Rot resistant wood – choosing the best wood
Natural wood for both exterior and interior applications has become one of the most popular products for architects, designers and homeowners. Most who are investing in things like cladding, decking or fencing will acknowledge that their first preference is to use a natural wood product, rather than a laminate, plastic or other alternatives. Unfortunately, most traditional woods are subject to issues such as rotting if they are left untreated and exposed to the elements. This means that the wood must be constantly maintained, with scraping, painting, staining or waterproofing to help it last as long as possible. Labor intensive maintenance requirements is the number one reason why people may choose another material in place of wood. That’s why rot resistant wood, like Kebony is becoming so popular; this beautiful, natural wood will last for years without maintenance, allowing you to have your wood and enjoy it too.
Modified Wood
The key to understanding what makes wood rot resistant is to look at the modification process. Kebony’s unique modification process involves impregnating sustainable softwood species with furfuryl alcohol, a bio-based, non-toxic liquid.
The impregnated wood is then heat cured and dried, resulting in the wood cells becoming up to 50 percent thicker. This gives the sustainable wood the durability, strength and stability of premium tropical hardwood.
The Beauty of Rot Resistant Wood
The great part about modified, rot resistant wood is the fact that it’s still real wood. Modified wood achieves the highest levels of performance, while still giving users the rich, organic feel they’re looking for. Anyone looking for an environmentally friendly product, rich in beauty and character, will find there’s nothing that can quite match up to modified wood.
Long Term Durability
In addition to its beautiful appearance, modified, rot resistant wood is incredibly durable. With its superior hardness standard, it’s better equipped to handle wear over the years compared to treated and other wood types. Plus modified wood is highly resistant to decay, fungi, insects and other wood-destroying microorganisms. In fact, rot resistant, modified wood from Kebony is warranted against rot and other wood destroying organisms and conditions for 30 years when used in above-ground installations; most real wood products come with a much shorter warranty, if any at all.
Don’t Waste Time Maintaining
Rot resistant, modified wood is an incredibly low maintenance product. With its above average durability characteristics there’s no need to seal, and reseal, at any point. The modification process gives the wood a rich, dark brown color that will age gracefully over time as it’s exposed to elements, developing a natural silver-gray patina. This means that staining and painting are chores of the past and not necessary with this kind of wood. It’s beauty is only enhanced with age. The only maintenance is occasional cleaning, which can be carried out with ease, using just a brush and some water. No scrubbing, power washing or scraping is necessary to keep your wood looking good and performing great.
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly
Rot resistant, modified wood is also an environmentally friendly choice. Kebony, for example, is made from sustainable softwoods and harvested from FSC certified forests. The bio-based liquid that is used to modify the wood is also derived from natural sources, so there’s no VOCs, chemicals or other unhealthy issues surrounding the wood. Providing a safe, non-toxic space for you and the environment. In fact, Kebony is frequently used for kindergarten installations, because the material is so safe, sustainable and durable. Even in disposal, the wood can be treated exactly like regular, unmodified wood, so there are no concerns about leftover material.
Versatile Use
Modified wood can not only be used in the same applications as unmodified wood, it can even go a step beyond. Because the material is so durable and resistant to things like moisture, it can be used in areas where traditional wood may fail. This includes places such as pool decks, docks and boardwalks – even those areas that may see high traffic or commercial use. Also, no matter what climate or weather conditions your area is accustomed to, modified can handle it all. Kebony has been installed everywhere from in high altitude, snow covered mountains to hot and humid tropical destinations. It’s durability and versatility truly make it the ideal choice for any home or business wanting the natural look and feel of real wood.
Consider Rot Resistant Wood
Rot resistant, modified wood allows you to have the beauty and sustainability of real wood, but without the maintenance or worry. Completely safe and non-toxic, modified wood can be used anywhere in and around your home or commercial property. Consider using rot resistant wood, like Kebony, for your next project to get the best result possible.