Accoya® wood is backed by a 50-year warranty for above-ground applications and a 25-year warranty for in-ground or freshwater applications, providing long-term confidence in its durability and performance. With high dimensional stability and resistance to decay, Accoya is engineered to maintain its performance for decades across a wide range of interior and exterior architectural applications.
How Accoya® Wood Is Modified
Made from FSC-certified radiata pine, Accoya® undergoes a patented acetylation process that allows it to withstand exterior conditions. Using acetic anhydride under a precise amount of heat and pressure, the wood is transformed at a cellular level, reducing the amount of water-attracting hydroxyl groups and increasing naturally water-repelling acetyl groups. Acetylated wood limits water absorption, reducing swelling and shrinkage for increased stability and enhancing its resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack. Because the process penetrates the wood completely, Accoya delivers consistent performance regardless of how it is cut, shaped, or machined. The result is a durable, low-maintenance alternative to other modified woods and tropical hardwoods.
Performance and Characteristics
Selecting wood for outdoor applications should involve more than appearance alone. Stability, durability, versatility, and sustainability all influence how a material performs over time. A deeper understanding of these characteristics can help architects, builders, and homeowners evaluate Accoya® wood for exterior projects.
Stability
Accoya® wood resists distortion and warping caused by seasonal changes. The patented modification process targets and changes the wood cells responsible for movement, providing a stable material across applications and allowing coatings to last up to three times longer than on unmodified wood.
- Virtually no movement before or after installation
- Dimensionally stable in harsh environments
- Minimal maintenance, 3–4 times less swelling than traditional wood species
Durability
Accoya® wood is altered at a cellular level to resist fungal decay, giving it strength and durability both above ground and in water. It is engineered to perform as reliably decades after installation as it did on day one.
- Industry-leading warranty, 50 years above ground and 25 years in ground or fresh water
- Virtually termite-proof, certified for use in termite zones
- 60-year service life demonstrated through real-world testing
Versatility
Accoya® wood provides a versatile substrate suited to a wide range of design applications. It combines stability with easy workability, offering design flexibility for intricate architectural projects.
- Excellent machinability, no special tools required
- Retained strength and density
- Exceptional finish, can be left natural or coated to preference
Sustainability
Accoya® wood is sourced entirely from FSC®certified forests and manufactured with a circular approach that keeps its carbon lifecycle footprint low, from sourcing and manufacturing through the product's service life.
- 100% recyclable, disposed of in the same way as unmodified wood
- Non-toxic, safe for people, pets, and the environment
- Sustainably sourced from fast-growing, managed forests
Installation and Finishing
Accoya® wood is compatible with most common wood adhesive systems, including polyurethane (PU), emulsion poly isocyanate (EPI), epoxy, and phenol resorcinol formaldehyde (PRF) adhesives. Gluing with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) improves with longer clamp times but should not be solely relied on for strong joints. Melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) should be avoided.
For installation, corrosion-resistant fasteners are recommended, including 304 or 316 stainless steel or naval brass. Zinc-plated and galvanized steel fasteners are not recommended.
Accoya® is compatible with most exterior-rated wood coating systems. Its dimensional stability helps coatings last up to three times longer than those applied to unmodified wood, supporting customization options and long-term design flexibility.
Explore Accoya's product catalog or visit their website for more information.
