Lower equilibrium moisture response, improved dimensional stability, enhanced biological resistance and defined architectural profiles.
THERMOStart your projectBUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE · ISSAQUAHGet a local Maximo consultation
Heat-and-steam modified real wood · Fence · Issaquah, WA
Thermally Modified Wood
Fence planning.
Thermally modified wood is real wood whose moisture response and biological durability have been changed by controlled heat and steam. Product, species and profile still matter. Separate the visual screen from the structural fence system: boards and battens define the architecture, while posts, rails, gates, wind loads and soil exposure require their own specification.
APPLICATIONFencePROFILE · FINISH · ASSEMBLY
Name the manufacturer, species, exact profile, cataloged application, fasteners, finish, storage and installation requirements.
Horizontal screens, vertical pickets and rainscreen-like privacy walls need different spans, gaps, fasteners and framing. Keep decorative Thermo profiles out of ground contact unless specifically documented.
Thermal modification can reduce some mechanical properties. Use only documented applications and do not assume an automatic structural substitution.
The prefinish advantage
Coat the board
before access disappears.
Maximo guidance recommends coating siding boards on all sides before assembly. Prefinish availability, coating, color and warranty must be confirmed for the selected profile. Factory or shop prefinishing can cover boards before close-spaced installation makes backs and edges inaccessible. Field cuts, drilled holes and installation damage still need touch-up.
Plan a prefinished packageControlled coverage
Confirm whether faces, backs, edges and ends are included, plus coating manufacturer, color, sheen and target coverage.
Cleaner schedule
Move eligible coating work away from installed assemblies, ladders, lifts and interference with other trades.
Consistent appearance
Controlled application and cure conditions can reduce lap marks, streaks and unfinished shrink lines.
Field discipline remains
Reseal cuts, holes and damaged coating; protect finished boards in storage and follow the approved touch-up process.
A quote-ready scope
Four questions
before material selection.
The Maximo catalog does not make every profile a structural fence component. Confirm decorative use, spans, wind exposure and the separate support system.
- 01Privacy screen or code-regulated guard?
- 02Horizontal or vertical board direction?
- 03Post, rail and gate material?
- 04Ground clearance and end-grain protection?
Built for the full project team
One material brief.
Different decisions.
ArchitectsProfile and application alignmentOpen project guidance →BuildersAvailability and lead-time confirmationOpen project guidance →ContractorsMachining and fastening requirementsOpen project guidance →DesignersSpecies character and color rangeOpen project guidance →HomeownersAppearance now and after weatheringOpen project guidance →
Relevant Maximo starting points
Compare a defined profile.
Not a generic wood label.
These models come from the closest cataloged application. Confirm the exact use, finish and availability before ordering.
Thermo Ash1x6 Plus S4S E4E End MatchSiding & Cladding · Ceilings & Soffits · DeckingCompare profile →
Thermo Ash5/4x6 S4S E4E End MatchSiding & Cladding · Ceilings & Soffits · DeckingCompare profile →
Thermo Ash2x4 S4S E4EDecking · Trim & MouldingCompare profile →
Thermo Ash2x6 S4S E4EDecking · Trim & MouldingCompare profile →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.
Issaquah, WA 98029
(425) 391-8000
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PMDealer 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.
Material planning FAQs
Specify first.
Price second.
Is Thermally Modified Wood automatically the best choice for wood fences and privacy screens?+
No. Thermally Modified Wood has useful strengths, but the decision still depends on exposure, grade or product, profile, assembly, finish, maintenance and budget. This guide makes those inputs visible before a quote is requested.
Can Maximo Thermo be used for this fence project?+
Only when the exact profile is documented for the intended application. The profiles shown here are selected from the closest cataloged application, but the project team and BFS Issaquah should confirm the final profile and assembly.
Why discuss prefinishing before installation?+
Factory or shop prefinishing can cover boards before close-spaced installation makes backs and edges inaccessible. Field cuts, drilled holes and installation damage still need touch-up. Prefinishing does not eliminate field-cut sealing, touch-up, installation care or future maintenance.
Where can I ask about availability in Issaquah?+
Submit the project brief through this site or contact Builders FirstSource Issaquah. This site does not claim live inventory, pricing or guaranteed lead time.
Technical sources & limitations
Product suitability, prefinish availability, coating compatibility, live inventory, pricing and lead time must be confirmed for the selected profile and project.