This process of heating the wood to above 320 degrees in a low oxygen environment makes physical and chemical changes in the wood?s cellular structure.? The boards are darker in color and there is a lot of color variation- much more than a topically stained floor.? It also improves the dimensional stability and reduces the response to humidity/temperature- which is great for these wide long board styles of late.? Like any treatment, it varies in process by manufacturer.? Some have experienced a ?burnt smell? that can linger.? They vary in color variation, price, and brittleness of the tongue and groove.? Overall I think this process give a rich warmth to hardwood.? It is a way of getting a more natural looking color and that beautiful color variation that looks like ?real wood?.
