|
Origin |
Europe, native pine stands |
|
Raw density |
approx. 400-500 kg/m³ (varies slightly depending on thermal treatment) |
|
Durability class |
Class 2-3 (increased by heat treatment compared to untreated pine) |
|
Radial shrinkage |
reduced compared to untreated pine (depending on thermal process) |
|
Tangential shrinkage |
also noticeably reduced compared to untreated pine |
|
Wood color |
warm yellow to golden brown to medium dark brown; graying possible without care |
|
Wood structure |
fine-grained, typical softwood structure; more homogeneous after treatment |
Origin and character of the wood
Thermopine uses native pines – frequently grown, established stands in Central Europe. Treatment under heat and controlled conditions specifically changes the properties of the wood: Moisture is reduced, the tendency to shrink and swell decreases, and wood can become more weather-resistant. At the same time Pine remains a soft coniferous wood – thermally modified, but in its fundamental material nature it cannot be equated with hardwoods.
Thermal process: Effect – but with compromises
The heat treatment improves durability and dimensional stability – thermal pine can then be classified in durability class 2-3. This increases resistance to weathering, fungi and moisture. On the other hand, the process changes the cell structure: the wood can become more brittle, mechanical strength and elasticity suffer as a result. Experience reports show that thermally modified softwood can show signs of wear or deformation relatively quickly compared to hardwood, especially when subjected to point forces or heavy loads.
Sustainability with a critical eye
Thermopine scores with local raw materials and the absence of chemicals. However, the energy required for thermal treatment remains a sustainability factor: depending on the process, ecological gains can be offset by high energy consumption. In addition, pine, even when modified, is a comparatively soft wood,
Sources:
my-harry ,Felt glides ,EGGBI – Thermowood basics
