FAQ
PureWood™ FAQ Sheet
Product-Specific
Is PureWood a composite?
• No, composites are made from wood flour and plastics mixed together. PureWood is 100% natural wood fiber that comes from renewable mature trees.
What makes this wood “pure”?
• No additives. The process of using high heat and steam, that thermally modifies the wood, only removes the parts that encourage rot and decay. No pesticides, no plastics, no chemicals are added to give longer life to the wood.
What’s PureWood’s life-expectancy versus normal wood?
• All wood requires a little TLC, and PureWood is no different. Normal outdoor exposure with minimal cleaning is all that is necessary for our 25-year warranty against rot, decay, and excessive checking and warping.
Who is Stellac® Oy?
• Stellac Oy is a Finland-based company that perfected the unique thermal modification process used to produce PureWood. Bay Tree Technologies USA, LLC and Stellac Oy are partners in the production of PureWood for the North American market.
What is the TMW process?
• TMW means Thermally Modified Wood. Using Stellac Technology, the TMW process provides the correct combination of temperature, time, and conditioning to modify the wood to protect itself, due to physical, chemical, and biological changes. Most wood sugars are removed during the TMW process, leaving a product that cannot be digested by insects or eaten by fungus and mold – dramatically reducing rot and decay. At the same time, the TMW process evenly distributes wood's other naturally occurring protective agents throughout the boards, providing additional protection from attack.
How is PureWood any different than treated wood products?
• Treated wood is injected with chemicals (sometimes toxic ones) for longer life. No chemicals are added to PureWood.
Product Usage
Do I have to stain PureWood?
• No, PureWood will weather naturally, developing a silvery hue that many people enjoy. However, for those who wish to preserve the natural color of PureWood or to modify the color, a UV-resistant stain or sealant may be used. Also, coating all exposed cut ends with an exterior sealer is recommended if you want to limit the end-checking that occurs in all types of outdoor wood.
What type of stain should PureWood be used with?
• Oil-based only. Due to PureWood's water resistance, water/latex-based stains will not absorb fully into the wood.
Will PureWood’s natural color change over time?
• Yes, just as with raw wood, PureWood will gray over time if not stained or if a UV inhibitor is not applied. Unlike raw wood, however, PureWood will remain resistant to rot and decay for decades.
What distance between deck joists can PureWood handle when building a deck?
• PureWood deck boards are a full 1-1/4" thick, and can span 16" on center, 12" on center for stairs, but we recommend that you place support joists at the conventional 16" on center for the best and most solid floor. Deck boards are actually an integral part of the structural system; increasing the integrity of a deck with a few additional joists is worth the end result.
• Due to PureWood's high dimensional stability and low shrink rate, a 1/4" gap between boards is recommended.
Can I sand it, paint it, cut it, etc. just like normal wood?
• Yes, PureWood is used and handled just like raw wood. Extra care should be taken due to the low moisture content.
What type of fasteners should be used with PureWood?
• Since most of the applications will have PureWood being applied over treated sub-structure, be sure and use an approved fastener for the treated lumber. There are no issues or reactions from PureWood being in contact with any exterior grade fasteners, just remember to take into account what it is being fastened to.
What type of saw blade should be used to cut PureWood?
• A 40-tooth or better, carbide-tipped blade yields excellent cutting results.
Should I pre-drill holes when using PureWood?
• Always pre-drill holes to produce the cleanest result.
Availability
Where can I get PureWood?
• Distribution is being set up across the country. Go here to find a dealer.
