Durability & Stability

• Thermo Ayous: Undergoes a thermal modification process enhancing its resistance to decay, insects, and moisture. This treatment also improves dimensional stability, reducing the likelihood of warping or swelling.
• Western Red Cedar: Well-known for its natural durability due to its inherent oils, offering resistance to rot and insect damage. It’s known for its stability, with minimal shrinkage and swelling over time.

Verdict: Both are built to last, but Western Red Cedar just takes the lead when it comes to durability. However, Thermo Ayous gains an edge with its enhanced stability from thermal treatment.

Aesthetic Appeal

• Thermo Ayous: Presents a uniform, knot-free appearance with a smooth texture and warm brown tones, offering a contemporary look.
• Western Red Cedar: Popular for its rich palette of reds, pinks, and browns with a straight grain, providing a classic and natural aesthetic.

Verdict: Choose Thermo Ayous for a sleek, modern finish; opt for Western Red Cedar if you’re drawn to a warm, natural finish to bring a rich, sun-kissed character to any project.

Sustainability

• Thermo Ayous: Sourced from sustainably managed forests with OLB Certification and processed without chemicals, making it an eco-friendly choice.
• Western Red Cedar: Harvested from responsibly managed forests with PEFC Certification, it’s a renewable resource with a low environmental impact.

Verdict: Both are sustainably sourced timbers while Thermo Ayous’s chemical-free processing gives it a slight advantage for eco-conscious projects.

Workability & Installation

• Thermo Ayous: Lightweight and easy to machine, making installation straightforward. Its stability reduces the need for acclimatisation on-site.
• Western Red Cedar: Also lightweight and easy to work with, it cuts, nails, and finishes well, allowing for versatile applications.

Verdict: Both timbers are user-friendly, but Thermo Ayous’s enhanced stability may reduce installation time and effort.

Cost Considerations

• Thermo Ayous: Generally more cost-effective and less cost on wastage due to it being practically defect-free, offering a high-end appearance and performance at a mid-range price point.
• Western Red Cedar: Priced higher due to its desirable aesthetics and natural durability.

Verdict: Thermo Ayous provides excellent value for money, especially for budget-conscious projects. Western Red Cedar is priced as a premium product, offering unmatched durability and a beautifully unique appearance.

Conclusion

Both Thermo Ayous and Western Red Cedar are outstanding choices for timber cladding, each with unique benefits:

• Choose Thermo Ayous if you desire a modern, uniform look with enhanced stability and a more affordable price tag.
• Opt for Western Red Cedar if you’re aiming for a sunlit and inviting aesthetic with natural colour variations, unmatched durability, and are willing to invest more for its timeless appeal.

Whichever one suits you best, we stock a wide range of both Thermo Ayous and Western Red Cedar cladding options. Browse our website or contact our team for more information and expert advice tailored to your project needs.