By Nigel F. Maynard
Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Edge has announced the launch of ForgeWood, a new line of thermally modified siding inspired by the artistry and practicality of metalwork. Crafted from poplar and available in natural and two-tone prefinished colors, the offering builds upon Edge’s years of leadership in thermally modified wood.
The brand says the curated line of dimensionally stable and rot-resistant poplar builds on its expertise in thermal modification and prefinishing. Poplar wood is a hardwood species that is durable relative to commonly used softwoods even before thermal modification, the company adds. It has a wide, versatile grain and small knots that bring warmth and authenticity to any design.
“People don’t choose wood siding or a wood accent because they want something that will look exactly the same year after year,” says Dan Milanowski, senior product development manager for the company. “The appeal of wood is that it is an organic thing, a piece of a home or building that will respond to its environment and bring a natural feeling and a certain prestige of using time-honored materials and techniques.”
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Edge produces ForgeWood with a carefully calibrated system to temper the boards with heat and pressure for a product that stands up to the elements. The thermal modification process alters the physical and biological properties of the wood and breaks down natural sugars to discourage rot and fungal decay. Boards emerge from the process lightweight and resistant to expansion or shrinking due to exposure and seasonal shifts. “This high level of performance is backed by a 20-year limited warranty against rot and decay,” the company says.
ForgeWood is available in 1×6 and 1×8 nominal widths and 11-foot to 16-foot random, end-matched lengths. It comes in five finishes that the company selected to address design needs, be it trendy or enduring:
• Raw unfinished boards have a smooth texture and rich color that highlights the grain.
• Brass is a cheerful tan with darker undertones that pays homage to modern design.
• Tungsten offers a luxurious blend of light and mid-tone browns for warm neutral spaces.
• Steel has gray highlights and lowlights that adapt to lighting conditions and adjacent finishes for maximum design flexibility.
• Coal is a sleek, contemporary black that adds drama as an accent or in the starring role.
“We’re thrilled to launch ForgeWood to our network of distribution partners and building professionals,” says Demetri Kotiadis, the brand’s director of marketing and product development. “Our growth in the thermally modified wood space has set us up to deliver exactly what the market is looking for in high-quality wood siding, and we can’t wait for people to experience the difference.”
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