zero. It is at these high temperatures that the chemical and structural changes occur in the wood that make it more dimensionally stable, as well as insect and rot resistant.

Once modified, steam is introduced into the kiln in order to recondition the wood by returning its moisture content to between 6-7%. The entire process takes approximately 65 hours and doesn’t allow for any shortcuts.

Next, the Thermally Modified wood is transported from the kilns to our solar powered milling facility in California, where it will be manufactured into a number of different products for interior or exterior use.