If you're just getting started with woodworking, your first instinct is probably to grab whatever's available at the big box store. Pine, basic cedar maybe some pressure-treated lumber for outdoor projects. That works… but it also means your project looks like everyone else's.
At Fish Brothers Board Company, we specialize in one-of-a-kind materials you won't find anywhere else. This month we're spotlighting one of our most unique offerings: thermally modified Ash and Poplar. It's a game-changer for beginners who want their first big project to truly stand out.
So what exactly is thermally modified wood?
Don't let the name intimidate you. The concept is simple.
After the lumber is kiln-dried like normal, it goes into a specialty oven for three days. The wood is slowly baked at high heat, think of it like caramelizing onions but for lumber. That process drives out the natural sugars and moisture inside the wood that cause it to rot, warp and break down over time.
What comes out is a board that looks richer, performs better outdoors and requires almost no maintenance. No chemicals. No treatments. Just wood that's been transformed by heat.
For a beginner, that last part matters a lot. Less maintenance means fewer things to worry about after your project is done.
What makes it one of a kind?
This is the part we love talking about.
Thermally modified wood has a deep warm brown tone that comes entirely from the baking process. It's not stained. It's not painted. That color goes all the way through the board and it is completely natural. When someone asks "where did you get that?" you'll have an answer nobody else has.
You won't find this at Home Depot or Lowe's. We carry it in-stock and mill it in-house at Fish Brothers, which means we can cut it into custom profiles for your specific project. That's the kind of material access that used to be reserved for professional builders and custom woodshops.
Now it's available to you.
What can a beginner build with it?
You don't need years of experience to work with thermally modified wood. Here are some of the most popular projects our customers bring it home for:
A deck that lasts 25 years
Our thermally modified Ash deck boards come pre-grooved for hidden fasteners. That means no visible screws and a clean finished look that looks like a pro installed it. It carries a 25-year outdoor lifespan putting it in the same durability category as composite decking but with the look and feel of real wood.
An outdoor kitchen or pergola
Several of our customers have used thermally modified wood to build outdoor kitchens and pergola structures. It holds up to rain, humidity and sun without needing annual sealing or staining. For a first-time builder tackling an outdoor structure, that's a huge relief.
A ceiling that gets compliments
Instead of standard knotty pine, our customers are running thermally modified poplar on covered outdoor ceilings and pergola soffits. The rich color makes it a statement material and the rot resistance means it will still look great years down the road.
An accent wall or feature ceiling inside your home
This one surprises a lot of people. Thermally modified wood works beautifully as an interior accent wall or kitchen ceiling feature. The deep caramel tones anchor a room in a way that painted drywall simply can't. If you want one wall or one surface in your home to completely stand out this is how you do it.
Common Questions from First-Time Buyers
Do I need special tools to work with it?
Nope. Thermally modified wood cuts sands and fastens just like regular lumber. Standard woodworking tools work perfectly.
Does it need to be sealed or stained? I
t doesn't need it for performance. Left outdoors and untreated it will gradually become silver like cedar. If you want to hold the original color longer you can apply a UV-protective oil but it's completely optional.
Is it safe to use around kids and pets?
Yes. The modification process uses only heat. There are no chemicals or preservatives involved making it a great choice for decks play areas and garden structures.
How does it compare to pressure-treated lumber?
Pressure-treated lumber uses chemical preservatives to resist rot. Thermally modified wood gets the same rot resistance through a natural heat process with no chemicals. For outdoor projects where you want real wood without the treatment concerns it's one of the best options available.
Where can I buy thermally modified wood near me?
If you're near Tulsa, Ok Fish Brothers Board Company carries thermally modified ash and poplar in-stock with custom milling available. Come see us in-store.
You don't have to build like everyone else
One of the best parts of getting into woodworking is that you get to make something that's truly yours. The materials you choose are part of that.
At Fish Brothers we believe your first deck, your first pergola or your first accent wall deserves something special. Thermally modified wood gives beginner builders access to a material that's unique, functional and genuinely impressive without requiring expert-level skill to work with.
Come in and see it for yourself. We'll walk you through the options, answer your questions and help you figure out exactly what you need for your project.
That's what we're here for.
