What You Should Know Before Choosing
When it comes to building beautiful, long-lasting outdoor and indoor spaces, the type of wood you pick matters more than you might think. Both natural wood and thermowood have their own unique qualities — but if you’re aiming for low-maintenance durability and sleek looks, thermowood might just be the better choice. Let’s break it down.
What is Thermowood and How It’s Made
Thermowood isn’t just a fancy name — it’s real wood that’s been transformed using nothing but heat and steam. No chemicals. No nonsense.
Here’s how it works:
- First, we start with natural wood — spruce, pine or ash.
- Then, we bake it in special chambers at 215°C for up to 5 days (yeah, it takes that long).
- During this slow heat-treatment process:
- Moisture evaporates almost completely → wood becomes dimensionally stable.
- Resins and sugars burn away → mold, fungi, and bugs hate it.
- The wood’s color deepens to a rich, chocolate-brown → you won’t need to stain or paint.
After cooling down, what you get is wood that’s not just weather-proof — it’s basically future-proof.
Natural Wood: Beautiful, But With Some Catch
Let’s be fair — natural wood is still a great material. It’s warm, authentic, and comes in endless varieties.
But…
- It needs regular maintenance (staining, sealing, painting).
- Can crack, warp, or fade over time.
- Moisture and UV rays shorten its life span.
- Attracts insects if not treated properly.
That’s not a dealbreaker, but something to consider depending on where and how you plan to use it.
Why Thermowood Might Be the Smarter Pick
Let’s be real — thermowood isn’t just wood that looks cool. It’s also incredibly practical. Here’s why more and more people in the US and Europe are switching to it:
- Lasts over 25 years outdoors — even in harsh climates
- Doesn’t need chemicals or coatings
- Won’t crack in heat or warp in rain
- Safe for kids, pets, bare feet — no splinters or toxins
- Low-maintenance and stays looking fresh
- Natural, elegant appearance that fits any style
And bonus — it smells amazing. Really.
Where to Use Thermowood? Basically, Anywhere.
Thanks to its heat-treatment, thermowood is ideal for:
- Outdoor terraces and decking
- Cladding and facades
- Sauna interiors and exteriors
- Interior feature walls and ceilings
- Garden structures and outdoor furniture
Wherever you’d use natural wood — thermowood just does better.
Cost: Is Thermowood More Expensive?
You might think thermowood costs a fortune, but in the long run, it actually saves money. Here’s why:
- You don’t need to spend on stains or sealants every year
- No need to replace cracked or warped boards
- It’s low-maintenance — time is money, right?
And with our optimized supply chain from Europe, prices are often 20–30% lower than most local treated timber options in the US. That’s a win-win.
How to Order with Eco Hearth
We’ve made it easy to get started:
- Tell us what you’re building — sauna, terrace, wall cladding?
- We’ll help you choose the right profile, thickness, and color.
- Get a free quote within 1–2 days.
- Nationwide shipping and optional installation available.
Need help? Just give us a shout — our experts are happy to guide you.
Final Thoughts
Natural wood is beautiful — no doubt. But if you want that same natural look with added durability, better stability, and way less hassle… thermowood is the way to go.