Timberline of NZ have partnered with Thermory of Europe to bring NZ a range of beautiful thermally modified timbers that not only look stunning but are also stable and durable without the need for harmful chemicals. The other hidden benefit of thermal modification is the change in colour of the wood. Ash changes from a light tan to a gorgeous dark chocolate brown which enhances its truly distinct grain structure. It really is a fantastic looking product. For the more budget conscious, the Thermory Nordic Pine offers a more economic and certainly sustainable alternative to Canadian cedar. Timberline can offer any of the standard NZ exterior cladding and decking profiles and interior profiles in both Thermory Ash and Thermory Nordic Pine.

Thermory Nordic Pine and Thermory Ash can be specified throughout NZ including our harshest environments like Central Otago where it is performing well. Timberline have obtained PASS Product Assurance certification for Thermory products that independently verifies the products are fit for purpose and meet the requirements of the NZBC.

In the past 10-15 years there has been a slow but steady movement in timber away from non-sustainable old growth timbers towards a new breed of sustainable high performance modified timbers that offer high levels of stability and durability without the need for harmful chemicals.

Although these technologies have been around since the 1990’s they have largely been commercialised in the past 10 years because of a growing awareness for the need to stop over- harvesting not only tropical hardwoods but also other high demand species like western red cedar. Overharvesting is not sustainable and leads to drops in quality and performance of the timber and is seen to be contributing towards climate change.

The most widely commercialised of these processes is thermal modification or TMT (thermally modified timber). The process involves heating the timber in a special kiln using heat and steam to temperatures in excess of 215 degrees whereby it becomes permanently modified and the resultant timber is effectively a new species exhibiting greatly improved stability and durability.

Not all timbers can be modified effectively but some are greatly enhanced and not only perform better but also look better. One of the first companies to commercialise TMT was Thermory of Europe who are recognised as a world leader in this field.

Timberline are part of Buildpro Group and one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers of sustainable wood products that not only look good but perform well and are eco-friendly.