Here at Stafford Joinery, we source the best materials, and we also use the best hardwoods and softwoods for our products, using traceable and sustainable timbers where possible. Our latest article looks at the benefits of Accoya wood and its history.
What is Accoya wood?
Accoya wood is a premium, sustainable and durable type of wood, which derives from a scientific process called acetylation. This process involves the modification of the cellular structure of the wood, resulting in a product that offers significant advantages over traditional timbers.
Accoya is made from fast-growing, sustainable sources of forestry, such as Radiata Pine, and the process of making it involves no harmful chemicals, which makes it an eco-friendly product. The origins of Acetylated wood date back to the 1920s, although it took until the 21st century to refine the process.
The benefits of Accoya wood?
The benefits of using Accoya wood for the manufacture of doors and windows are numerous. Firstly, Accoya wood is incredibly durable and long-lasting due to having a significantly lower uptake of water than other types of wood. This means that it is less prone to swelling or warping, which can occur with changes in weather conditions. It is also more resistant to insect damage, as well as to fungal decay, which means it is suitable for use in challenging environments.
Another benefit is that Accoya wood is an excellent insulator, which makes it ideal for use in the construction of energy-efficient homes and buildings. Its exceptional thermal insulation properties help to keep homes warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. Its insulating properties and natural resistance to the elements reduce the need for frequent maintenance and ultimately result in significant cost savings over time.
In addition, Accoya wood is also aesthetically pleasing. It has a beautiful, natural appearance that lends itself well to the creation of elegant, high-quality wooden doors and windows, also for facades, cladding and decking. Being an eco-friendly product, it is also popular with clients who demand sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.
Durability
As ‘Class 1’ suggests, this is simply the best level of durability possible in wood. Whilst some wood species are naturally durable, natural durability is known to be a variable and inconsistent property. Accoya wood, on the other hand, is consistently durable. The properties of every batch are analysed by standard scientific measurements after modification, enabling its durability to at least match and even exceed the performance of nature’s most durable species, including teak.
Overall, Accoya wood is an excellent choice for the manufacture of doors and windows for those who require a sustainable, durable and eco-friendly product. Its benefits exceed those of traditional timber products and offer an excellent alternative for a range of construction applications. The cost of producing Accoya wood can be higher than traditional timber products, but its numerous advantages make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
For further information on the benefits of Accoya wood, please contact us here.