Mataverde Therma Wood Thermally Modified Wood Decking

What is Mataverde ThermaWood Decking?

The ThermaWood thermal modification process was developed to transform traditional native softwoods and hardwoods into higher performing thermally modified wood decking materials.

The ThermaWood thermal modification process is unique, because it is produced in an autoclave vacuum kiln, under pressure, at lower temperatures using no chemicals. Because the wood is thermally modified under pressure, at lower temperatures, the wood is less brittle than other thermally modified woods. In fact, thermally modified Hemlock is less brittle than the original wood. Why is this important?

About ThermaWood Western Hem-Fir (Hemlock) Decking

What is Western Hem-Fir?

Western Hemlock and Hem-Fir are abundant softwood species throughout the Pacific Northwest. Because they are so strong, they have been used as a structural lumber product for well over a century.

Not long ago, non-modified Western Hem-Fir was rarely used for decking and exterior woodworking. Why not? Because, like most other softwoods, non-modified Western Hemlock has lots of sugars, and is therefore not a very durable exterior wood. High sugar content in wood is a food source for both mold and insects. That's why non-treated and non-modified softwoods are so susceptible to rot and insect attack.

Why Use ThermaWood Decking?

ENERGY EFFICIENT PROCESS ": The patented ThermaWood autoclave kiln system operates under pressure, reducing energy consumption. This results in greater energy efficiency and cost savings, making it possible to produce a sustainable thermally modified wood decking material for your project.
HIGHER DURABILITY ": Conventional thermally modified wood methods produce decking materials with a Class 2 durability rating for pine, spruce, hemlock, and other softwoods. In contrast, Hemlock wood decking treated with the ThermaWood process achieves a Class 1 durability rating.
BETTER STABILITY ": All types of wood will undergo seasonal expansion and contraction due to variations in humidity and moisture content, particularly exterior woods, which are more exposed to environmental elements. ThermaWood thermally modified woods exhibit significantly greater stability compared to non-modified woods, expanding and contracting to a much lesser extent. Reduced wood movement translates to enhanced performance.

BETTER PERFORMANCE ": Typically, thermally modified woods tend to become more brittle. However, the ThermaWood thermal modification process is conducted at significantly lower temperatures by applying higher pressure. This distinctive approach reduces brittleness, minimizes checks, and largely prevents mechanical degradation of the wood. Thanks to this scientific method, the outcome is a superior performing thermally modified decking material.
LESS WASTE ": Due to the reduced splitting, checking, and brittleness of ThermaWood thermally modified wood decking, more material can be utilized. This leads to less defect cutting and waste on the job site, resulting in lower overall costs and faster completion.
LONGER LENGTHS": The vacuum kiln used in processing Mataverde ThermaWood Decking can handle boards up to 20' in length. This means longer length thermally modified decking boards are available than with other older thermally modified wood processes.

DOWNLOAD MATAVERDE THERMAWOOD HEM FIR BROCHURE

What is Thermally Modified Hemlock Decking?

Western Hemlock / Western Hem-Fir is an attractive softwood species. The thermal modification process removes the acids and sugars from the wood, significantly enhancing its resistance to rot, decay, and insects. The ThermaWood process takes this a step further by modifying the wood at lower temperatures and under pressure.

ThermaWood stays stronger structurally
ThermaWood Hemlock is less brittle
ThermaWood is exceptionally durable (Class 1 Durability)
Paintable and stainable
High grade material
Longer lengths of decking

Mataverde ThermaWood Hemlock thermally modified wood decking is beautiful, durable and works great in all climates by MataverdeDecking.com

Mataverde Therma Wood Hem-Fir Decking

Mataverde ThermaWood Hemlock Decking is a premium thermally modified decking material, ideal for use in exterior decking, siding, and trim applications. The thermal modification process is energy-efficient, resulting in reduced costs while enhancing both quality and performance.

