Greenovations: Accoya – Acetylated Wood

As Accys Technologies says, its Accoya acetylated wood is “wood without compromise.”

Almost everyone loves wood. It makes for a wonderful aesthetic and is one of the most versatile building materials in the world.

The big trade off is that there are really two types of wood. There are softwoods and hardwoods.

Softwoods typically grow much faster and their use is much more sustainable, especially when the land is replanted after harvest. The problem is that softwoods do not have the longevity compared to hardwoods especially in outdoor applications.

Hardwoods on the other hand typically produce beautiful burls and/or tight grain which both look great and last much longer. They are also stronger and much more resistant to the typical forces involved in building construction so you see it used in large ceiling trusses and beams that are currently in vogue.

The problem is that hardwoods take much longer to grow and typically require more space so the amount of trees grown on a specific piece of land over a set period of time is much much lower.

Accoya is the product to solve this dilemma. Using an innovative accetylating processes Accys Technologies gives softwoods the same longevity and strength properties of hardwood plus some other additional benefits!

Accoya takes water resistance to a whole new level, entirely unprecedented in a wood based product.

Accoya can be used in outdoor applications where before no one would have dreamed of using wood. You end up with an end product that is simply gorgeous and much easier and faster to construct as the accetylation process does not reduce the workability of the wood.

They have such a strong belief in this product that they guarantee it for 50 years in external applications and 25 in ground where other wood, even that which is treated would have little hope of making it past 10.

With the reduced penetration of water and air the warping and swelling is reduced by 75%. This is one of the leading contributors to the increased longevity, but it also helps to increase the lifespan of any product or structure fortunate enough to be constructed of it.

This is truly one of the cooler products we have highlighted in our Greenovations and hopefully it will be shaping the world we live in for years to come!

If you are interested in learning more about this amazing product visit accoya.com.

Written by Bry Ratliff – The Green Register