BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE · ISSAQUAHGet a local Maximo consultation
Call BFS · (425) 391-8000

Architectural Material Comparison · Issaquah, WA

Maximo Thermo vs.Hemlock VG.

Familiar machining and a refined look when the grade and moisture are well controlled. In the rainy Puget Sound climate, specifying between traditional Vertical Grain Hemlock and thermally modified wood comes down to predictability: moisture equilibrium, dimensional movement, maintenance frequency, and warranty.

Maximo thermally modified wood compared with Vertical Grain Hemlock
SIDE-BY-SIDEThermally modified profiles vs. Vertical Grain Hemlock
TRADITIONAL MATERIAL CHARACTER

Vertical Grain Hemlock

Fine, generally straight grain with a pale, quiet appearance. Natural durability is limited without protection, and movement follows changing moisture conditions.

MAINTENANCE EXPECTATION

Coating & Care

Exterior service typically depends on careful detailing and a maintained coating system.

WORKABILITY & TOOLING

Fabrication

Works well but is heavier than lightweight Thermo Ayous and can moderately blunt tooling.

Material side-by-side

Controlled thermal transformation vs.
natural lumber variability.

Traditional Vertical Grain Hemlock remains a familiar Pacific Northwest choice. Its installed performance varies with grade, heartwood and sapwood content, moisture condition, detailing, finish and exposure.

Maximo Thermo provides a defined catalog alternative with reduced moisture response, product-specific durability information and a 20-year limited manufacturer warranty.

LOWER EMCReduced moisture response

Thermal modification reduces equilibrium moisture uptake compared with untreated wood.

20-YEARProduct warranty

Published limited warranty; compare its terms with the exact traditional product being considered.

LOWER RISKResin and pitch movement

High-temperature modification reduces natural resins and the risk of hot-weather pitch bleed.

LOCALBuilders FirstSource

Local order fulfillment and technical guidance in Issaquah, WA.

Drag to compare

Defined profile.
Natural variation.

This visual is illustrative, not a grade sample. Use it to frame the specification conversation: profile, moisture, grain, finish, installation and documented warranty.

MOISTURE RESPONSEPROFILE CONSISTENCYFINISH PLANMAINTENANCE

21 Profile Comparisons

Compare every Maximo model
against Hemlock VG.

Select a catalog profile to compare its dimensions, intended applications and product characteristics with Vertical Grain Hemlock.

