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Architectural Material Comparison · Issaquah, WA

Maximo Thermo vs.VG Cedar.

Naturally durable heartwood and a long architectural track record in the Pacific Northwest. In the rainy Puget Sound climate, specifying between traditional Vertical Grain Cedar and thermally modified wood comes down to predictability: moisture equilibrium, dimensional movement, maintenance frequency, and warranty.

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

Vertical Grain Cedar

Straight vertical grain selected for a consistent, premium visual rhythm. Performance and price depend strongly on grade, heartwood content, moisture and market availability.

MAINTENANCE EXPECTATION

Coating & Care

Color retention requires a maintained finish; uncoated material naturally weathers gray.

WORKABILITY & TOOLING

Fabrication

Machines well, though premium vertical-grain stock is heavier and supply can vary.

Material side-by-side

Controlled thermal transformation vs.
natural lumber variability.

Traditional Vertical Grain Cedar 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.

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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 VG Cedar.

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

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

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.

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YOUR SELECTIONMaximo ThermoCompared with Vertical Grain Cedar

Comparison FAQs

Maximo Thermo vs.
VG Cedar

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

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

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

Vertical Grain Cedar 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. VG Cedar?+

Warranty coverage for traditional Vertical Grain Cedar 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 VG Cedar Wood Guide ↗