WOOD SPECIES
Accoya®
Accoya® is a softwood lumber product that is modified through a process called acetylation. This groundbreaking technology modifies the wood uniformly through its cross section, creating an extremely strong and durable wood that is uniquely rot and water resistant, durable, and versatile. Sustainably sourced, and with a low total lifetime carbon cost, Accoya® actively contributes to a circular, bio-based economy as a truly sustainable building material with a staggering 50 year warranty.*
Color and Appearance: A pale, light straw color that can be stained to achieve a desired finish. When left outside, uncoated Accoya wood will weather to a silvery gray color over time
Grain and Texture: typically has a relatively straight grain pattern with a mild texture, often described as similar to that of a softwood like pine, as it is originally sourced from radiata pine before undergoing the acetylation process that modifies its properties; however, due to the modification, the grain may appear slightly less pronounced compared to untreated pine, and its overall texture can be slightly smoother with less visible knots.
Durability: Extremely durable. Warranty Fifty (50) years for above-ground installations. Fire Resistance-ASTM E 84: Class C or III, CAN/ULC-S102-10
Workability: highly workable, meaning it can be easily machined, drilled, sanded, and fastened with similar techniques as most softwoods, offering excellent stability with minimal shrinkage and swelling, making it a great choice for a variety of applications like windows, doors, decking, and cladding due to its high durability and dimensional stability
Pricing/Availability: Medium HIgh
Sustainability: Forest Certification: Provide acetylated wood produced from wood obtained from forests certified by an FSC®-accredited certification body to comply with FSC STD-01-001, FSC® "Principles and Criteria for Forest Stewardship. Cradle to Cradle Certified: Accoya® is one of the very few building products to have acquired Cradle to Cradle™ Certification on the elusive Gold level.
Ambara ™
Thermally modified Ambara™ starts with Ayous, which is sourced from the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. The thermal modification process changes the wood's cell structure, effectively reducing moisture movement. This enhancement not only boosts the wood's durability but also increases its resistance to moisture, thereby extending its lifespan and reducing the frequency of replacements.
Color and Appearance: Ambara’s natural color is light pale yellow, but it’s thermally modified to a consistent caramel color and has a medium texture and medium-high luster.
Grain and Texture: Available in mixed and vertical grain.
Durability: Durability increases to the same class as Western Red Cedar after thermal modification. Ambara is heated to around 400°F in an oxygen-controlled kiln, which increases its stability and moisture resistance. The thermal modification process also removes natural sugars and tannins from the wood.
Workability: Can be used for interior paneling, outdoor siding, trim, soffit, pergolas, and other non-structural applications.
Pricing/Availability: Low to Medium
Sustainability: Ambarra wood is considered sustainable because it comes from well-managed forests. The thermal modification process it undergoes is also environmentally friendly and non-toxic, ensuring that the wood's unique properties are achieved without harming the environment.
Fir
Fir has excellent strength properties and is well known for its workability. The wood dries rapidly with slight dimensional movement and little tendency to check. It is relatively easy to work with and has good machining qualities.
Color and Appearance: Fir is usually light brown with a hint of red or yellow and darker growth rings. Coastal Douglas-fir is generally lighter in color.
Grain and texture: Fir wood has a fine to medium texture and a straight or slightly wavy grain. Softwoods like fir tend to have less prominent, lighter grains because they don't have pores. Their appearance is due to color differences between the spring and summerwood, which are wood parts in the tree's growth rings.
Durability: Fir wood is moderately durable in decay but susceptible to insect attack.
Workability Fir wood is easy to saw, plane, and shape. It can be finished with a high degree of precision.
Pricing/Availability: Medium
Sustainability: Douglas fir is a softwood that regenerates quickly.
TM Hemlock
Thermally modified hemlock, or heat-treated hemlock, is favored in construction and woodworking for its strength and workability. The thermal modification process involves heating the wood in a controlled environment, enhancing its durability, stability, and appearance.
Color and Appearance: The thermal modification process darkens the wood's natural color, giving it a richer, more consistent look. You can also enhance the color with oil-based paint or stain or let the wood silver out to a gray patina.
Grain and texture: It has a fine texture and a straight, uniform grain. The heartwood is light reddish brown, and the sapwood is usually indistinguishable from the heartwood.
