At Excelsior Wood Products, we take pride in offering innovative and durable wood solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications. In our latest video, owner Ron Sauer and warehouse manager Ethan discuss one of our most versatile materials: Korina wood. This thermally modified hardwood is perfect for decking, flooring, and more, making it a go-to choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor projects.

What is Korina Wood?

Korina, also known as Frake, is one of Nova Wood USA's hardwoods sourced from West Africa. While Korina is naturally light in color, the thermal modification process transforms it into a rich brown tone, highlighting its beautiful mineral streaks. The extreme heat – about 400 degrees Fahrenheit – reorders its cell structure, removes the wood's moisture content, and neutralizes the sugars in the wood. The result is a highly durable, hydrophobic wood without any food source for insects or bacteria growth.

Versatility & Design Options

In the video, Ethan highlights the smooth and consistent quality of Korina wood. One key feature that sets our Korina wood apart is its availability in single-length, 1-foot increments from 8 to 16 feet. This makes it easy to plan and order exactly what you need for your project, without worrying about a poor yield caused by end cracks (splits on the end of the boards which must be cut out). The customizable lengths save the customer money in the long run by reducing waste.

Korina’s durability and stability allow it to maintain its integrity for decades, making it ideal for high-traffic applications, (indoor or outdoor) such as decking and flooring. Its warm brown tones and striking grain patterns make Korina an excellent choice for interior flooring, offering gorgeous depth and contrast in any space.

Why Choose Korina?

Thermally modified Korina offers several distinct advantages, including:

• Durability: Korina’s thermal modification process increases its resistance to rot, decay, and moisture, making it a perfect choice for outdoor decking and high-traffic areas.
• Stability: Unlike traditional wood, thermally modified Korina resists warping, cracking, and movement caused by moisture fluctuations, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable installation.
• Versatility: Korina’s rich brown color and eye-catching grain patterns make it a versatile option for both interior and exterior use, from decking to flooring.

Work With Excelsior & Use Only The Best 

Whether you’re considering Korina for a durable outdoor deck or stylish indoor flooring, Excelsior Wood Products has the inventory and expertise to help you bring your vision to life. Our direct import and in-house milling process ensures that you get the best quality wood, exactly when you need it. Contact us today to learn more about Korina and how it can enhance your next project!