From the very start, choosing the right wood can lay the foundation for any innovative project. Durability, grain pattern, grading options, sustainability, and long-term performance all play a role in determining which species is the best fit. With so many modified and unmodified woods on the market, understanding their differences is key to setting accurate expectations and ensuring a successful, long-lasting installation. Below is a technical look at some of our most popular wood species and what makes each of them unique.
Thermally Modified Woods
Thermally modified species undergo a heat-and-steam treatment that changes the internal structure of the wood without the use of chemicals. This thermal modification process removes natural sugars and reduces moisture absorption, resulting in improved durability, rot resistance, and dimensional stability compared to unmodified woods.
Thermally modified woods are known for their consistent appearance and predictable performance, although they typically come in a single grade, which limits variation in grain character. These species are grown in naturally harsh climates, such as the forests of Scandinavia, contributing to their inherent strength and resilience. The modification process darkens the wood and enhances its stability, making it a strong option for siding and cladding where a natural, consistent aesthetic is preferred. While they do not quite match the longevity of acetylated woods, thermally modified species provide a dependable balance of performance and natural beauty.
Accoya
Accoya is a high-performance, acetylated Radiata Pine sourced from sustainably managed forests in New Zealand, and modified through a non-toxic chemical process known as acetylation. This modification process alters the wood at a molecular level, enhancing its dimensional stability, durability, and resistance to rot, decay, insects, and moisture. Unlike traditional softwoods, Accoya is modified through its entire core, meaning any cuts, rips, or milling do not compromise the integrity of the material.
Environmentally certified with FSC certification and Cradle to Cradle Gold status, with a Platinum rating in Material Health, Accoya serves as one of the most reliable and sustainable choices available. With a 50-year above-ground guarantee and a 25-year warranty in ground contact, as well as a Class-1 durability rating, Accoya is the ideal choice in demanding climates.
Western Red Cedar | Rough Sawn | Delta Black | Architect: Jocelyn O. Dickson Architecture | Contractor: Shugart Builders | Photography: Marta Perez
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar is a timeless, unmodified softwood that remains a popular choice for exterior projects due to its natural beauty, lightweight feel, and organic variation in color and grain. Unlike modified woods, cedar is simply kiln-dried and not chemically altered, which preserves its natural characteristics.
At Delta, we work with this species because it offers exceptional stability, beautiful grain patterns, and reliable performance in a wide range of climates. Its warm, organic character makes it a favorite for both exterior and interior applications, and our thermal modification and finishing processes elevate its longevity and visual depth even further. The result is architectural-grade cedar that brings softness, dimension, and enduring quality to any project.
Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood offers unmatched character and a sense of history, drawing from materials salvaged from barns, agricultural fencing, old buildings, and structural timbers, often 40 to more than 100 years old. Unlike other species, reclaimed wood has no formal grading standards, meaning characteristics such as color variation, knots, nail holes, weathering, and imperfections are inherently unpredictable.
Reclaimed options include barnwood, reclaimed oak, and reclaimed chestnut, each carrying its own distinct story and surface texture. While reclaimed wood may not offer the precision or consistency of newly milled species, its aesthetic richness and heritage make it a compelling choice for projects seeking long lasting durability and authenticity.
Choosing the Right Wood For Your Project
Selecting the right wood species ultimately comes down to balancing performance, appearance, and the expectations of the client or design intent. Accoya offers the highest stability, durability, and sustainability for long-term exterior applications. Thermally modified woods provide a strong natural alternative with enhanced performance over traditional softwoods. Western Red Cedar delivers timeless warmth and beauty. Reclaimed wood brings unmatched character and history, ideal for projects prioritizing texture and rustic charm. Understanding these differences sets the foundation for successful material selection and ensures that each project benefits from the right wood in the right application.
