When selecting wood for exterior cladding, decking, or screening, the decision goes far beyond colour and grain. In climates like Edmonton, where temperatures swing dramatically and moisture levels fluctuate throughout the year, stability and durability are everything.
At texel, we exclusively offer Abodo® thermally modified wood because we believe real wood should not only look beautiful on day one but continue performing for decades. Here’s how traditional cedar compares to Abodo® and why more builders and designers are making the switch.
1. Dimensional Stability
Cedar
Cedar is a softwood that naturally reacts to its environment. As temperatures rise and fall and humidity shifts, cedar absorbs and releases moisture. This movement often results in:
- Warping
- Twisting
- Cupping
- Surface checking
Over time, this can lead to uneven lines, visible fasteners, and boards that no longer sit flush.
Abodo®
Abodo® undergoes a chemical-free thermal modification process using only heat and steam. This process permanently alters the wood’s cellular structure, significantly reducing its ability to absorb moisture.
The result:
- Minimal expansion and contraction
- Exceptional dimensional stability
- Boards that remain straight and predictable
For projects that demand clean architectural lines, stability matters.
2. Durability in Harsh Climates
Cedar
Cedar has natural oils that provide moderate resistance to decay and insects. However, those natural compounds do not prevent movement or long-term weathering. In freeze-thaw environments and areas with heavy snow exposure, cedar often requires refinishing and occasional board replacement.
Abodo®
Thermal modification removes excess sugars and nutrients that contribute to decay, increasing the wood’s resistance to moisture-related deterioration. The reduced equilibrium moisture content means:
- Less swelling and shrinking
- Greater resistance to environmental stress
- Longer service life in exterior applications
In climates like Alberta’s, this difference becomes very noticeable over time.
3. Maintenance Requirements
Cedar
To maintain colour and protect against uneven weathering, cedar typically requires:
- Regular sealing or staining
- More frequent inspections
- Ongoing surface maintenance
If left untreated, cedar weathers unevenly and can develop raised grain and surface roughness.
Abodo®
Abodo® can be finished to maintain its tone or left to naturally silver over time. Because of its improved stability:
- Coatings last longer
- Surfaces remain smoother
- Maintenance cycles are generally reduced
That means fewer call-backs and less long-term upkeep for property owners.
4. Predictable Aging
One of the biggest challenges with cedar is inconsistency. Two boards installed side by side can age differently depending on grain orientation and exposure.
Abodo® ages more uniformly. Whether you choose to oil it or allow it to weather naturally, the visual outcome is more predictable across the entire façade or deck.
For designers focused on cohesive aesthetics, this consistency is key.
5. Sustainability & Material Integrity
Cedar is a naturally occurring softwood harvested from slow-growing trees.
Abodo® is crafted from responsibly sourced, rapidly renewable plantation timber that is enhanced through a clean thermal modification process. No chemicals are added, only heat and steam. The performance improvement comes from structural transformation, not surface treatment.
The result is real wood, elevated through innovation.
The texel Difference
At texel, we specialize in premium real wood solutions built for performance-driven projects. Abodo® aligns with what today’s builders and architects expect:
- Clean, modern profiles
- Long-term dimensional stability
- Reduced movement in extreme climates
- Authentic wood character without the unpredictability
Cedar has long been considered a traditional option. But for projects where straight lines, durability, and long-term reliability matter, Abodo® is engineered to outperform.
If you’re planning your next exterior project and want wood that works as hard as you do, our team at texel is here to help you specify the right solution.
