Thermally Modified Wood: Measure Your Project and Order the Right Quantity

Understand Thermally Modified Wood Profiles and Coverage

Thermally modified wood is available in various profiles, each offering a distinct aesthetic and coverage. Common profiles include tongue-and-groove, shiplap, and square-edge boards. The specific profile you choose will influence how the material is installed and its effective coverage.

For example, a tongue-and-groove board might have a nominal width (the total width of the board) and an effective width (the visible width after installation, accounting for the tongue fitting into the groove). Always use the effective coverage width for your calculations, not the nominal width, to avoid underestimating your material needs. Check product specifications for the exact effective width of your chosen profile.

Measure Your Project Area Accurately

Begin by measuring the precise dimensions of the area where the thermally modified wood will be installed. For walls or ceilings, measure the length and height of each distinct surface. For soffits or other flat applications, measure the length and width.

It is helpful to sketch a diagram of your project, breaking down complex areas into simpler rectangles or squares. Note down all measurements clearly. Double-check all measurements to minimize errors. Consider any areas that will not be covered by wood, such as windows, doors, or architectural features, as these areas will be deducted from your total surface area.

Calculate the Total Surface Area

Once you have all your dimensions, calculate the total square footage (or square meters) of the area to be covered. Multiply length by height for walls, or length by width for flat surfaces. If your project has multiple distinct surfaces, calculate each area separately and then sum them up.

For example, a wall that is 10 feet long and 8 feet high has an area of 80 square feet. If you have multiple such walls, add their areas together. Remember to subtract any non-wood areas like windows or doors from the total surface area.

Account for Waste: The Essential Factor

Waste is an unavoidable part of any construction project involving linear or modular materials. Cuts for corners, around openings, for alignment, and any accidental damage contribute to waste. A general waste factor for thermally modified wood siding or cladding typically ranges from 10% to 15%. However, this can vary based on the complexity of your project, the profile chosen, and your installation plan.

More complex designs with many angles, curves, or small cuts will require a higher waste factor. For example, a simple rectangular wall might only need 10% waste, while an intricate facade with multiple windows and doors could require 15% or more. Always round up your waste calculation to ensure you have enough material.

Worked Example: Calculating Thermally Modified Wood for a Feature Wall

Let's consider a hypothetical interior feature wall that will be covered with thermally modified wood. The wall is 12 feet long and 9 feet high. There is one window opening, 3 feet wide by 4 feet high.

1. **Calculate Total Wall Area:** 12 feet (length) x 9 feet (height) = 108 square feet.

2. **Calculate Window Area:** 3 feet (width) x 4 feet (height) = 12 square feet.

3. **Calculate Net Area to Cover:** 108 sq ft (total wall) - 12 sq ft (window) = 96 square feet.

4. **Apply Waste Factor:** For this project, assume a 12% waste factor due to cuts around the window and for board alignment. Waste = 96 sq ft x 0.12 = 11.52 square feet. Round up to 12 square feet for planning.

5. **Total Material Needed (including waste):** 96 sq ft (net area) + 12 sq ft (waste) = 108 square feet.

6. **Convert to Linear Footage (Hypothetical Product):** Assume the chosen thermally modified wood profile has an effective coverage width of 5 inches (0.4167 feet). To find the linear footage required: 108 sq ft / 0.4167 ft/board = 259.18 linear feet. Round up to 260 linear feet.

7. **Determine Number of Boards:** If the boards are typically sold in 10-foot lengths, you would need 260 linear feet / 10 feet/board = 26 boards. If boards are only sold in specific lengths, such as 8-foot or 12-foot, you might need to adjust the quantity to minimize waste from purchased lengths. For instance, if only 12-foot lengths are available, you'd need 260 linear feet / 12 feet/board = 21.67 boards, rounded up to 22 boards. This would result in a slight overage of linear footage, providing a buffer.

Final Review and Order Confirmation

Before placing your order, review all calculations. Consider discussing your take-off with your contractor or installer, as they may have specific insights into installation methods and typical waste for the chosen profile. Confirm the exact profile and dimensions of the thermally modified wood you intend to purchase, as these directly impact the coverage calculations.

Remember that longer board lengths can sometimes reduce waste from cuts, but they may also be more challenging to handle. Balance efficiency with practicality for your project. Ensure you have accounted for all necessary accessories, such as fasteners, trim pieces, and any required substructure materials, as these are typically ordered separately.

Before you order

• Have I measured all project dimensions accurately?
• Have I accounted for all openings (windows, doors) and obstructions?
• Do I know the effective coverage width of my chosen thermally modified wood profile?
• Have I applied an appropriate waste factor (10-15% or more for complex projects)?
• Have I converted the total square footage into the linear footage or number of boards required?
• Have I double-checked all calculations?
• Have I considered the available lengths of the thermally modified wood and adjusted my order accordingly?
• Are there any trim pieces, fasteners, or other accessories that need to be ordered alongside the wood?

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

Keep planning your project