What is Accoya Timber?

Accoya: The Sustainable Alternative to Tropical Hardwoods for Premium Joinery

Accoya is a sustainable, high-performance timber that confidently rivals the durability, stability, and aesthetics of the finest tropical hardwoods. Produced from fast-growing, responsibly sourced softwood, it has swiftly become a popular choice for premium external joinery, especially for windows and doors.

The Science Behind Accoya: Enhancing Wood Durability Through Acetylation

Accoya is produced through a non-toxic method known as acetylation. This chemical process alters the wood’s structure at a molecular level, greatly enhancing its durability and moisture resistance.

Imagine it as similar to hardening conkers in vinegar—a basic example of modifying organic material to make it stronger. For Accoya, this transformation involves changing the hydroxyl groups in the wood into acetyl groups using acetic anhydride (sourced from acetic acid). The outcome: the wood absorbs significantly less water, resulting in high stability and decay resistance.

Unlike traditionally treated timbers, Accoya is modified throughout its entire cross-section. This eliminates the need for chemical preservatives on site, cut or jointed surfaces are just as durable as the exterior.

The Benefits of Accoya: Longevity, Stability, Finish, and Sustainability

Exceptional Longevity

With the appropriate coating cycles and maintenance, Accoya can last over 60 years above ground and more than 25 years when in contact with soil or water. This is a notable improvement over standard hardwoods, which generally last around 50 years.

Remarkable Stability

Accoya's minimal moisture absorption prevents it from swelling, shrinking, and warping. This makes it perfect for uses where consistent performance and airtight sealing are crucial, such as in sliding and folding doors.

Excellent Paint Finish

Its uniform, dense structure sands smoothly for a flawless finish. Accoya retains paint much better than most woods, decreasing the need for frequent repainting and enhancing overall durability. Our manufacturer improves this further by using a grain-filling process before applying our specialized microporous coating, which outperforms traditional oil-based paints.

Minimal Environmental Impact

Accoya is a sustainable timber derived from independently certified fast-growing softwood and processed with minimal environmental impact. Although the raw material is more expensive, its longevity, performance, and sustainability compensate for the cost. Due to its extended lifespan, Accoya is regarded as a net absorber of CO₂.

Accoya Across The Range

At Supreme all of our timber products are available in Accoya, such as:

• Flush casement windows

• Sash windows

• Entrance doors

• French, bi-folding and lift-and-slide doors

Its minimal movement, robustness, and ability to accommodate fine detailing make it particularly useful in heritage projects. Our Heritage Range of vacuum-glazed windows and doors is crafted with Accoya, as it can mimic the look of traditional single glazing while offering contemporary performance.

Accoya is also our preferred timber for achieving extended service life with minimal upkeep, especially in exposed areas or where paint durability is crucial.

The Superior Long-Term Investment for Durable Timber Solutions

Accoya might not be the least expensive option available, but it provides significant long-term value—lower maintenance costs, fewer replacements, and superior performance. It is also the most durable timber we offer, surpassing hardwood options such as Red Grandis in longevity.

Whether you're retrofitting heritage windows, planning a new construction, or simply desire your timber windows and doors to look excellent and last longer, Accoya could be the perfect choice for you.

Are You Considering Accoya Timber Windows? Start Your Quote Today.

Take action now to enhance the character and thermal efficiency of your home. Contact our team at 01945 880091 or fill out our online contact form for more information.

For a more personal touch, visit our showroom. We welcome you 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, between 7 am and 5 pm to receive expert advice.