This decking is available in 5/4 x 6 nominal dimensions, with lengths ranging from 8 to 20 feet, including both odd and even lengths, provided in random length tallies. The majority of the material falls within the 8 to 13-foot range, with 14 to 20-foot lengths available in limited quantities as stock permits.

Color and Graining of Mataverde ThermaWood Thermally Modified Hem Fir Decking

Before modification, Western Hemlock and Western Hem-Fir wood is very light toned, nearly whitish, with some light purple tones. Once the Hemlock is thermally modified, the colors are browner and richer. Mataverde ThermaWood Hemlock Decking looks a lot like Western Red Cedar - except without all the color variations you would expect to find in modern day cedar.

Here's an example of some typical color variations you will find with ThermaWood Western Hemlock. As you can see, the thermal modification creates a nice brown appearance.

Mataverde ThermaWood Hem Fir decking has warm natural colors and graining

Want to see for yourself?

VISIT THERMALLY MODIFIED DECK PROJECT PHOTO GALLERY HERE

Would you like to see an actual piece of ThermaWood Hem Fir decking? Request a sample today.

Grading for Mataverde ThermaWood Hem Fir (Hemlock) Decking

Mataverde A & Better Thermally Modified Hemlock is the top grade

With A & Better Hem Fir decking, the top end of the product is selected. Mataverde A & Better Hemlock has clear vertical grain and vertical grain appearance boards. Knots are minimal and limited to one side of the board only. There is limited mineral streaking. Mineral streaking is not a defect, it is a part of the characteristics of this wood species.

Thermally modified Hemlock A & Better grade with typical graining and appearance

Mataverde C & Better Thermally Modified Hemlock is the next best grade

The second best upper grade available is C & Better Hemlock. In this grade you can expect mostly mixed grain and flat sawn Hemlock boards. In this slightly more rustic grade of Hemlock or Hem Fir decking, you will see a fair amount of mineral streaking and some knots are allowed per board. Most of the knots are small and tight.

If you don't like the appearance of portions of particular boards, the solution is to defect-cut out that portion, and use the remaining pieces in your project.

Thermally modified Hemlock C & Better grade with typical graining and appearance

*Pro Tip - Always plan on ordering extra decking to cover your material needs for defect-cutting and trimming your decking boards. This will allow you to use the best boards and the best portions of each decking board to meet you or your clients' needs and expectations. Any extra materials may be saved on site as 'attic stock'. Keeping a small amount of attic stock is a great insurance policy in case they are ever needed in the future.

Installation, Care and Maintenance of Mataverde ThermaWood Decking

Installation

For residential projects like backyard decks, Install 5/4x6 ThermaWood decking at 16" on center. For commercial projects, install Mataverde ThermaWood Hemlock Decking at 16" O.C. or less. If installing the decking diagonally, use joist spacing no greater than 12" O.C. Use stainless steel screws or stainless steel nails. Pre-drilling is a good option to consider to minimize the potential for splitting or cracking, especially when using nails to fasten the deck boards to the joists.

Finishing

If you would like to maintain the 'like-new' look of of your modified wood decking, use a high quality oil based finish with a UV inhibitor for best results. This will help the decking boards season properly and minimize surface checking, especially during the first year. Water based finishes are not recommended.

ThermaWood Hemlock decking weathering to a silvery gray patina on dock

Care and Maintenance

Like any deck boards, an annual cleaning is recommended for best looks and performance. Do not use a pressure washer, bleach or harsh chemicals for cleaning your Mataverde ThermaWood decking. A biodegradable cleaner, such as Penofin Pro-Tech Cleaner, or similar product, works well.

After the first year, refinishing your decking is optional. If you would like to maintain the 'like new wood' look, by all means, please refinish your decking. Or if you prefer to allow your decking to naturally weather to a silvery gray patina, that's another, lower maintenance option.

DOWNLOAD MATAVERDE THERMAWOOD DECKING INSTALLATION, CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

Can't decide how to refinish your decking?

Download the "How Woods Weather Guide" for ideas.