Durability: Thermally modified hemlock is less likely to warp, swell, or shrink when exposed to humidity changes.
Workability: Thermally modified hemlock is easy to work with, and the thermal modification process enhances its properties
Pricing/Availability: Medium
Sustainability: Thermally modified hemlock is a sustainable building material that's durable, low maintenance, and can last for decades
Incense Cedar
Incense Cedar, a softwood native to the western coast of North America, is a versatile wood that inspires creativity. Its aromatic fragrance, exceptional durability, and straight grain make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from exterior siding to pencil making.
Color and Appearance: Heartwood is light to medium reddish brown. Sapwood is differentiated from heartwood and is light tan to off-white.
Grain and Texture: Grain is straight, with a medium to fine uniform texture.
Durability: Durable to very durable in regards to decay resistance, and the wood is sometimes used for fence posts on account of its good weathering characteristics.
Workability: Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Holds paint very well. Stains, glues, and finishes nicely—excellent dimensional stability.
Stability: Incense cedar is a wood with excellent dimensional stability, making it a good choice for a variety of uses.
Sustainability: We utilize locally sourced, fire salvaged Incense Cedar.
Ipe
Ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”) is a Brazilian hardwood prized for its beautiful brown and amber tones and impressive density, which lends it better performance compared to other wood options.
Color and Appearance: The heartwood of Ipe can vary from reddish brown to yellowish olive brown or darker blackish brown, often featuring contrasting darker stripes.
Grain and Texture: Ipe features a fine to medium texture, with its grain varying from straight to irregular or interlocked. Its moderate natural luster enhances its striking appearance, making it a popular choice for a variety of applications, both indoors and outdoors. The aesthetic appeal combined with its durability contributes to its high demand among builders and designers.
Durability- Ipe, with its excellent insect resistance and superb weathering characteristics, is a wood that instills confidence. Its durability is proven by its use in high-traffic areas.
Workability: Ipe wood can be challenging to work with due to its density and hardness. However, with the right tools and techniques, it can be shaped and finished to create stunning, long-lasting products.
Stability: Ipe wood is very stable due to its density and is best suited for decking.
Pricing: Medium to high.
Sustainability: Our Ipe is FSC Certified Ipe wood that is FSC-certified and is guaranteed to come from forests that are managed in an environmentally sustainable, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner. FSC certification involves a chain of custody that tracks the wood from the forest to the final product, ensuring that every step meets the council’s strict environmental and ethical standards.
Larch
Larch is highly regarded for its inherent durability and resistance to decay, rendering it an excellent choice for projects subjected to harsh environmental conditions.
Color and Appearance: It can range from pale pink to pale yellow or golden brown and eventually weathers to a silvery gray.
Grain and texture: Larch wood has a striking appearance with a distinctive grain pattern, knots, and rings.
Durability: Larch wood is a durable softwood that's known for its natural resistance to decay and the elements. It's a popular choice for outdoor furniture, construction, and shipbuilding.
Workability: Larch wood is easy to work with and can be stained, painted, or finished well. It dries and glues effectively, but sanding may cause uneven surfaces, and it can split when nailed.
Pricing/Availability: Medium
Sustainability: Larch is considered a sustainable wood because it grows faster than it's harvested and can be sourced from responsibly managed forests. Sustainable forestry practices ensure that larch forests are harvested responsibly and maintain a balance with the environment.
Red Grandis
Red Grandis varies in color from light rose, to cream, to pink. It is sourced from plantation-grown Eucalyptus trees and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which promotes responsible forest management. This certification guarantees that the wood is harvested sustainably, providing environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Color and Appearance- Reddish color, ranging from pale pink to deep red. When exposed to light over time, its color can become more amber to light brown.
Grain and Texture- It has a straight grain and medium to fine texture, making it easy to saw, plane, and sand.
Durability- Naturally resistant to decay, making it an excellent option for both indoor and some outdoor applications.
Workability- The wood machines well and can take both nails and screws without splitting. It glues easily and can be finished using various products, from oils to lacquers.
Stability- This hardwood has good dimensional stability, reducing the likelihood of warping or shrinking compared to other varieties.
Environmental Impact- The speed of growth makes Grandis a renewable resource. Many plantations are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, ensuring responsible sourcing. Lumber from Uruguay is exclusively available through authorized distributors, including Bend Wood Products in the PNW.
