Imbue Thermally Modified Wood
Luxury and Performance Redefined with Imbue
As a trusted national distributor and timber specialist, Britton Timbers is proud to present Imbue thermally modified wood—a revolutionary material born from decades of expertise, setting a new global benchmark for high-performance exterior and interior applications in Australia. Imbue is the intelligent choice for discerning architects and high-end homeowners seeking a sustainable, beautiful, and profoundly durable solution.
This material is expertly heat tempered through a sophisticated, precision-controlled thermal process, permanently unlocking enhanced dimensional stability, superior resistance to decay, and a rich, uniform aesthetic that traditional timber cannot match. When performance and prestige are non-negotiable, specify Imbue heat tempered wood.
The raw timber—sourced sustainably, often from fast-growing plantation species like Radiata Pine and Douglas Fir—is placed into a high-tech kiln. The wood is then subjected to elevated temperatures (typically between 180°C and 230°C) in a non-oxygenated environment, effectively ‘baking’ the timber.
This intense heat radically and permanently changes the wood’s cellular structure (its molecular chemistry). Specifically, the process hydrolyses the hemicelluloses (the moisture-attracting components) within the cell walls, reducing the wood’s ability to absorb moisture by up to 50%.
Drastically Enhanced Dimensional Stability
The wood resists swelling, shrinking, and warping, making it ideal for the extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations of the Australian climate.
Superior Durability and Decay Resistance
By removing the nutrients (hemicelluloses) that fungi and bacteria feed on, the wood becomes naturally resistant to decay and rot without the need for toxic chemical preservatives.
Improved Aesthetics
The thermal process darkens the wood, creating a rich, uniform, and luxurious tone reminiscent of premium hardwoods, which is consistent throughout the entire cross-section of the timber.
High-Performance Cladding Solutions
Imbue thermally modified wood cladding is engineered for architectural distinction and long-term exterior endurance. It offers specifiers a reliable, dimensionally stable material that maintains its integrity and aesthetic appeal for decades.
The outstanding stability of Imbue heat tempered wood cladding allows for greater design freedom, including:
- Precision Profiles: The minimal movement post-installation ensures clean, straight lines are maintained, essential for modern architectural profiles like shiplap, tongue-and-groove, and board-and-batten systems.
- Consistent Colouration: The thermal process imparts a beautiful, deep, uniform colour throughout the thickness of the timber, meaning that subtle surface wear over time will not expose raw wood underneath. This rich tone is ideal for striking exterior facades.
- Simplified Maintenance: While all wood will silver gracefully when exposed to UV, the structural integrity and decay resistance of Imbue cladding are inherent, reducing the long-term maintenance burden compared to conventional timbers.
Technical Note for Specifiers: The reduced density and stability factors often lead to lower thermal conductivity and predictable fire performance (where required), making Imbue cladding a compelling technical choice for challenging specifications. Britton Timbers provides full technical documentation on span tables and installation methodologies tailored to Australian standards.
Imbue Cladding Profile WB12
138×19 (118mm cover) Vertical
Imbue Cladding Profile WB18
135×19 (115mm cover) Vertical/Horizontal
* Other profiles may be available on request subject to prior approval and minimum order quantity.
Elite Architectural Joinery
The stability and luxury finish of Imbue thermally modified wood make it an exceptional material for internal and external joinery. This application targets the high-end retail and custom architectural sectors where precision and appearance are paramount.
For high-end joinery, dimensional stability is a prerequisite for flawless fit and finish. Imbue heat tempered wood joinery excels because:
- Perfect Fit: Doors, window frames, screens, and detailed architectural elements maintain their precise dimensions, eliminating sticking, warping, and poor sealing often associated with moisture absorption in traditional timbers.
- Luxurious, Enduring Finish: The wood offers a dark, uniform colour and a refined texture that takes stains, oils, and clear finishes beautifully, providing the look of premium tropical hardwoods without the sustainability concerns. This rich, deep hue is permanent, enhancing the perceived value of any project.
- Interior Use Potential: Its reduced moisture content and lack of toxic chemical treatments make Imbue joinery suitable for interior environments, including high-humidity areas like bathrooms or kitchens, where stability is paramount for detailed cabinetry.
The Technical Advantage:
Why Imbue’s Thermal Modification is a Game-Changer
For specifiers focused on material performance and longevity, the science underpinning Imbue thermally modified wood is critical. The process involves subjecting sustainably sourced timber (such as plantation Radiata Pine and Douglas Fir) to intense heat (up to 230°C) in a low-oxygen environment.
Achieving Unprecedented Dimensional Stability
The thermal modification process permanently alters the wood’s molecular structure by eliminating the moisture-absorbing hemicelluloses. This results in:
- Drastically Reduced Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC): The wood’s ability to absorb water is reduced by up to 50%, providing exceptional resistance to swelling, shrinking, and warping. This is paramount for preventing movement in high-exposure applications like Imbue thermally modified wood cladding across Australia’s extreme climate zones.
