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Treated vs Untreated Thermo Ayous: What’s the Difference?

by

Southgate Timber

October 09, 2025

Thermo Ayous has quickly become one of the most popular choices for contemporary timber cladding in the UK, and for good reason. With its smooth finish, stability, and sustainable sourcing, it offers a stunning natural look for any project. But one question we often get asked is: “Do I really need to treat Thermo Ayous?” In this article, we’ll show you the key differences between treated and untreated Thermo Ayous, and why the right finish can make all the difference in both appearance and performance.

 

Natural Beauty of Untreated Thermo Ayous

Untreated Thermo Ayous starts with a golden-brown tone that gradually weathers to a silvery grey when exposed to sunlight and rain.

  • Ideal for those who prefer a natural, weathered aesthetic.
  • Still offers strong dimensional stability due to the thermal modification process.
  • However, without treatment, it becomes more susceptible to surface checking and faster colour change.

If you love the greyed look, it’s best to let it weather evenly. Consistent exposure to light and rain helps maintain a uniform finish.

Close-up of a garden fence built with Southgate Timber Thermo Ayous 3-Stripe cladding, shown in its natural untreated state with a smooth golden-brown finish, highlighting the clean horizontal lines and fine grain texture.

Benefits of Treating Thermo Ayous

When treated with a high-quality oil like Osmo UV Protection Oil 420, the surface gains several long-term benefits:

  • UV protection that slows greying and colour fading.
  • Water repellence that reduces moisture absorption and surface cracking.
  • Enhanced grain depth and richer tone that highlights the Ayous’ natural beauty.
  • Easier future maintenance, as the oil nourishes the wood rather than forming a film.

Hand applying Osmo 420 UV Protection Oil to a sample of Southgate Timber Thermo Ayous 20 × 95 mm TGV cladding, showing the rich darkened tone and enhanced grain contrast after treatment for long-term weather protection.

Durability and Maintenance Comparison

 

Feature Untreated  Treated with Osmo 420
Colour Retention Colour fades to grey within months  Maintains tone for 2 - 3x longer 
Surface Protection Natural only  UV and water repellent
Maintenance  Minimal but aesthetic fades Light re-oil every 2 - 3 years 
Lifespan 20 - 25 years  20 - 25+ years

 

Which Option Is Right for You?

It depends on your project’s look and location.

  • Modern designs often prefer the oiled finish for a warm, rich tone.
  • Coastal or exposed areas benefit more from UV protection and water resistance.
  • Minimalist weathered looks may choose to leave it untreated intentionally.

Both options have their place, but if you want to preserve that beautiful golden tone and protect your investment from UV and moisture, treating your Thermo Ayous with Osmo 420 UV Protection Oil is a smart choice. You can watch our recent video of Thermo Ayous being treated here, or explore our full range of Thermo Ayous cladding options here.


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