Kebony
Kebony is a modified wood product made for exterior projects that need natural woodbeauty, strong durability, and a lower-maintenance alternative to many traditional outdoor lumber options. At Mason’s Mill, we supply Kebony decking, cladding, related hardware, and samples for architects, builders, remodelers, designers, and homeowners planning high-quality exterior projects.
Why choose Kebony for exterior wood projects?
Kebony gives exterior projects the warmth of natural wood without relying on tropical hardwoods. The product starts with sustainably sourced wood and is modified with a bio-based liquid that becomes permanently bonded inside the wood fibers, creating a stable, hard,and durable material. Kebony states that the result is suitable for exterior applications where durability, environmental credentials, and low maintenance matter.
Kebony is often considered for projects where the design calls for real wood, clean lines, and long service life. It can be used for decking, cladding, flooring, roofing, windows, doors, furniture, and design objects, according to Kebony’s FAQ documentation.
Browse Kebony
Thermac Ash Light Roast — Cutek Extreme Clear Finish
Thermac Ash Light Roast is a thermally modified White Ash produced by Bingaman & Son Lumber, one of the leading domestic manufacturers of thermally modified hardwoods in North America. Sourced from responsibly managed Appalachian and Pennsylvania forests, the ash is transformed through a chemical-free process that uses only heat and steam — no chemicals, plastics, or additives — sustained for 14–16 hours in an oxygen-deprived kiln. The "Light Roast" designation refers to a lower peak modification temperature, producing a warm caramel-to-amber tone rather than the deeper chocolate brown of a standard or dark roast. The result is a domestic hardwood with the color character of exotic species like teak or light walnut, while retaining more of ash's natural grain contrast and figure.
The performance story is where thermally modified ash really shines. The modification process breaks down the sugars and hemicellulose that fungi and insects feed on, and permanently reduces the wood's ability to absorb moisture — by as much as 45% compared to untreated ash. Independent testing per EN 350 standards rates thermally modified ash at Durability Class 1 ("very durable"), placing it in the same durability tier as tropical hardwoods like teak and ipe, with an expected exterior service life of 25+ years. Dimensional stability improves dramatically as well: radial and tangential shrinkage drop to under 1%, virtually eliminating the cupping, warping, and seam-opening that plague untreated ash outdoors.
Each board is finished with Cutek Extreme Clear, a penetrating oil engineered to stabilize exterior wood from the inside out. Rather than forming a surface film like paint or varnish, Cutek carries its oils deep into the wood fibers, where they work continuously to slow moisture movement — the primary cause of cupping, checking, and end-splitting. Because the finish penetrates rather than coats, it cannot peel or flake, and maintenance requires no sanding or stripping — just clean the surface and reapply when it looks dry. The clear formulation adds no pigment, allowing the Light Roast's warm caramel tone to show through initially before gradually silvering to a soft gray patina if left unmaintained with a colortone.
Ideal for high-end exterior siding, cladding, soffits, porch ceilings, feature walls, and covered outdoor living spaces where the warmth of a lightly roasted domestic hardwood is preferred over the deeper tones of standard thermally modified ash.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | White Ash (Fraxinus americana) — thermally modified |
| Product Line | Thermac by Bingaman & Son Lumber |
| Modification Level | Light Roast — lower-temperature thermal modification for lighter tone |
| Origin | Appalachian / Pennsylvania hardwood, USA |
| Modification Process | Heat and steam only, no chemicals; oxygen-deprived kiln for 14–16 hours |
| Finish | Cutek Extreme Clear (penetrating oil) |
| Finish Type | Oil-based, non-film-forming |
| Color | Warm caramel-to-amber brown; consistent through full board thickness |
| Weathering | Silvers to gray patina over time if not maintained with colortone |
| Durability Class | Class 1 ("very durable") per EN 350 |
| Janka Hardness | ~820–1,325 lbf (varies by modification intensity) |
| Dimensional Stability | Radial shrinkage ~0.1–1.0%; tangential ~0.4–1.0% — significantly improved vs. untreated ash |
| Density | ~554 kg/m³ post-modification (roughly 12% lighter than untreated ash) |
| Equilibrium Moisture Content | ~4–6% (vs. 18–22% for untreated ash) |
| Water Absorption | Reduced 60–70% vs. untreated ash |
| Service Life | 25+ years in exterior applications with proper maintenance |
| Fire Rating | Class B/C flame spread achievable (ASTM E84) |
| Applications | Exterior siding, cladding, soffits, porch ceilings, feature walls, decking, trim |
| Fixings | Stainless steel recommended; pre-drilling advised near board ends |
| Maintenance | Clean and re-oil with Cutek Extreme as needed — no sanding or stripping required |
| Sustainability | Domestic hardwood from sustainably managed forests; chemical-free modification |
Quote
Kebony Technology
Kebony uses a patented wood modification process that combines bio-based liquid infusion with heat. The process permanently thickens the cell walls of the wood, which improves stability, hardness, and durability compared with the original wood species.
This is different from standard heat-treated timber. Kebony describes its process as bio-based liquid infusion plus heat, while heat-treated timber relies on high temperature alone. Kebony says the modification changes the wood’s cell walls, while heat treatment does not alter the cell structure in the same way.
This technology helps Kebony perform more like a premium exterior wood while using more sustainable source material. For builders and architects, that means a natural wood option for projects where tropical hardwoods may not be the preferred specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kebony is a modified wood product designed for exterior applications such as decking, cladding, siding, furniture, and architectural features. It uses a patented process that combines bio-based liquid infusion with heat to improve the wood's stability, hardness, and durability.
Yes. Kebony is real wood that has been modified to improve performance. It starts with sustainably sourced timber and is treated with a bio-based liquid that becomes permanently bonded inside the wood fibers.
Kebony can be used for decking, cladding, flooring, roofing, windows, doors, furniture, and design objects. At Mason's Mill, common project uses include decks, siding accents, exterior cladding, outdoor living areas, and architectural wood details.
Kebony does not require special maintenance beyond normal cleaning, but it can be oiled, stained, or painted to reduce the graying effect or change the color. If left unfinished outdoors, Kebony naturally develops a silver-grey patina over time.
Kebony can typically be cleaned with water and a brush. For mold or algae, use water mixed with ordinary household cleaning agents or detergents suitable for exterior use, then rinse with clean water.
Kebony states that high-pressure washers are generally not recommended. If used, the washer should be equipped with suitable brushes that reduce and diffuse the water jet, and water jets should never be applied directly to the wood surface.
Kebony is a strong candidate for Houston exterior projects where the design calls for natural wood, durability, and lower maintenance. It is suitable for decking, cladding, siding accents, outdoor structures, and architectural exterior details.
Kebony decking, samples, and related hardware are available through Mason's Mill & Lumber Co. in Houston, Texas. Contact the Mason's Mill team for availability, quotes, samples, and project guidance.
Request a Kebony Quote
Use the form below to contact our sales team and start your next Kebony project today!