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Imbue Cladding

Imbue™ Cladding delivers the refined beauty of thermally modified New Zealand Radiata Pine with enhanced stability, durability, and environmental performance for modern architectural projects.
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Imbue Cladding

Timber Innovation that Runs Deep

  • Product Range | Cladding

Imbue™ Cladding represents a new generation of thermally modified timber designed for architects, designers, and builders who value beauty and performance. Using plantation-grown New Zealand Radiata Pine, each board is heat-treated under carefully controlled conditions to enhance durability and stability without the use of harmful chemicals.

This unique process drives out moisture, extractives, and resins, producing a lightweight yet strong material that naturally resists fungal decay and movement. The result is a refined, chocolate-brown tone that will weather evenly to a silver-grey patina if left uncoated, offering design flexibility for natural or finished applications.

Supplied by Duce Architectural Timbers, Imbue™ Cladding delivers reliable quality, consistent lengths, and sustainable credentials backed by a 15-year Built to Last Warranty. It is the ideal choice for contemporary façades, exterior linings, and architectural detailing across residential and commercial environments.

Product Features

Imbue™ Cladding is engineered for long-term performance and architectural appeal, combining stability, strength, and sustainability in a refined finish.
  • Thermally modified for exceptional dimensional stability
  • Durability Class 2 Above Ground (AS5604)
  • Beautiful chocolate brown tone that weathers evenly to grey
  • Non-toxic and chemical-free treatment process
  • Reduced resin bleed and improved thermal insulation
  • 50% less swelling and shrinkage than untreated Radiata Pine
  • Clear-grade timber for minimal waste and high visual consistency
  • Made from FSC® Certified New Zealand plantations
  • Compatible with standard fixings and finishes
  • Backed by a 15-Year Built to Last Warranty
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Specifications

Origin: New Zealand
Species: Radiata Pine (FSC® Certified)
Treatment: Thermally Modified
Durability: Class 2 Above Ground (AS5604)
Finish: Natural brown (weathers to grey)
Grade: Clear 2 & Better
Length Range: Various lengths available
Profiles: Shiplap, V-Joint and custom options
Warranty: 15-Year Built to Last Warranty
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Initial heating process

Phase 1: Initial heating process
Kiln dried timber is placed in a thermal modification kiln and is gradually increased to a target temperature of 230 degrees. This process occurs over an extended period, with thicker boards requiring more time.
Phase 2: Peak temperature
Once the timber has reached 230 degrees core temperature, it is held for a minimum of 2 hours. At this point the thermal modification is occurring, and the temperature must be carefully controlled by probes. The moisture content of the wood at this stage is essentially zero.
Phase 3: Reconditioning process
After the timber has reached its peak temperature, it is slowly cooled, and reconditioned with steam. This raises the moisture content to a target of 7-8% moisture content.

Why Choose Imbue Cladding

  • Proven Stability: About 50% less swelling and shrinkage than radiata pine, leading to cleaner lines and fewer callbacks.
  • Durability Verified: Durability Class 1 (EN 350-1) and Class 2 above ground (AS 5604), supported by 15+ years of testing.
  • Renewable Supply: FSC® certified plantation sources, supporting responsible specification and consistent availability.
  • Coating Friendly: Reduced resin, uniform substrate, and predictable absorption improve coating appearance and service life.
  • Thermal Performance: Indicative 20–30% better thermal properties than untreated radiata, contributing to building efficiency.
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More Information

Imbue suits façades, decks, and joinery where low movement, reliable coating performance, and confirmed durability are critical. It is a practical solution for residential and commercial projects that require renewable materials with proven results.

Technical

Process: Heat tempering uses steam and high temperatures at or above 230°C, followed by controlled cooling and reconditioning to around 7% EMC. The process permanently changes the wood’s chemistry to reduce hygroscopic behaviour and improve resistance to decay.

Indicative Technicals: Average dry density ~420 kg/m³, pH ~3.9, Janka hardness ~2.5 kN, MoE ~8 GPa, MoR ~50 MPa. Thermal conductivity ~0.095 W/mK, approximately R1.35 per 25 mm thickness. Use stainless steel fixings externally, separate from zinc if required due to acidity.

Workability: Excellent machinability with sharp tools, pre-drill for fixings, manage fine dust extraction. Smooth dressed timber should be sanded before coating, always confirm systems with coating suppliers.

Fire: D-s1-d0 (EN 13501-1), Class C (ASTM E84), Group 3 (AS/NZS 3837), subject to project-specific compliance and installation details.

Contact Duce Architectural Timbers for detailed TDS, profile lists, and specification notes for cladding, decking, and joinery applications.

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Imbue Cladding for your next project

Imbue™ Cladding is the perfect blend of innovation, sustainability, and natural elegance. It delivers lasting performance while maintaining a beautiful finish suited to modern Australian architecture.

For assistance selecting the right profile, finish, or installation detail for your next project, contact Duce Architectural Timbers today. Our team can guide you through specifications, supply options, and quoting to ensure the best result.

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