FutureScape 2026: Talking All Things ThermoWood and Sustainable Landscaping
FutureScape was a fantastic opportunity for us to get out and meet people from across the landscaping and garden design industry, share what we’re doing at Taiga, and talk all things ThermoWood.
Over the two days, we had some great conversations with landscapers, garden designers and other industry professionals, all keen to explore new materials, sustainable alternatives and innovative ways to create beautiful outdoor spaces.
One thing became clear: there is a growing interest in timber products that combine natural beauty with long-term performance and more sustainable credentials.
Why ThermoWood is attracting attention from garden designers
For garden designers, material choice is about more than just appearance. Sustainability, longevity and the environmental impact of the products specified are becoming increasingly important considerations.
This is where ThermoWood really stands out.
ThermoWood is timber that has been modified using heat and steam, without the need for chemical wood preservatives. The process changes the properties of the timber, improving its dimensional stability and reducing its tendency to swell and shrink as moisture levels change.
For designers looking to create contemporary, natural and environmentally conscious gardens, ThermoWood offers an attractive alternative to conventionally treated timber.
Its warm, natural appearance works beautifully in a wide range of settings, from modern architectural gardens to more traditional landscapes. It can be used for fencing, screening, pergolas, slatted features and decorative trellis, helping to create a consistent look throughout an outdoor space.
And because it is real wood, it retains the character and texture that make timber such a popular choice in garden design.
Why landscapers value ThermoWood’s stability
While designers are often drawn to the sustainability and appearance of ThermoWood, our conversations at FutureScape also highlighted another important benefit: its stability.
Traditional tanalised timber is widely used throughout landscaping, but it can move considerably as it gains and loses moisture. This can lead to twisting, warping and dimensional changes over time.
ThermoWood undergoes a carefully controlled heat-treatment process that reduces its moisture uptake and improves dimensional stability. This makes it particularly appealing for applications where consistent gaps, straight lines and a clean finish are important.
For landscapers installing slatted fencing, screening and bespoke garden features, that added stability can make a real difference to the finished result.
Of course, correct installation, suitable fixings and good detailing remain essential, but ThermoWood provides a compelling option for projects where appearance and stability matter.
A more sustainable alternative to Western Red Cedar?
Western Red Cedar has long been a popular choice for premium slatted fencing and garden structures, thanks to its attractive colour, natural durability and lightweight characteristics.
However, as the landscaping industry continues to look at the environmental impact of its material choices, ThermoWood offers another option worth considering.
Made from responsibly sourced timber, ThermoWood can provide the natural appearance and contemporary finish that designers and homeowners love, while offering improved dimensional stability through thermal modification.
When comparing ThermoWood with Western Red Cedar, it is important to consider the timber species, sourcing, durability requirements and expected service life of the finished product. Sustainability depends on the full picture, not simply the name of the material.
For projects where a natural timber finish is desired, ThermoWood provides an opportunity to explore a different approach to premium outdoor timber products, without relying on chemical wood preservatives.
Bringing ThermoWood into more landscaping projects
At Taiga Fencing, our aim is to make ThermoWood more accessible to landscapers, garden designers and homeowners looking for an alternative to conventional fencing materials.
From contemporary slatted fence panels and decorative trellis to screening, pergolas and other garden features, we believe ThermoWood has a huge amount to offer the landscaping industry.
We enjoyed showing visitors our products at FutureScape and discussing how ThermoWood can be incorporated into different garden styles and projects.
These conversations are particularly valuable because they help us understand what professionals need from their materials, where existing products can fall short and how we can continue to develop our range.
Thank you for making FutureScape such a great event
A big thank you to everyone who came to visit us at Stand W30, stopped for a chat and took an interest in what we’re doing at Taiga Fencing.
It was great to meet so many people from across the industry, exchange ideas and see the enthusiasm for more sustainable approaches to landscaping.
If we spoke at FutureScape and you would like to find out more about our ThermoWood fence panels, trellis or other products, we would love to hear from you.
You can explore our range at www.taigafencing.co.uk.
At Taiga, we believe great garden design and more considered material choices can go hand in hand. We’re excited to keep the conversation going and see where ThermoWood finds its place in future landscaping projects.
