Imbue™

New Zealand radiata pine heat and steam treated throughout, without chemicals, without compromise.

Sourced from FSC-certified plantations and thermally modified at 230°C, Imbue™ stands out as a natural, stable, and responsible alternative for all outdoor landscaping.

The excellence of thermally treated wood

Superior quality, very few knots: Radiata pine naturally has very few knots: each board features a pure and regular grain, a homogeneous surface, and a visible level of quality from installation.
Remarkable dimensional stability: Thermal treatment drastically reduces moisture absorption, limiting shrinkage and swelling even in severe exposure: boards remain straight, season after season.
Certified Class 1 durability: Imbue™ achieves the highest European classification for natural durability (EN 350), guaranteeing resistance to rot and biological agents without any chemical impregnation.
Fast and clean installation: Compatible with the Grad® system, clip fastening on an aluminum substructure ensures installation without visible screws, a perfectly aligned finish, and hassle-free on-site installation.
100% natural and responsible wood: Thermal treatment uses only heat and steam: no chemicals, no hazardous waste at end of life. Radiata pine comes from sustainably managed renewable plantations.

Wood aging

Color and aging

Upon installation, Imbue™ displays a warm, deep chocolate brown hue, characteristic of thermal treatment. Its natural grain and clear surface give it a warm architectural character from the moment it’s installed.

Under the progressive action of UV rays, the board evolves towards a bright and homogeneous silver-grey. This process can extend from a few months to several years depending on exposure — without ever affecting the material’s performance.

Maintain the initial color

Annual application of a brown-toned saturator helps maintain the original chocolate color for as long as possible.

Routine maintenance

A semi-annual cleaning with soapy water and a brush is sufficient to maintain the surface appearance. Imbue™ requires no chemical preservation treatment — its durability is acquired through transformation, not application.

Allow to age naturally

To accompany the greying process while protecting the board, the application of a clear oil is recommended — it allows the wood to evolve towards its silver patina in a homogeneous and controlled manner.

Upon installation 1 year

Certified durability

Classified EN 350 Class 1, it resists fungi, insects, and weathering without chemicals.

230°C treatment

Heated under steam, the wood gains stability and durability: without any chemical additives.

Natural aesthetic

Natural grain, chocolate brown hue, carefully sorted surface: a warm and refined look from installation.

Treatment process

Imbue™ is the result of a collaboration between Abodo and Maxwell Wood, two New Zealand pioneers in the thermal modification of plantation radiata pine. The process relies on computer-controlled ovens, specifically designed for this purpose, which apply treatment cycles adapted to the wood species to refine the wood at a molecular level, improving its stability, durability, and finishing performance.

FSC-certified radiata pine from New Zealand plantations is treated with steam and at a temperature reaching or exceeding 230°C, a particularly high level compared to most thermal processes on the market, in an oxygen-poor environment. This permanently modifies the molecular structure of the wood by eliminating hemicelluloses responsible for moisture absorption, reducing the wood’s water absorption capacity by up to 50%.

The wood is then carefully cooled and reconditioned to achieve an equilibrium moisture content of approximately 7%. The result is a homogeneous material, with very few knots, classified as durability class 1 according to EN 350, a performance validated by laboratory tests and real-world conditions.

Resources

Product Data Sheet - Abodo Imbue Abodo Imbue Grading Rules [FR] Brochure Imbue x Grad