iLumber stocks two flagship thermally modified hardwoods — Ayous and Ash. Both are Class 1 durable. They look and behave differently.
Side-by-Side
| Thermo Ayous | Thermo Ash | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | African Ayous, thermally modified | European Ash, thermally modified |
| Color | Uniform mid-brown | Crème brûlée with warm character |
| Weight | Lightweight — easy install | Medium-heavy, harder surface |
| Hardness | ~990 lbf | ~1,320 lbf |
| Durability | Class 1 (25–30+ yrs) | Class 1 (25–30+ yrs) |
| Best for | Walls, ceilings, soffits, fluted profiles | Cladding + decking |
When to Choose Ayous
Lightweight cladding installs, complex fluted profiles, ceilings and soffits where weight matters, and any project where uniform tone is desirable.
When to Choose Ash
Decking applications, high-traffic cladding, and projects that want more visible grain character. Ash is the only one of the two suitable for decking.
Planning a decking or cladding project?
Use our material estimator or explore our premium hardwood and thermo wood materials.
Ready to start your project?
Explore our premium materials or get help planning your project.
