Thermowood Ayous Cladding

Thermowood Ayous Cladding

This product is a special order item. Please speak to us concerning your needs.

Overview

Thermowood Ayous is a premium thermally modified hardwood cladding that combines exceptional dimensional stability with a clean, contemporary appearance. Manufactured from sustainably sourced Ayous (also known as Obeche), the timber is thermally modified using only heat and steam, without the use of chemical preservatives. This process significantly improves the timber's durability, stability and resistance to moisture, making it an excellent choice for external cladding applications.

Lightweight, virtually knot-free and easy to machine, Thermowood Ayous is particularly well suited to modern architectural projects where clean lines, uniform colour and long-term performance are important.

Appearance

Thermowood Ayous has a warm honey-brown to rich caramel colour when new, complemented by a fine, straight grain and smooth texture. The timber is virtually knot-free, giving it a clean, contemporary appearance that is ideal for both modern residential and commercial buildings.

Because of its consistent grain and colour, Thermowood Ayous is often selected where a sleek, uniform façade is required.

What to Expect if Left Untreated

Thermowood Ayous does not require preservative treatment for durability.

If left untreated, exposure to UV light will gradually transform the timber from its rich brown colour to an elegant silver-grey patina. This is a completely natural process that affects appearance only and does not reduce the timber's durability or structural performance.

The rate of weathering will vary depending on the building's orientation, exposure to sunlight and local weather conditions. South-facing elevations typically weather more quickly than shaded areas.

Recommended Treatments

Treatment is entirely optional and depends on the desired finish.

To retain the original brown colour

Use a high-quality UV-resistant exterior timber coating such as:

• Osmo UV Protection Oil
• Sansin SDF
• Teknos Wood Coatings
• Remmers Exterior Timber Coatings

These products help maintain the timber's original colour while protecting it from UV degradation and slowing the natural weathering process.

To achieve a natural silver finish

No treatment is required.

Alternatively, pre-weathering coatings are available to create an even silver-grey appearance immediately rather than waiting for the timber to weather naturally.

Durability

The thermal modification process significantly enhances the timber's natural durability.

Durability Class: Class 2 – Durable*

Thermowood Ayous offers excellent resistance to fungal decay and moisture movement, making it suitable for external cladding installations with an expected service life of 30 years or more above ground when installed and maintained correctly.

Density & Weight

Approximate Density:

430kg/m³

One of Thermowood Ayous' biggest advantages is its lightweight nature.

Benefits include:

• Easier handling on site.
• Faster installation.
• Reduced structural loading.
• Excellent for larger cladding boards and feature façades.

Stability

Thermowood Ayous is recognised for its exceptional dimensional stability.

The thermal modification process greatly reduces the timber's tendency to absorb moisture, resulting in:

• Minimal expansion and contraction.
• Reduced cupping and twisting.
• Excellent long-term stability.
• Outstanding performance on modern rainscreen and shadow gap cladding systems.

Recommended Fixings

To maximise the service life of your cladding, corrosion-resistant fixings should always be used.

Recommended

? A2 Stainless Steel fixings for most inland installations.

? A4 Stainless Steel fixings for coastal or high-salt environments.

? Stainless steel cladding screws or ring shank nails.

Pre-drilling is recommended when fixing close to board ends or when face-fixing wider profiles.

Typical Applications

Thermowood Ayous is suitable for:

• Contemporary homes
• Residential developments
• Commercial buildings
• Garden rooms
• Garden offices
• Extensions
• Feature walls
• Soffits
• Fascias
• Architectural façades

Advantages

• Thermally modified without chemicals.
• Lightweight and easy to install.
• Excellent dimensional stability.
• Naturally durable.
• Virtually knot-free.
• Smooth contemporary appearance.
• Suitable for modern rainscreen cladding systems.
• Can be left untreated to weather naturally.
• Excellent machinability.

Things to Consider

Like all natural timber products, Thermowood Ayous will weather over time if left untreated. While this natural silver-grey appearance is highly desirable for many projects, customers wishing to retain the original rich brown colour should apply a suitable UV-protective coating and maintain it in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

As a lightweight timber, care should be taken during installation to follow best practice fixing methods and appropriate batten spacing.

Good to Know

Thermowood Ayous is increasingly being specified as an alternative to Western Red Cedar due to its excellent stability, lightweight nature and clean, knot-free appearance.

Compared to Cedar, Thermowood Ayous offers:

• A more uniform appearance with fewer natural defects.
• Excellent dimensional stability.
• Similar lightweight handling characteristics.
• Outstanding performance in modern architectural cladding systems.
• A contemporary finish that complements both residential and commercial developments.

For customers seeking a premium timber cladding with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, Thermowood Ayous is an excellent alternative.

Lanlee Performance Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Thermowood Ayous need treating?

No. Thermal modification gives the timber its durability without the need for preservative treatment. Treatment is only recommended if you wish to maintain the original brown colour.

Will Thermowood Ayous turn grey?

Yes. Like most external timbers, prolonged exposure to UV light will naturally weather the timber to an attractive silver-grey finish.

Is Thermowood Ayous suitable for coastal locations?

Yes. When installed using A4 stainless steel fixings, Thermowood Ayous performs well in coastal and exposed environments.

Is Thermowood Ayous environmentally friendly?

Yes. The thermal modification process uses only heat and steam, avoiding the need for chemical preservatives. When sourced from responsibly managed forests, it is an excellent sustainable choice for external cladding.