While we're on the topic of woods ....

[Moo]

... does anyone know anything about Accoya wood?

One of the firms that are coming (tomorrow) to quote for replacing our horrid metal windows makes much of the fact that it uses this 'acetylated wood'. According to the Accoya website, it is a wonder process that alters the chemical structure of fast-growing softwood and gives it environmental and performance properties that can't be matched by oak, tropical hardwood, PVC, or aluminium.

My immediate reaction is 'pull the other one', but I'm going to do the sensible thing and rely on the wisdom of ppukers to steer me in the right direction.

 

[plasticpigeon]

I think it is legit, this topic has come up a few times on this forum. The issue is, I think it is quite expensive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetylated_wood

 

[Moo]

Thanks for that, Feltwell.
The Wikipedia entry looked as though it came from the Accoya website, so I did a forum search and am really not much wiser. In 2012 Biff said its "genuine enough stuff", and PP was thinking of using it and promised to report back, but so far no news.
I suspect that the reason it hasn't taken the UK by storm is the cost; we've just waved the first salesman off the premises, and his quote for Accoya windows was almost exactly twice the price of his very best Conservation Grade plastic ones (which was the same as wooden sashes from the little joinery firm down the road.)
Tomorrow we'll be seeing a firm that seems to specialise in Accoya windows, and the next day it'll be the local joinery that did our son's sashes over ten years ago. It will be interesting to hear what he thinks of this wonder-wood.
I'll report back.

 

[Penners]

It'll be interesting to read your update, Moo.

 

[Flyfisher]

Indeed it will. I've only recently heard about Accoya and started this thread about it: http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15165

There are a few interesting links for further reading and wobs reported that he had recently had a new door made of the stuff and so far so good.

It all sounds quite promising, though at a price (isn't that always the case?).

 

[Feltwell]

Thanks for that, Feltwell.

No trouble, I mean really no trouble at all.

(It was PlasticPigeon Moo. But hey, if it's sensible advice I'll take the glory :wink: )

 

[eezageeza]

It is good stuff I believe - as well as lurking here, I sometimes lurk on a woodworking forum, and accoya has come up as a subject there a few times - the general consensus seems to be that it's jolly good stuff, as long as you know how to handle it - it needs stainless fittings, because it's acidic, you have to use PU adhesives, because PVA won't work, it needs stain blocking primer, and wants to be painted (it doesn't take stain very well).

It's jolly expensive, but it's longevity can make it a workable proposition economically.

Also it doesn't move with humidity changes like pretty much all other woods - so no more sticking doors and sashes!

 

[Cocoa]

My new sashes are all accoya! They were made by a pair of local sash window specialists, and yes they were pricey. I was keen to avoid softwood as I was concerned about longevity, but I believe that they were less expensive than the genuine hardwood (as opposed engineered hardwood) alternative. (and also cheaper than anything by Everest). Nice windows, beautifully made, move well in their frames although whether that is workmanship or the wood, I couldn't say.

So far, they have only been in for 2 years, so I am unable to comment on the 50 year guarantee! I'll post an update in 2063....

 

[Moo]

We've got the chap from London Box Sash here right now (OH is doing the tour of our little rabbit hutch).
I'll let you know what he says - and how much he charges.

 

[Moo]

Well, This Accoya wood really does seem pretty good, and we're both rather tempted. Especially by the fact that they claim only to need repainting every ten years.
In fact the only snag is likely to be the price, which we won't know for a day or so.
We've already had quotes from one local joiner and one local purveyor of PVC windows, with the second local joiner due tomorrow morning (I intend to quiz him about Accoya). So by the beginning of next week I will report back with our final tentative decision, including the pros and cons that have lead to it, and rely on the collective wisdom of ppuk to help us make up our minds.

 

[Flyfisher]

I wonder why they claim that painting is only required every 10 years - surely this would depend on the paint more than the wood?

Perhaps it's because accoya (reportedly) doesn't expand/contract like untreated wood and therefore doesn't 'split' the surface of most modern paints?

It all seems rather encouraging though.

 

[Moo]

Perhaps it's because accoya (reportedly) doesn't expand/contract like untreated wood and therefore doesn't 'split' the surface of most modern paints?

That's just what he said!

 

[angrybird]

Dragging up an old post, I purchased some thick Accoya tongue and groove to make some doors for a wood /bin store.
I like the appearance of the wood grain and would like to oil it just to bring out the grain but I don't want to add any colour
Any suggestions greatfully received
Jacqueline x

 

[wobs]

We got our front door in accoya. Well, that's what the joiner said. It looked like wood to me.

I have a theory, that linseed paint may work especially well with it, as being a soft wood, as the oil might soak into it better. I could be totally off the ball with this though.

Also, the actual species is very important and to date the only species that can be successfully treated and is available via Accoya is Pinus Radiata (because of that species cell structure) (apparently).

 

[angrybird]

It's got a lovely look to it and I was thinking about linseed oil as I had used that on my stable door it's it's looking good
IMO!
Thanks for your reply x

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Wonder if Moo has had the windows replaced--pictures maybe? xx

 

[Goodwood]

Yes, Accoya is genuine. It's a trade name. Generally it's treated Radiata Pine 'cos it's cheap and plentiful. (I heard that Accoya Beech is available.)

Untreated wood absorbs water and swells. The process of acetylation fills those cells with acetyl molecules (acetic acid = vinegar). Water evaporates and timber shrinks, but the acetyl molecules don't evaporate, so the timber remains swollen and very stable. The acidity of the timber protects it from bugs and fungal attack. So, proven 70yr life expectancy and safe guarantee of 50 years.

Any paint finish is no longer constantly stressed by seasonal changes, so lasts far longer on Accoya. It's the freeze/thaw cycle along with constant swelling and shrinking that does the damage to ordinary wet wood.

The Ancient Romans soaked their constructional timbers in vinegar, so they knew a thing or two.

 

[Penners]

The Ancient Romans soaked their constructional timbers in vinegar.

How fascinating - I didn't know that. It seems that the more we discover about the Romans, the more impressive their knowledge and skills seem.

 

[TheRoost]

Yes, Accoya is genuine. It's a trade name. Generally it's treated Radiata Pine 'cos it's cheap and plentiful. (I heard that Accoya Beech is available.)

Untreated wood absorbs water and swells. The process of acetylation fills those cells with acetyl molecules (acetic acid = vinegar). Water evaporates and timber shrinks, but the acetyl molecules don't evaporate, so the timber remains swollen and very stable. The acidity of the timber protects it from bugs and fungal attack. So, proven 70yr life expectancy and safe guarantee of 50 years.

Any paint finish is no longer constantly stressed by seasonal changes, so lasts far longer on Accoya. It's the freeze/thaw cycle along with constant swelling and shrinking that does the damage to ordinary wet wood.

The Ancient Romans soaked their constructional timbers in vinegar, so they knew a thing or two.

Err..thanks for that. Plenty of discussion and knowledge about it on here already within other threads.

On the downside it has a pretty awful carbon footprint, is shipped thousands of miles around the globe between different processes, in its raw state if looks/smells pretty awful needing lots of wasteful machining/planing to get down to a surface that is presentable, hence the eye watering cost.

 

[88v8]

The Ancient Romans soaked their constructional timbers in vinegar, so they knew a thing or two.

Went for lunch in a local restaurant yesterday, started with 'bread and various oils' which turned out to be mostly vinegar.
I don't like vinegar.
But this thread gives me the makings of a TripAdvisor review

Ivor