Set to launch on Monday, May 15th, the new KEBONY products combine the breathtaking contemporary designs from reSAWN TIMBER co. with high-performance Kebony® exterior siding and decking. Originating out of Norway, Kebony “…aims to be the leading wood brand and technology organization” through proven wood modification techniques.
Ahead of the launch of reSAWN’s newest addition to its product offering, we’ve put together a list of 7 reasons to specify reSAWN’s Kebony products on your next project.
1. KEBONY PROCESS
Much of Kebony wood’s enhanced performance characteristics stem from the patented modification process they have adopted. The impressive technology improves the properties of sustainable softwoods in three stages:
Impregnation
Impregnation is the process in which the wood is soaked in a bio-based liquid. During impregnation, furfuryl alcohol produced from a bio-based liquid is imparted into the wood to make it dimensionally stable.
Curing & Drying
After impregnation, the wood is heated, and the polymerisation of the furfuryl alcohol occurs. This step is referred to as the curing step. The resulting polymer, which is now permanently locked into the wood cells, is stable and will not disintegrate or leak out of the wood.
Kebony Wood
After treatment, the wood cell walls are 50 percent thicker due to the stable, locked-in polymers. This permanent modification of the wood cell walls gives the final wood product outstanding stability, the maximum amount of hardness, and a guaranteed long life. Kebony wood also provides a high level of safety as the wood does not splinter and contains no toxins or chemicals.
2. FURFURYLATION
Differing from other modified wood products, Kebony uses furfuryl alcohol as its modifying agent. Furfuryl alcohol is a non-toxic, bio-based fuel that impregnates the wood’s cells through a vacuum pressure treating process. When the impregnation is finished, the resulting cells are slightly changed, and that results in changes to the physical and mechanical properties of the wood byproduct.
While the furfuryl impregnation is essential to Kebony wood, the curing and drying phase directly leads to the performance enhancements that are inherent in the modified wood. When the impregnated wood is cured and dried, the swollen cell walls are virtually locked in their current form at 50% thicker than normal. The large and dry cell walls lead to reduced hygroscopicity (natural swelling and shrinking of wood) and more dimensional stability.
3. SUSTAINABILITY
At each stage of the Kebony process, the Norwegian company pays attention to environmental impact. Production of Kebony is based on a liquid extracted from bio-waste and their factory produces to the most environmentally friendly standards. In the waste disposal phase, Kebony can be treated as regular, untreated wood. The raw materials for Kebony are acquired from commercially managed forests with large timber harvests. All Kebony suppliers hold certificates guaranteeing the origin of their timber.
Additionally, reSAWN TIMBER co. is able to offer many of our products FSC certified and has many contributions to LEED certified projects. reSAWN is dedicated to manufacturing products that reach their peak sustainability. From the species we offer to our aesthetic finishes, we know that we’re a crucial part of projects that contribute to a healthier world.
4. PERFORMANCE & BENEFITS
Kebony is beautiful wood recommended by leading architects. Kebony’s performance has been proven in a variety of applications, including decking and cladding, because of its high-quality characteristics:
- Real Wood
- with enhanced and strengthened cell structure
- Refined & Beautiful
- develops a natural patina after exposure to sun and rain
- Maximum Hardness
- increased to levels of the best hardwoods
- Outstanding Stability
- swelling and shrinking reduced by 40-60%
- Guaranteed Long Life
- Outdoor lifetime warranty (on wood only) of 30 years against rot
- High Resistance
- against fungi, rot, and other wood destroying microorganisms
- Safe & Toxin Free
- no toxins or harmful impregnation substances
- Eco-Technology
- bio-based liquid used in Kebony technology
- Sustainable Sources
- sustainably sourced timber
Photography–© 2017 Arches
5. CHARRED KEBONY
reSAWN TIMBER co. brings our award-winning CHARRED technology to the sustainable and high-performance Kebony wood. Using our contemporary take on the ancient Japanese fire-burning technique of shou sugi ban, reSAWN’s charring process adds both performance and aesthetic characteristics. Due to Kebony’s density and swollen cell structure, the exterior char layer of CHARRED Kebony is extremely hard and durable. The hardness of the char layer provides extra protection against rot, hygroscopic movement, and insects.
In terms of aesthetic value, charring Kebony gives the wood an extra level of complexity in the form of enhanced wood grain and a crackled char look. Additionally, CHARRED Kebony can be finished with a variety of different colors and styles.
6. WEATHERED KEBONY
Kebony is a natural wood product for outdoor applications and its appearance will therefore be influenced by local environmental conditions over time. Usually, color changes and checking, or small surface cracks, will occur due to natural weathering. While Kebony wood’s aesthetic will change with time, its performance characteristics will not.
In addition to the CHARRED shou sugi ban products, reSAWN will offer non-charred designs that take advantage of the natural color, wood grain, and weathering capabilities of Kebony. The non-charred Kebony products capture a variety of different aesthetics with the ultimate goal being high-quality, high-performance designs whether they are new or weathered.
7. DECKING
The durability and strength of Kebony wood naturally lends itself to decking applications. With similar characteristics to the best tropical hardwoods, reSAWN’s Kebony products offer a sustainable and beautiful decking option.
Kebony decking has been included in a wide variety of both large scale and small scale projects from private residences to boardwalks.
Photography–© 2017 Salih Usta
STAY TUNED FOR THE DEBUT OF reSAWN’s NEW KEBONY DESIGNS
