Accoya
Accoya modified wood has become the benchmark in the timber industry for performance and sustainability. No other wood offers the same combination of durability, stability, and versatility. Sustainably sourced and with a low total lifetime carbon cost, Accoya actively contributes to a circular, bio-based economy and is one of the few truly sustainable building materials available.
This process involves the alteration of the wood’s cellular structure, resulting in improved technical characteristics and significantly heightened strength and durability. Natural wood contains “free hydroxyl groups” that interact with and release moisture as weather conditions change.
Consequently, untreated wood is prone to expansion and contraction, especially when utilized outdoors for purposes like siding, window frames, and door frames. The fluctuation in wood’s dimensions often leads to cracking and decay, thereby affecting its overall lifespan.
In this video, we take a closer look at the groundbreaking science behind Accoya wood. Through a precise acetylation process using acetic anhydrid – combined with carefully controlled heat and pressure – we increase the moisture-resistant acetyl groups and reduce the water-attracting hydroxyl groups. This unique, patented technology transforms fast-growing, sustainable wood into an ultra-high-performance building material.
Stable
Accoya wood sets the industry benchmark for stability, staying true to form, maintaining its original shape through every season and repelling whatever weather comes its way. Accoya’s patented manufacturing process owned by Accsys targets and changes the cells that cause wood to move, resulting in a material with exceptional resistance to distortion.
Durable
Accoya wood has been developed for exceptional durability. With the wood altered at a cellular level to resist fungal decay. The strength and durability of Accoya wood both above ground and in water means it can be used virtually anywhere with complete confidence that it will perform as effectively as the day it was installed.
Versatile
Accoya wood provides a versatile substrate suited to any design application. Uniquely combining unrivalled stability with easy workability, Accoya wood offers design flexibility for the most intricate and ambitious architectural projects. The confidence of knowing that Accoya wood will reliably and effortlessly deliver a perfect fit every time.
Sustainable
Accoya wood is more than just a material; it’s a bold statement of environmental responsibility and commitment to a more sustainable future – without performance compromise. Sourced entirely from FSC® certified forests, Accoya wood delivers minimal environmental impact without compromising on quality of performance.
Origin
New Zealand
Durability
Class 1 – Very Durable
Moisture Content
Approx. 3-5%
Density
Approx. 510kg/m3
Dimensions
Sizes available from 25 x 50mm to 75 x 225mm
Lengths
1.8m – 4.8m
Movement
Hardly any Moisture Movement
Sustainability
FSC Certified Gold Level Cradle to Cradle Certification
Treatment
Natural, Charred, Opaque, Translucent, Wood Stains, Burnblock and Teknoclad Silver
Surface Finishes
There are a range of different surface finishes that we can offer, each one varying in appearance.
Once a preferred surface finish has been identified, we can offer options based on the most suitable timber species and coating systems.
Find out more about the surface finishes that we offer.
Planed
Planed timber has been machined to leave an elegant, smooth finish all the way around the board. As a result, a planed surface finish is a common choice when specifying timber cladding.
Sawn
A sawn face is produced by passing the timber through a band saw in order to leave a rustic and more textured finish on the face of the timber. A sawn face is popular in rural locations or where projects require more character from the cladding.
Structured (Wire Brushed)
Structuring is an in-house process where we remove the softer part of the grain from the timber, leaving the harder grain tightened, adding further character to the timber.
Structuring can also be referred to as wire brushing and the depth of structure is influenced by the board density and grain orientation.
Accoya - Opaque RAL 7035
Accoya - Myrtle
Accoya - Teknoclad Silver Concrete Grey
Accoya - Teknoclad Silver RAL9005
Accoya - Teknoclad Silver Slate Grey
Accoya - Teknoclad Silver Stone Grey
Coating and Treatments
If left uncoated, Accoya will naturally weather. We offer a range of coating systems for Accoya in order to meet a range of design requirements. Due to the stability of Accoya it is well suited to opaque and translucent coatings, wood stains and pre-weathered coating systems.
Opaque Coatings
Opaque coating systems are a solid colour which delivers a consistent finish. Due to the high amounts of pigment in the coating the colour from the grain of the timber is hidden, resulting in a uniform finish to each length of timber.
Translucent Coatings
Translucent coating systems for external applications.
Translucent coating systems offer a natural and decorative appearance while providing optimal protection to a timber substrate. A careful balance of pigments and binders mean the coating accentuates the grain of the timber, delivering a natural appearance.
Depending on the coating manufacturer, translucent coatings can vary from either two or three coat systems.
Wood Stains
Wood Stain coating systems for external applications.
Wood Stain coating systems offer an extremely natural and rustic appearance. They are a matte finish with high penetration properties, which are low-film forming on the surface of the timber. Wood stain coating systems soak into the timber and offer excellent UV protection and high water vapour permeability.
Charred Timber
Our Charred timber cladding range has been created in order to offer a similar charred timber aesthetic, while overcoming the issues often encountered with the traditional treatment method.
Teknoclad Silver
Teknoclad Silver provided timber with an even, natural grey tone which erodes overtime and encourages a harmonious transition to natural weathering.
Our Projects
Looking for inspiration? Have a look at some of our completed projects.
Omaze Lake District House
Structured
Chichester House (Grand Designs)
Structured
Reservoir Lane
Planed
Barnsnap House
Sawn
Starbucks
Planed
Rock Lobster
Planed
Testing Facility
We test our products using both accelerated weather testing machines and real world testing in our bespoke external testing programme, the first of its kind in the UK. Our testing field was designed and built in collaboration with our coating partners as well as brands like Accoya and Teknos. We even have our products on exposure testing in Malaysia and the Netherlands.
All of this information allows us to advise clients and architects on the most suitable specification for their project. It also allows us to demonstrate how different coatings perform on a range of timber species, as well as highlighting the issues that can be caused when a coating system is incorrectly specified.
Looking to start your project
For any pre-sale questions or general inquiries please use the contact form or details below and a member of our team will be in touch.