- Enhanced Service Life: The wood is naturally resistant to biological decay and rot without the use of toxic chemicals. This high durability class is achieved purely through heat, making Imbue a preferred, low-maintenance choice.
- Permanent Resin Removal: The high heat ensures that resins and pitch are volatilised or permanently set, eliminating the common issue of sap blee
Specify Imbue with Britton Timbers
Ready to elevate your next project with the performance and enduring beauty of Imbue thermally modified wood?
Britton Timbers is your national partner, providing technical expertise, material supply, and logistical support across Australia.
- Architects & Specifiers: Request the full Imbue Technical Specification Manual for detailed span tables, fire ratings, and CAD files.
- High-End Retail & Builders: Contact our sales team for pricing, profile availability for Imbue cladding and joinery, and to arrange a sample pack.
Contact Britton Timbers today to discuss your Imbue specification.
Imbue Thermally Modified Wood - How it is made
Phase 1
High-Temperature Drying and Conditioning
The timber is first placed into a high-tech kiln chamber where the temperature is gradually raised. This initial phase involves using high heat to quickly and thoroughly dry the material, bringing the wood's moisture content down close to 0%. Steam is used as a protective medium to prevent the wood from igniting and to assist in the necessary internal chemical reactions that prepare the cellular structure for the intense modification to follow.
Phase 2
The Heat Tempering (Modification) Phase
This is the core of the process. Once the wood is fully dry, the temperature is raised to the peak treatment level, typically between 180°C and 230°C. The wood is then held at this elevated temperature for several hours. This intense heat causes a profound and permanent chemical change: it degrades the hemicelluloses (the moisture-attracting sugar compounds), making the wood innately hydrophobic (water-repellent) and removing the primary food source for decay organisms. This phase is what gives Imbue heat tempered wood its exceptional dimensional stability and natural decay resistance.
Phase 3
Cooling and Moisture Reconditioning
After the modification hold time is complete, the temperature is gradually lowered using a controlled cooling system. The wood is then reconditioned by carefully introducing steam or water back into the chamber. This step gently raises the wood's moisture content back to a stable, usable level (typically 4–7%). This final conditioning ensures that the Imbue thermally modified wood is dimensionally stable and ready for precision milling into final products like cladding and joinery, with minimal internal stress.
Technical Data Quick-Reference:
Imbue Thermally Modified Wood
| Technical Property | Imbue Thermally Modified Wood | Value Proposition for Specifiers |
| Durability Class | Class 1-2 (EN 350, D-1) | High natural resistance to fungi and rot; long service life (25+ years). |
| Treatment Method | Thermal Modification (Heat Tempering) | Non-toxic, chemical-free process. Safe and environmentally benign. |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent (Hygroscopicity Reduced by ≈50%) | Minimal swelling, shrinkage, or warping, critical for joinery and cladding. |
| EMC (Equilibrium Moisture Content) | Significantly Lower (Typically 4-7% at 20∘C & 65% RH) | Maintains shape better than untreated wood, especially in fluctuating climates. |
| Resin Content | Near Zero (Resins Volatilised) | Eliminates resin “bleeding” or oozing, ensuring clean finishes for cladding. |
| Sustainability | Sustainably Sourced Plantation Species | Compliant with Green Star and other environmental project requirements. |
| Suitable Applications | Exterior Cladding, Decking, Joinery, Screening, Feature Walls | High versatility across architectural and high-end retail projects. |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Imbue Thermally Modified Wood covering technical & specifications as well as aesthetic & maintenance details.
The heat tempering process significantly enhances the timber’s natural durability. By removing the wood’s internal nutrients (hemicelluloses), it becomes highly resistant to fungal decay and rot. This allows Imbue to achieve durability classifications that align with or exceed the performance of many premium, naturally durable hardwoods, making it suitable for long-term exterior use, such as Imbue thermally modified wood cladding.
The thermal modification reduces the wood’s Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) by up to 50% compared to untreated wood. For Imbue heat tempered wood joinery, this translates into greatly reduced swelling, shrinking, and warping. This exceptional stability is critical for precision applications like doors, windows, and detailed cabinetry, ensuring a flawless, long-lasting fit and finish.
While Imbue cladding is exceptionally stable, all timber will experience minor movement. We recommend following standard best practices for ventilated rainscreen systems, ensuring proper fastening and leaving a small expansion gap to accommodate potential moisture cycling. Its predictable stability makes installation less complex than with traditional softwoods.
Imbue thermally modified wood possesses a beautiful, rich, deep-brown tone, which is achieved uniformly throughout the timber’s cross-section during the heat-tempering process. If left uncoated outdoors, like all natural wood, Imbue cladding will gradually age and silver to a handsome, silvery-grey patina due to UV exposure. To maintain the original rich brown colour, we recommend using a UV-protective oil or finish.
