Thermally Modified Wood: A sustainable solution

About this Course

In this course we will explore Thermally Modified Wood (TMW) as a material for interior and exterior uses. TMW are wood species harvested in a sustainable manner in the United States and subjected to high temperatures to modify the properties and color. TMW is chemical free, has high decay resistance, is more dimensionally stable, and is a renewable, sustainable way to sequester carbon in a useful building material. Due to the darker color of TMW, it has been used as an alternative to many tropical hardwoods in decking and siding applications. We will discuss what is TMW, how it is made, its sustainability, uses, lessons in specification/application and a trip to visit a structure where it has been used in multiple applications. 

Prerequisite Knowledge:  None

Course Level:  Introductory

Learning Objective 1:
Highlight the unique benefits of using exposed thermally modified wood on buildings

Learning Objective 2:
Explore types of projects that would be suitable for thermally modified wood use.

Learning Objective 3:
Explore lessons learned relative to best practices and material procurement of thermally modified wood.

Learning Objective 4:
Discuss how the use of thermally modified wood can economically support healthy and sustainable forests

Learning Objective 5:
Discuss the need for modifying or treating wood for external applications

Learning Objective 6:
Explore the properties of thermally modified wood and how the material behaves in application

Learning Objective 7:
Discuss the produced specifications and purchasing options for TMW

Learning Objective 8:
Highlight the recent us of thermally modified wood in Watershed Sustainability Project

Location and Travel to Watershed:

The course will be held in the conference room at the Cambria Hotel and Suites, 1 Helen Heneghan Way, Rockville, MD 20850. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Rockville Metro Station. Two vans will be available to transport a limited number of participants to the Watershed project for the tour. Please contact bbond@vt.edu to register for a seat in the vans. Seating is by registration.

Credits:  6.0 AIA LU

AIA Provider Statement:

Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech  is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 600114177. All registered AIA/CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider of learning program may be sent to AIA/CES (cesupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA/CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

Course Title:  Thermally Modified Wood: A sustainable solution

Delivery Method:  Live In-person

Complaint Resolution Policy:
Complaints regarding this course can be emailed to bbond@vt.edu or by calling (540-231-8752).  Dr. Bond will respond within 72 hours to resolve the complaint, which will include, but not limited to, access to another CE activity at no or reduced cost or a full or partial refund.  Each instance will be resolved on a case-by-case situation.