Heat treated wood is exposed to high temperatures to improve its utility, limit shrinkage and swelling, and prevent rotting. Common species include pine, aspen, and spruce, used for floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture. Wood used for packing materials requires a less intense temperature to eliminate pests. ISPM 15 requires all wood packaging material to be heat treated and stamped. Heating evaporates water, converts sugar into an unusable form, distributes natural protective compounds, and increases the life of wooden products and structures.
Heat treated wood is wood that has been exposed to high temperatures. The purpose of heat treatment is to improve the utility of the material. Heat treatment usually limits the amount of shrinkage or swelling of the wood after installation. It also prevents rotting by limiting the amount of sugar available for mushroom growth.
Common species of heat-treated wood include pine, aspen, and spruce. These types of heat treated wood are usually used for floors, walls or ceiling panels. Heat treated wood is also used to make furniture. The temperature to which the wood is treated is approximately 392°F (200°C). The process usually takes 24 hours to complete.
Wood used for packing materials, such as pallets, requires a less intense temperature for treatment. Generally, the temperature is around 133°F (56°C) and the duration is around 30 minutes. This is the recommendation of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15, which is the international standard for export. The main focus here is the elimination of pests that may be living within the wooden packaging structure. The pine tree nematode and the Asian long-horned beetle are two insects commonly found living in wooden pallets.
Officially, ISPM 15 requires that both hardwood and softwood be treated with heat. All types of wood packaging material should have a stamp designating it as meeting the heat treated wood standard. Shipments without the stamp will not be able to pass through other countries. It is recommended that all wood packaging materials be heat treated to avoid delivery delays.
The longer and more intense heating duration required for wood used for manufacturing products or building houses is necessary to ensure that the wood is in the best condition. One benefit of heating is that the water inside the wood evaporates. This will reduce the amount of shrinkage the wood will experience over its life.
Another benefit is that heating converts the sugar within the wood into an unusable form. This prevents the buildup of fungus in the structure and reduces rotting. Additionally, the natural protective compounds within the wood are distributed upon heating. This also prevents the wood from rotting.
Heat treatment is an effective way to increase the life of a wooden product or wooden structure. Reduces problems that may arise later, including rotting and shrinkage. About 130 countries have adopted the ISPM 15 standard for wood packaging materials.
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