Thermo Ash 1x6 Plus S4S E4E End Match vs Hemlock VGThermo Ash1x6 Plus S4S E4E End MatchA dense thermally modified hardwood with pronounced grain and a deep, architectural tone.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ash 5/4x6 S4S E4E End Match vs Hemlock VGThermo Ash5/4x6 S4S E4E End MatchA substantial end-matched board built for bold surfaces and high-use exterior spaces.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ash 2x4 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Ash2x4 S4S E4EHardwood strength and dimensional stability in a versatile structural-looking profile.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ash 2x6 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Ash2x6 S4S E4EA broad, solid profile with strong grain for decking, trim and architectural details.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ash 1x10 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Ash1x10 S4S E4EA wide hardwood trim board for fascia, frames and refined exterior transitions.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ayous 1x6 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Ayous1x6 S4S E4ELightweight, smooth and evenly toned for clean siding, ceiling and wall installations.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ayous 1x6 V-Joint / Nickel Gap vs Hemlock VGThermo Ayous1x6 V-Joint / Nickel GapA crisp tongue-and-groove profile that creates controlled shadow lines with easy handling.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ayous 1x6 Fluted #5 vs Hemlock VGThermo Ayous1x6 Fluted #5A rhythmic fluted surface that adds texture while keeping Ayous light and workable.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ayous 1x8 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Ayous1x8 S4S E4EA lightweight wide board suited to fascia, trim and modern architectural detailing.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ayous 1x10 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Ayous1x10 S4S E4EA broad, smooth trim board with warm tone and low installed weight.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ayous 2x2 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Ayous2x2 S4S E4EA compact square profile for battens, screens and precise finish work.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ayous 2x4 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Ayous2x4 S4S E4EA stable, lightweight profile for trims, frames and dimensional accents.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Ayous 2x6 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Ayous2x6 S4S E4EA wider dimensional profile combining architectural presence with easy machining.Compare vs. Hemlock VGScandinavian Thermo 1x6 V-Joint / Nickel Gap vs Hemlock VGScandinavian Thermo1x6 V-Joint / Nickel GapStraight grain, characteristic knots and a clean Nordic tongue-and-groove expression.Compare vs. Hemlock VGScandinavian Thermo 1x6 Fluted #5 vs Hemlock VGScandinavian Thermo1x6 Fluted #5Textured Nordic softwood with distinctive grain and a contemporary fluted face.Compare vs. Hemlock VGScandinavian Thermo 5/4x6 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGScandinavian Thermo5/4x6 S4S E4EA versatile Nordic profile for clean horizontal or vertical surfaces and decking.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Clear Radiata 1x6 Nickel Gap / Square Back vs Hemlock VGThermo Clear Radiata1x6 Nickel Gap / Square BackA clear, uniform softwood profile designed for minimal knots and precise shadow lines.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Clear Radiata 5/4x6 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Clear Radiata5/4x6 S4S E4ESmooth, consistent decking with thermally enhanced stability and approachable weight.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Clear Radiata 2x6 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Clear Radiata2x6 S4S E4EA substantial clear profile for clean-lined decking and matching architectural trim.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Clear Radiata 1x8 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Clear Radiata1x8 S4S E4EA wide, minimal-knot trim board for contemporary fascia and transitions.Compare vs. Hemlock VGThermo Clear Radiata 1x12 S4S E4E vs Hemlock VGThermo Clear Radiata1x12 S4S E4EThe widest clear trim profile in the catalog for bold fascia and uninterrupted planes.Compare vs. Hemlock VG

Where to buy in Issaquah

Builders FirstSource Issaquah

Catalog available by consultation. Contact the Issaquah team to confirm availability, sample kits, and lead time for your selected Maximo profile.

5210 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE
Issaquah, WA 98029
(425) 391-8000
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Dealer information verified August 31, 2026. No in-stock claim is made on this site.

Request a local quote

Put this profile
on your project.

Tell us what you are building. Our team will review your wood selection and contact you to coordinate a Maximo consultation with Builders FirstSource Issaquah.

YOUR SELECTIONMaximo ThermoCompared with Vertical Grain Hemlock

Comparison FAQs

Maximo Thermo vs.
Hemlock VG

How does Maximo Thermo compare to Vertical Grain Hemlock for siding and soffits in Issaquah?+

Thermal modification lowers moisture uptake compared with untreated Hemlock VG. That can reduce seasonal movement, but joint performance and coating life still depend on profile selection, drainage, ventilation, fastening and maintenance.

Is Vertical Grain Hemlock naturally rot-resistant compared to thermally modified wood?+

Vertical Grain Hemlock performance depends on grade, heartwood and sapwood content, moisture condition, detailing and exposure. Maximo products use heat and steam to reduce moisture response, with durability ratings that vary by the exact species and profile.

What warranty is provided on Maximo Thermo vs. Hemlock VG?+

Warranty coverage for traditional Vertical Grain Hemlock depends on the supplier and product. Maximo publishes a 20-year limited manufacturer warranty; review current terms and approved applications for the selected profile.

Where can I order Maximo Thermo in King County?+

Builders FirstSource Issaquah (5210 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE) provides consultation, sample review, and order coordination for all 21 Maximo Thermo profiles.

Technical sources & testing data

Maximo 2026 Product Catalog ↗Maximo Installation & Maintenance Guide ↗Full Hemlock VG Wood Guide ↗