The future is bright, and the future is here for modified lumber. Concerns over global warming and the long-term sustainability of tropical hardwoods have us looking for alternatives. To find the future we look back thousands of years to the Vikings who burnt cut timbers to enhance their longevity by making them more impervious to the elements. Also, to most of Europe which has over 20 years of experience with modern computer-controlled technologies that has fine-tuned the modification process. These products are only recently gaining momentum in this country.

We are now successfully modifying softwood species to match the characteristics of tropical hardwoods without the strain on the environment. The modification process changes the cell structure and removes the cellulose and other organic compounds, which is basically eliminating food for fungus and insects. This also stabilizes the cell structure to greatly reduce the woods' ability to absorb and retain water. The end result is a hardwood product stable and durable enough for outdoor applications.