Understanding Thermally Modified Ayous
Thermally Modified Ayous is a real wood product derived from Triplochiton scleroxylon, a species originating from West and Central Africa. The thermal modification process uses heat and steam to alter the wood's cellular structure, enhancing its dimensional stability and reducing its tendency to absorb moisture. This process gives the wood a consistent, signature tan tone.
A key benefit of Thermally Modified Ayous is its low weight, which can simplify handling and installation, especially in vertical or overhead applications. Its calm grain pattern contributes to a clean, contemporary aesthetic, making it a choice for modern design schemes. While the thermal modification improves its performance, it's important to remember that 'covered' applications imply significant shelter from direct weather, not full exposure.
Why Choose Ayous for Covered Outdoor Walls?
For covered outdoor walls, Thermally Modified Ayous offers several advantages. Its improved dimensional stability helps minimize movement, such as warping or cupping, which can be a concern with untreated wood in fluctuating outdoor conditions. This stability contributes to maintaining the visual integrity of the wall over time.
The natural tan tone of Ayous provides a warm and inviting appearance that can complement various outdoor living spaces. Its low weight is particularly beneficial when working on larger wall sections or in situations where ease of installation is a priority. While it is a real wood product, the thermal modification process reduces its susceptibility to certain environmental factors compared to unmodified wood, making it a practical choice for areas like screened porches, covered patios, or outdoor kitchen backsplashes that are not directly exposed to the elements.
It's important to differentiate covered outdoor walls from fully exposed exterior cladding. Covered walls are protected from direct rain, snow, and prolonged, intense UV exposure. This distinction is crucial for material selection and expected performance. For fully exposed applications, additional considerations or different materials may be necessary.
Available Profiles for Your Project
Thermally Modified Ayous is available in several profiles suitable for covered outdoor walls, allowing for diverse design expressions:
S4S E4E (Surfaced Four Sides, Eased Four Edges): Available in nominal 1 × 6, this profile offers a smooth, clean aesthetic. Its simple rectangular shape is versatile for creating modern, minimalist wall surfaces or trim details.
This is a popular choice for traditional and transitional designs.
Fluted #5: This profile, in nominal 1 × 6, features a series of parallel flutes or grooves along its surface. It can introduce texture and a distinctive visual rhythm, often used in architectural feature walls to create depth and a contemporary look.
Trim and Moulding: For finishing details, Thermally Modified Ayous is also available in S4S E4E profiles in nominal 1 × 8, 1 × 10, 2 × 2, 2 × 4, and 2 × 6 sizes. These can be used for framing, corner details, or other custom elements to complete the wall design.
Planning Your Covered Outdoor Wall: A Hypothetical Example
Consider a hypothetical covered patio wall measuring 12 feet long and 8 feet high.
First, determine the actual coverage of each board. A nominal 1x6 board typically has an actual width of about 5.5 inches (or 0.458 feet).
To cover the 12-foot length horizontally, you would need 12 feet / 0.458 feet per board ≈ 26.2 boards. Since you can't buy fractional boards, you would need 27 boards if installed horizontally. For the 8-foot height, you would need one 8-foot length per horizontal course.
If installing vertically, the number of boards needed to cover the 12-foot length is 12 feet / (5.5 inches / 12 inches/foot) = 12 feet / 0.4583 feet = 26.18, so 27 boards. Each board needs to be 8 feet long.
Total linear footage: 27 boards x 8 feet/board = 216 linear feet. When ordering, it is prudent to add 10-15% for cuts, waste, and future repairs. So, 216 linear feet * 1.15 = 248.4 linear feet. You would typically round up to the nearest full board length available, often 8-foot, 12-foot, or 16-foot.
If only 12-foot lengths are readily available, you would need 27 boards, each 12 feet long, totaling 324 linear feet. The extra length on each board would be used for cuts and waste, leaving some offcuts. For an 8-foot height, a 12-foot board yields one 8-foot piece and a 4-foot offcut. Depending on the project, these 4-foot offcuts may be usable for smaller sections or trim, reducing overall waste. Always confirm actual dimensions and calculate waste based on your specific layout and available board lengths.
Key Considerations for Installation and Finishing
Ventilation: Even in covered outdoor applications, proper air circulation behind the wall material is essential. A rainscreen assembly, which creates a ventilation gap, helps manage moisture and allows the wood to acclimate naturally. This is particularly important for covered walls that still experience humidity fluctuations.
Fasteners: Use corrosion-resistant fasteners, such as stainless steel, to prevent staining and ensure long-term durability. Consult product specifications for recommended fastener types and installation methods.
Finishing: Thermally Modified Ayous can be left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray patina over time, or it can be finished with an exterior-grade UV-protective oil or stain to maintain its initial tan color. If finishing, ensure the product is compatible with thermally modified wood and suitable for outdoor use. Regular maintenance will be required to preserve the finish.
Substructure: Ensure your wall's substructure is sound, level, and provides adequate support for the Ayous boards. The substructure should also be designed to accommodate the chosen fastening method and any required ventilation gaps.
Before you order
- Is the wall truly 'covered' and protected from direct rain and prolonged, intense sun?
- Have you calculated the linear footage needed, including 10-15% for waste and cuts?
- Have you planned for proper ventilation behind the wall material (e.g., a rainscreen)?
- What type of fasteners will you use (corrosion-resistant)?
- Will you leave the Ayous unfinished to weather, or apply an exterior-grade finish?
- Is the substructure adequate and prepared for installation?
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
Can Thermally Modified Ayous be used in all outdoor applications?
Thermally Modified Ayous is well-suited for covered outdoor applications like patios, porches, and soffits, where it is protected from direct, prolonged exposure to rain, snow, and intense UV radiation. For fully exposed exterior cladding, while the thermal modification improves stability, specific project conditions and local building practices should be reviewed to determine suitability. It is important to distinguish between 'covered' and 'fully exposed' applications.
Does Thermally Modified Ayous require a finish?
No, Thermally Modified Ayous does not strictly require a finish for performance in covered applications. If left unfinished, it will naturally weather to a silver-gray patina over time, similar to other wood species exposed to UV light. If you prefer to maintain its initial tan color, an exterior-grade UV-protective oil or stain can be applied, but this will require periodic reapplication as part of a maintenance schedule.
What is the benefit of its low weight?
The low weight of Thermally Modified Ayous makes it easier to handle during installation, especially for vertical wall panels or overhead applications like ceilings and soffits. This can simplify the installation process, potentially reducing labor efforts and making it more manageable for various project scales.
Ready to Plan Your Covered Outdoor Wall with Thermally Modified Ayous?
Contact us with your project dimensions, desired profile, and ZIP code to request a material quote. We can help confirm current availability and service options for your Thermally Modified Ayous project.
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