The importance of wood has been increasing in the last decades. Among conifers, predominantly spruce (Picea abies) wood is often used in building constructions in Europe. Namely for construction and facades of buildings, decking and fences. Due to the increased public concerns about biocides, alternative techniques for protection, such as thermal modification and protection by construction, are gaining its importance. Non-biocidal techniques are frequently based on the principle of retaining wood dry. Therefore, the water absorption capacity of thermally modified and non-modified spruce wood and blue-stained spruce wood was tested. Various tests related to moisture absorption (short-term and long-term water absorption and water vapour absorption) were conducted. The results shown in the water efficiency tests and coating resulted in a significant difference, which is related to the density of the wood.

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