This process of heating the wood to above 320 degrees in a low oxygen environment makes physical and chemical changes in the wood’s cellular structure.  The boards are darker in color and there is a lot of color variation- much more than a topically stained floor.  It also improves the dimensional stability and reduces the response to humidity/temperature- which is great for these wide long board styles of late.  Like any treatment, it varies in process by manufacturer.  Some have experienced a “burnt smell” that can linger.  They vary in color variation, price, and brittleness of the tongue and groove.  Overall I think this process give a rich warmth to hardwood.  It is a way of getting a more natural looking color and that beautiful color variation that looks like “real wood”.


Fumed/Smoked/Carbonized/Caramelized/Cooked/Thermal Treated