10/06/2026
Modified Woods: What's the Difference?
All three products are premium alternatives to tropical hardwoods and pressure-treated lumber, but they achieve their durability in very different ways. Understanding those differences makes it much easier to recommend the right material for each project.
Thermory: Best for Natural Beauty
Thermory uses only heat and steam to permanently modify the wood.
Advantages
Rich, exotic hardwood appearance
Beautiful grain patterns, especially Ash
Cooler underfoot than many composites
Ideal for decks, soffits, ceilings, and saunas
No chemicals added
Best applications
High-end decks
Exterior siding
Porch ceilings
Outdoor living spaces
Interior accent walls
Builder takeaway: Clients who love the warmth and character of real wood often gravitate toward Thermory.
Accoya: Best for Performance
Accoya is widely considered one of the most dimensionally stable wood products available. The acetylation process changes the wood at the molecular level, dramatically reducing its ability to absorb moisture.
Advantages
Minimal swelling and shrinking
Exceptional paint and stain performance
Outstanding durability
Excellent for precise joinery
Ideal for humid or coastal environments
Best applications
Windows
Entry doors
Garage doors
Siding
Millwork
Exterior trim
Decking
Builder takeaway: If the project involves painted wood, fine millwork, or high-performance windows and doors, Accoya is often the premium choice.
Kebony: Best for Heavy-Duty Decking
Kebony uses a patented process that infuses sustainably sourced wood with a bio-based liquid before curing it with heat. This produces a dense, durable wood with the look of tropical hardwood.
Advantages
Excellent wear resistance
Great for commercial projects
Low maintenance
Very durable in high-traffic environments
Rich hardwood appearance
Best applications
Decks
Docks
Rooftop terraces
Boardwalks
Commercial landscapes
Exterior siding
Builder takeaway: Kebony is an excellent choice when durability and foot traffic are priorities.
Which product should you recommend?
Choose Thermory when the homeowner wants the most natural wood appearance with rich color and character.
Choose Accoya when performance, stability, and longevity are the top priorities—especially for windows, doors, trim, and painted applications.
Choose Kebony when the project calls for exceptional durability in decks, commercial spaces, rooftops, or waterfront applications.
Offering all three brands allows ACM to recommend the right modified wood for virtually any project rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach:
Thermory → Warm, natural beauty for outdoor living spaces.
Accoya → Premium performance for windows, doors, siding, and architectural millwork.
Kebony → Rugged, low-maintenance decking and cladding for residential and commercial applications.
ACM gives builders, architects, and homeowners the flexibility to choose the product that best matches their design goals, performance requirements, and budget.
