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Ayous and Frake differences and similarities listed side by side

Ayous and Fraké are popular wood species for the production of wooden façade cladding. Ayous is also known as Abachi, and Fraké is also referred to as Limba. Both are examples of thermally modified wood.

Ayous and Fraké are two different wood species. They have a lot in common, but there are also a few differences. In this article, we explain the main similarities and differences so that you can make a better-informed choice.

Similarities between Ayous en Fraké

Price category: There is some difference in price, but it is not very significant. Other wood species such as Red Cedar and Padouk have increased sharply in price in recent years. Thermally modified wood in general, on the other hand, has not risen much in price.

Both are African, fast-growing hardwood species and therefore deciduous trees.

Both wood types are usually offered in a thermally modified form. Before modification, they are very light, almost white wood species that are not durable. Through thermal modification, the wood achieves durability class 1 to 2, which means a lifespan of 20–25 years or longer.

Color: Both turn a golden-brown color as a result of the modification process.

Main differences between Ayous and Fraké

Fraké is not only slightly harder, but also somewhat heavier after treatment.

Fraké is approximately 10–15% more expensive than Ayous. Ayous is currently priced at around €75 excl. VAT per m², while Fraké is around €85.

Fraké has a more pronounced grain pattern. As a result, the façade has a slightly busier and darker appearance.

Ayous is easier to obtain in custom dimensions. We keep a large stock of Ayous, which means it can be purchased according to specification. You can therefore buy the exact number of boards and lengths you need. Fraké, on the other hand, is often purchased per project, which offers less flexibility. This may mean you need to order more than required or that the available lengths do not perfectly match your preferences.

Fraké Triple Rhombus (21x130mm, 25x130mm of 32x130mm)

Ayous Triple Rhombus (21x130mm, 25x130mm of 32x130mm)

Other thermally modified wood species

In addition to Fraké and Ayous, other wood species are also thermally modified. Below is an overview of the most common types. For each species, we have highlighted the most distinctive characteristics.

Thermo Pine / Spruce
Regular spruce is also widely used in thermally modified applications. The structure and knots of the wood remain clearly visible, giving it a lively appearance and resulting in a façade with a busier look. This wood often comes from Scandinavia and is therefore a more affordable alternative.

Thermo Radiata Pine
Radiata Pine is a softwood species known for its attractive flame-like grain patterns. It is also virtually defect-free, which makes it popular for panel materials and façade applications. The wood originates from New Zealand and therefore travels a considerable distance before being thermally modified here. The well-known wood species Accoya is also made from Radiata Pine because of its favorable properties.

Thermo Poplar
Poplar is more locally sourced, similar to spruce and pine. It is grown in plantation forests in France and Germany. Poplar is naturally a very fast-growing species, commonly seen along roadsides and widely found in the Dutch polder landscape. The wood is almost white in color. Because straight trunks are readily available, it is highly suitable for thermal modification.

Thermo Ash
Another European variety. It is often available only in shorter lengths. It has very beautiful and distinctive grain patterns. Even after modification, this wood remains hard, which means that in addition to façade cladding, it can also be used for decking and other applications where higher strength is required.