Southern Yellow Pine
Southern Yellow Pine is a term that encompasses several species of pine trees, including longleaf, shortleaf, slash, and loblolly pine. This type of wood is regarded for its strength and durability. Its color generally ranges from yellow to light brown, and it is characterized by a straight grain.
Color and Appearance: Southern Yellow Pine heartwood ranges from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, often with resinous streaks.
Grain and Texture: straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture.
Durability: High density, giving it natural strength and resistance
Workability: Considered easy to work with, but can be prone to splitting, so pre-drilling is recommended
Pricing/Availability: Low to Medium
Sustainability: Southern yellow pine (SYP) is recognized as a sustainable building material for several reasons, particularly its rapid growth. These trees can grow to maturity in just 25 to 30 years, allowing for quicker harvesting and replanting compared to other types of lumber.Southern pine is one of the few building materials with third-party certification to verify that it comes from sustainably managed resources.
TM Southern Yellow Pine “Klaaswood”
“At the cutting edge of innovation, Klaaswood® Pine Natural Thermally Modified Lumber is the perfect balance of aesthetic beauty and rugged reliability. Made from Southern Yellow Pine, Klaaswood® uses a 2nd generation Hydrolysis modification process, enhancing the natural attributes of lumber to create a product resistant to water and weather. Klaaswood® is ideal for demanding exterior applications and can also be stained or painted to suit your needs. For an exceptionally reliable and versatile material, choose Klaaswood® Thermally Modified Lumber.
Color and Appearance: Has a distinct appearance with a range of color variations, from light yellow to reddish-brown. It can be finished with stains or coatings to enhance its natural beauty
Grain and Texture: straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture.
Durability: More resistant to decay, rot, and fungal growth, increasing its lifespan. The wood meets the requirements of Durability Class One performance, which is the highest achievable level of durability.
Workability: Considered easy to work with, but can be prone to splitting, so pre-drilling is recommended
Pricing/Availability: : Due to its availability and ease of cultivation, KWD Pine tends to be more affordable than some other types of wood, making it an economical choice for construction projects.
Sustainability: “Using 2nd gen Hydrolysis, Klaaswood® produces a smaller carbon footprint than 1st gen modification. The low temperature and short processing time means the process consumes less energy and costs less than other modification techniques. No chemical additives are used to treat the wood, making the entire process safer and less environmentally harmful.
Klaaswood® is committed to environmental sustainability, and sources Southern Yellow Pine from sustainably managed forests in the USA. Klaaswood® thermally modified wood products are processed and modified in Montana, ensuring easy access for all of North America.”
*Text is quoted from Sierra Pacific KLAASWOOD
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar is lightweight, stable, and less likely to crack and warp compared to treated lumber. It contains natural oils that serve as preservatives, helping to deter insect infestations and decay. These oils are also responsible for cedar's distinctive aroma.
Color and Appearance: Reddish-brown heartwood with pale yellowish sapwood, often with straight grain and a medium texture
Grain and texture: rough or medium texture and a straight or slightly interlocked grain
Durability: Highly resistant to decay and insects due to natural chemical compounds like thujaplicin.
Workability: Easy to work with, but can dent easily.
Pricing/Availability: Medium- High
Sustainability: Red cedar is sourced from sustainably managed forests that use responsible harvesting practices. For example, selective cutting ensures that only some mature trees are harvested, allowing the forest to regenerate.
White Oak
White oak is a strong, durable hardwood with many uses, including architectural millwork, moldings, paneling, staircases, and flooring.
Color and Appearance: White Oak has a light brown heartwood and slightly paler sapwood. It is strong, tough, dense, tight-grained, durable, and beautiful.
Grain and texture: White oak's grain is usually straight, but quartersawn white oak can have a "fleck" figuring pattern. The grain is narrow but detailed, and the pattern is eye-catching but less prominent than red oak.
Durability: White oak has a Janka hardness rating of 1360, harder than red oak. This makes it resistant to denting and scratches and able to withstand daily wear and tear. It is resistant to water, decay, and rot because it's a closed-grain wood with many pores plugged with tyloses.
Workability: Produces good results with hand and machine tools.
Pricing/Availability: Medium
Sustainability: White oak wood can be sustainable if appropriately managed, but there are some challenges to its long-term sustainability