Yes, Imbue heat tempered wood is inherently low-maintenance. Structurally, it requires little to no maintenance because of its natural resistance to decay. If you choose to let it silver, the only maintenance required is occasional cleaning. If you choose to maintain the original colour, re-oiling is typically required every 1-3 years, depending on exposure and the specific oil product used.
Yes. The stability and rich colour of Imbue thermally modified wood make it an excellent choice for interior joinery, including cabinetry, wall panels, and internal window/door frames. Its reduced moisture content and resin-free nature ensure a clean finish and stability in climate-controlled internal environments.
Vulcan Rhombus Clip Screening
An innovative clip system gives clean aesthetic with no visible face fixings
Rhombus Profile
Rhombus Fixing
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Vulcan Rhombus Clip Screening Brochures
Vulcan Protector Oil - Waterborne
A water borne, penetrating timber finish that will nourish and protect external timbers.
Protector Oil Waterborne uses the latest oil technology combining refined plant oils, UV protection, advanced water barrier composition and an enhanced fungicidal package for superior exterior performance.
Colours presented are in Protector Oil – Waterborne.
Vulcan Wall & Ceiling Lining
Abodo Panelling brings of the warmth of wood to your ceiling or feature eave. Contrast the beauty of natural wood with harder materials to create a beautiful balance.
The thermal modification process and vertical grain structure means Vulcan Panelling has enhanced stability, reduced resin content, is a beautiful homogeneous brown colour, and is naturally durable so does not require any chemical preservatives.
Wood species:
Thermally Modified Radiata Pine (Pinus Radiata).
Lengths:
Fixed length packs – 4.2 & 4.8.
Special Order subject to availability – 2.7, 3.0, 3.6, 5.4 & 6.0m
Lengths are subject to availability at time of order.
Applications:
Interior ceilings, interior walls, exterior soffits, exterior protected applications (e.g. walls not fully exposed to the weather).
Vulcan Wall & Ceiling Lining Brochures
Vulcan Screening
The Abodo Screening range brings the beauty of wood both inside and outside your home. Screening applications include louvres, brise soleil, architectural fins and rainscreen. Choose from a range of natural timbers designed for lifetime beauty.
Vulcan Screening is created from thermally modified New Zealand plantation timber and engineered with a vertical grain construction for superior weathering characteristics.
The thermal modification process combined with lamination means Vulcan Screening has enhanced stability, reduced resin content, is a beautiful homogenous brown colour, and is naturally durable so does not require any chemical preservatives.
An excellent choice for appearance grade applications such as joinery, pergola, screening, facade fins, ballustrading.
Wood species:
Thermally Modified Radiata Pine (Pinus Radiata).
Lengths:
Fixed length packs – 4.2 & 4.8.
Special Order subject to availability – 2.7, 3.0, 3.6, 5.4 & 6.0m
Lengths are subject to availability at time of order.
Vulcan Screening Brochures
Vulcan Cladding
Abodo Vulcan Cladding is a premium weatherboard timber. Created from Abodo’s thermally modified New Zealand plantation timber for superior beauty, durability and weathering characteristics. A fine sawn face allows a depth of grain, and optimal coating performance.
The thermal modification process and vertical grain structure means Vulcan Cladding has enhanced stability, reduced resin content, is a beautiful homogeneous brown colour.
Available in a range of architectural profiles and supplied factory pre-finished in Abodo Protector.
Water Borne – Abodo’s high performance plant based exterior oil.
Wood species:
Thermally Modified Radiata Pine (Pinus Radiata).
Lengths:
Fixed length packs – 4.2 & 4.8.
Fixed Length packs Finger Joint – 5.4 & 6.0m
Special Order subject to availability – 2.7, 3.0, 3.6, 5.4 & 6.0m
Lengths are subject to availability at time of order.
Vulcan Cladding Brochures
About Abodo
Carefully Crafted Timber
About Abodo
Craft
Abodo crafts timbers with lasting beauty that are safe for people and the environment. Abodo timbers stand the test of time, they are beautiful, durable and rapidly renewable.
Formed in 2001 by the Gudsell family, Abodo remains a New Zealand-owned, family business with a purpose.
Abodo Philosophy
Design ethos has two core components:
Lifetime beauty
Abodo timbers are crafted to be enjoyed for years to come. Designed to age with grace, our timbers have exceptional weatherability and maintain their durability and beauty for a lifetime.
With tomorrow in mind
Abodo timbers are harvested from New Zealand’s FSC® certified rapidly renewable plantation forests. They are ethically crafted with respect from beginning to end – allowing us to meet today’s increasing needs without disadvantaging future generations.
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