High-end wood paneling is a thing of beauty—but it can also come with a few headaches if you go with the wrong product. Chemical treatments, stains, and varnishes can release toxins into your home, but untreated lumber is susceptible to moisture damage, mold and mildew, and damage from pests. Depending on the species of wood that you choose, the cost can be prohibitive, too.
That’s where thermally modified wood paneling from Barron Designs comes in. It delivers the same high-end, solid wood style—while solving many of the issues commonly associated with untreated or chemically treated lumber. No staining. No toxic treatments. Just naturally beautiful wood made better through innovation.
Continue on (a friendly walk the plank invitation) to learn crucial facts about thermally modified wood and exactly what makes thermally modified wood planks a game-changer.
What is Thermally Modified Wood Paneling & How Is It Produced?
Thermal Poplar Solid Wood Wall Paneling
Thermally modified wood is a lumber product that undergoes a high-temperature steam treatment process. The thermally modified wood process involves a special kiln or chamber that removes oxygen from the environment while heating the wood to between 160°C to 230°C (320°F to 446°F). This results in a reaction that changes the physical properties of the wood.
The thermal modification process removes moisture from the wood and gives it color. It also enhances durability, stability, and resistance to various sources of elemental damage like insects, decay, or moisture.
And unlike conventional lumber treatments, this process uses no chemicals—making it an ideal option for anyone looking to avoid harsh additives or preservatives in their home.
Thermally Modified Wood Benefits
Thermal Poplar Solid Wood Wall Paneling
Beauty and Versatility
Beauty and versatility are two thermally modified wood advantages that draw people to this product. We offer both Thermal Pine Solid Wood Paneling and Thermal Poplar Solid Wood Paneling, which gives you access to two beautiful species that feature rich colors and gorgeous grain patterns. Our thermal pine features a bold, distinctive grain while the thermal poplar style offers a much more subtle look.
Our thermally modified wood planks also give you double-sided boards. Since this is tongue-and-groove paneling, you can customize your look by choosing between traditional V-groove joints between boards or a more contemporary nickel-gap shiplap joint. Planks can be installed vertically or horizontally, and they can be used on both walls and ceilings, too.
That means you get the flexibility to achieve a wide range of looks—whether you're leaning traditional, rustic, modern, or somewhere in between.
Color Richness, Contrast & Consistency
The thermal treatment gives the wood a deep, rich color that provides plenty of contrast between the lighter and darker tones within the grain. The colors are consistent throughout each plank, so you won’t need to stain or finish it.
Enhanced Durability
Exposing the wood to a high-heat treatment extends its lifespan by increasing its resistance to decay, fungus, and pests.
Stability
Thermally modified wood planks have less moisture and absorb less moisture, which reduces the likelihood that they will warp or shrink.
Chemical Free Peace of Mind
Thermally modified wood doesn’t require chemicals during the treatment process, nor does it need to be stained or finished. The result is a non-toxic, natural product free of harmful preservatives or other chemical additives.
Plus, thanks to the consistent coloring baked into every plank, there’s no need for refinishing over time—making these planks both low maintenance and long-lasting.
What are the Drawbacks of Thermally Modified Wood Paneling?
Thermal Pine Solid Wood Wall Paneling
As with any other type of building material, there are always a few potential drawbacks to consider. Keep the following thermally modified wood variables in mind when you’re bringing your vision to life.
Reduced Strength (Relatively Speaking)
Thermally modified wood is more resistant to elemental damage, but the heat treatment reduces the wood’s bending strength and makes it more brittle. However, it’s important to remember that our thermally modified planks are meant for walls and ceilings, not structural purposes. As a wall covering, it’s still far stronger than common options like drywall — and it offers added durability against moisture, pests, and more.
Limited Color Range
If you love the look of light wood tones or shades of gray, then thermally modified wood may not be for you. Most who opt for thermally modified wood do it in large part because they love the rich colors. Some even refer to our Thermal Poplar Wood Planks as “faux mahogany” because it delivers a similar look and feel of rich mahogany, but for a much more affordable price.
Cost
Thermally modified wood planks will cost you more than basic untreated pine or poplar from a lumber yard, but you won’t need to spend money on stains and finishes or worry about refinishing costs over time. That’s on top of the fact that it delivers a high-end look and feel without the high-end price tag.
And when you consider the time and effort saved on maintenance—not to mention the years of elevated style—you’re actually making a smart long-term investment.
Create a Lavish Look with Thermal Wood Paneling From Barron Designs
With thermally modified wood paneling, you can design interiors that feature plenty of richness and warmth at an affordable price. These planks offer consistent coloring without the need for finishing and refinishing — and they’re also chemical-free, resistant to elements like moisture, fungus, and pests, and less prone to warping or twisting with time.
Whether you're revamping a modern living room, refreshing a rustic kitchen, or adding warmth to a commercial lobby, our thermal wood paneling delivers a naturally luxurious effect that holds up beautifully over time.
Want to learn more about our thermal wood planks? The next step is to order samples. Try a Thermal Poplar Solid Wood Wall Paneling sample for a more subtle grain pattern, or order Thermal Pine Solid Wood Wall Paneling samples if you prefer a grain with striking contrasts.
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