Our previous blog explored how Tubmarine uses the very best materials from the very best suppliers, enabling us to create a durable and stylish wood-fired hot tub for the UK market.
The Kebony Timber we use is a key part of Tubmarine’s unique design, so we wanted to give readers more of an insight into this fantastic material and why we use it.
Developed in Norway, Kebony is the best choice of material for outside spaces where durability, environmental credentials and a low maintenance finish are important.
It is produced from sustainably-sourced timber and impregnated with a bio-based, non-toxic liquid. The chemicals are polymerised inside the wood fibres, creating a stable, hard and durable wood material.
Essentially it’s a beautiful processed wood which requires no maintenance (beyond normal cleaning) making it ideal for a variety of applications including decking and cladding.
When I set up Tubmarine I started off using cedar, a traditional hot tub wood. However, I found over time that the wood can mark and dent easily as it is relatively soft. I needed something that would complement the robustness of the stainless steel. I needed a hardwood, but it had to be sustainable. After much internet trawling, I came across Kebony and it ticked all the boxes: durable, stable, environmentally friendly and aesthetically beautiful.
The main benefit of the product is that you are using a fast-growing sustainable softwood which can match the properties of the very best hardwoods.
From an engineering and fabrication point of view, Kebony is like working with any other hardwood. It cuts and machines beautifully and is strong enough for us to use stainless steel fixings to secure the timber to the Tubmarine’s framework.
Customers love the fact that they don't have to worry about any maintenance. Only the other day I was looking for some sample offcuts to take to a show. I found some outside in a bucket which had filled with rainwater. They hadn't twisted or swollen up over this time - they had been in there for over a year!
So to recap, the main benefits of this product are:
Guaranteed long life
Low maintenance
High resistanceSafe & toxin-free
Eco-friendly
Made from sustainable resources
Quality finish
If you would like to know more about the materials and processes involved in making the Tubmarine wood-fired hot tub, just ask us.
