Thermally Modified & Thermally Enhanced Hardwood Flooring
Thermally Modified Timber Flooring
A truly specialised solid timber flooring product, Thermally Modified & Thermally Enhanced Hardwood offers a distinctive, naturally darkened colour while retaining the authentic look and character of Australian hardwood. Rather than relying on stains or surface treatments, the colour transformation occurs within the timber itself, resulting in a refined, natural finish that is consistent, stable, and long lasting.
This flooring range is well suited to residential and architectural projects where material integrity, performance, and visual depth are equally important.
Features & Benefits
- Deeper, rich natural colour tones
- Enhanced colour consistency across sapwood
- No staining required
- Improved dimensional stability
- Long lasting, hardwearing performance
- Easy to maintain
- Suitable for installation over existing timber floors, sheet flooring, and plywood over concrete
Thermally Modified Hardwood
The thermally modified process permanently alters the timber using a carefully controlled temperature schedule during drying. Through this process, the timber develops a deeper, richer, and more intense version of its original colour, drawing out traditional tones that already exist within the species.
The heat treatment blends colour variations within the boards, creating a more uniform appearance while still allowing the natural grain and character of the timber to remain visible. Because the colour change occurs throughout the timber, there is no reliance on stains or surface coatings to achieve the final look.
In addition to its visual qualities, thermally modified timber benefits from improved dimensional stability. The reduction in equilibrium moisture content significantly decreases moisture-related movement, helping the boards perform reliably in a wide range of Australian environments.
Roasted Peat
Thermally Enhanced Hardwood
Thermally enhanced hardwood focuses on refining the timber’s natural appearance rather than fully modifying it. This process is particularly effective in transforming lighter sapwood, warming it to a more natural and visually cohesive tone.
The result is a balanced, attractive floor with improved colour consistency across each board, while still retaining the natural variation expected of solid timber. Thermally enhanced flooring is ideal for projects seeking warmth and harmony without the darker intensity of full thermal modification.
Specifications
Thickness / Wear Layer
- 14 / 6 mm
- 19 / 6 mm
- Approximately 80 mm to 180 mm, depending on species and profile
- Random lengths
- Tongue and groove
- Plain end
- End matched
- Select
- Standard
- Prestige
- Rustic
- Suitable for installation over existing timber floors
- Sheet flooring
- Plywood over concrete
What Happens to the Timber
Thermal treatment changes both the appearance and performance of the timber in a meaningful and measurable way. During the process:
- The timber darkens naturally, creating richer, more refined tones
- Equilibrium moisture content is reduced, typically 10 to 50 percent lower than untreated timber
- Moisture-related movement is reduced by approximately 30 to 90 percent
- Surface hardness is increased
- Resistance to decay is improved, depending on the level of treatment
- Moisture absorption is reduced
- Overall weather resistance is enhanced
These changes contribute to a more stable and durable solid timber floor, without compromising the natural character of the wood.
Timber Species
Thermally Modified & Thermally Enhanced Hardwood is available in a selection of Australian species, each responding uniquely to the thermal process. Species such as Peat, Cayenne, Grey Ironbark, Spotted Gum, and Sydney Blue Gum develop warm, earthy tones with pronounced grain definition.
While colour becomes more uniform, natural variation remains part of the appeal, ensuring every floor retains the individuality expected of genuine solid timber.
A Considered Solid Timber Flooring Choice
Thermally Modified & Thermally Enhanced Hardwood flooring represents a thoughtful balance between traditional timber craftsmanship and modern performance requirements. By allowing heat, rather than chemicals or stains, to transform the timber, this flooring delivers long-term stability, refined colour, and enduring appeal.
It is a considered choice for architects, designers, builders, and homeowners seeking a solid timber floor with depth, character, and confidence in its performance.
Common Questions - Thermally Modified & Enhanced Hardwood
What is thermally modified hardwood flooring?
Low-Profile Solid Timber Flooring is a 12mm-thick hardwood floorboard designed for installation over existing or well-prepared subfloors. It provides a genuine solid timber feel with a slimmer overall profile compared to traditional boards.
What is the difference between thermally modified and thermally enhanced timber?
A 12mm thickness is ideal for renovation projects or areas where floor height is limited. Despite being thinner, our boards include a 5mm wear layer, allowing multiple sandings over the life of the floor.
Does thermal treatment use chemicals?
No. The thermal process relies on controlled heat rather than chemical treatments, stains, or dyes to change colour and improve performance characteristics.
Is the colour only on the surface?
No. The colour change is formed within the timber, not applied as a surface stain, which helps maintain a natural look and reduces reliance on surface colouring.
Will thermally modified timber still show natural variation?
Yes. The process can make colour more uniform, but every board will still show natural grain patterns and timber variation, which is part of genuine hardwood flooring.
Is thermally modified hardwood more stable than standard solid timber?
Yes. Our timber is supplied from managed forests under strict regulations aimed at preserving ecological balance and promoting reforestation.
Does thermal treatment improve hardness and durability?
Yes. With a 5mm wear layer, these boards can be sanded and re-stained multiple times, similar to thicker solid timber floors.
Is this flooring suitable for Brisbane and South East Queensland conditions?
Boards are secret fixed over a clean, flat subfloor, such as existing timber, sheet flooring, or plywood on concrete. Correct subfloor preparation is essential to ensure a stable, long-lasting floor.
What grades are available?
This range is available in Select, Standard, Prestige, and Rustic grades, allowing you to choose from a cleaner appearance through to a more feature-rich look.
What profile does this flooring use?
Boards are supplied with a tongue and groove profile, with options including plain end or end matched depending on the board format.