Frake Thermodified

At EcoChoice, we pride ourselves on having a wide range of timber species we offer our clients. From the strength of Ekki to the beauty of Opepe, we have something for every project. For cladding, we often find ourselves recommending Frake, a hardwood with plenty to offer.

What Is Frake Timber?

Frake is a West African hardwood which is considered a very beautiful species for a wide range of applications. However, it is not known for its durability or stability. When left untreated, Frake is not a durable timber and will not last long when used as either cladding or decking. For this reason, many people use Frake within plywood, making a stronger plank for their construction.

Thermodified Timber

Whilst using Frake to create plywood is not a bad idea, it does reduce the aesthetic value of this African species. That is why our team at EcoChoice recommend treating Frake with our Thermodified process. A sustainable timber treatment, your wood planks will be subjected to intense heat and pressure which naturally increases their durability.

The end result is a more durable timber which is resistant to rot and has excellent stability. The Thermodified process also adds a golden hue to Frake, adding to its beauty and making it a wonderful addition to any building. Now durable and stable, we have transformed Frake into a timber which is more suited for cladding.

Old Bearhurst Weathered Frake

When left to the elements, our sustainably sourced Frake cladding weathers relatively quickly to a gorgeous silver grey. This look is in high demand and much prized by end users, who enjoy that the effect is naturally achievable with Frake.

One such end-user was the architect firm Duggan Morris, which was working on the Old Bearhurst project and contacted EcoChoice to supply them with timber. We sourced FSC-certified Frake for their barn renovation, creating a contemporary exterior that blends beautifully with the natural surroundings and retains the rustic feel of the build.

You can learn about the project and see more images of our Frake timber here.

Sourcing Frake With EcoChoice

At EcoChoice, we can deliver a wide range of profiles, including TGV, tongue-and-groove, shiplap, feather edge and many more. However, when it comes to Frake, we would usually recommend swapping tongue-and-groove profiles for shiplap because of the increase in brittleness caused by the Thermodification process.

Our standard sizes for Frake are 18mm thick by 90mm, 140mm and 185mm wide.

Sustainably Sourced Timber

All the timber we source, including Frake, comes from responsibly managed forests around the world. FSC-certified, these areas of land are well protected and cared for, ensuring that your timber needs do not further the problem of deforestation. Local communities are respected, habitats are protected, and the natural forest is kept thriving.

If you would like to source FSC-certified Frake for your project, be it cladding, decking or something else entirely, get in touch with our team today. With our expertise, we can match you with the right Frake for your construction and deliver premium timber to your site, working with your schedule to keep your project running smoothly.