Thermally modified wood in comparison to natural wood demonstrates some advantageous functional properties like decreased hygroscopicity, higher dimensional stability. It also has increased durability and improved resistance to fungal decay. However thermal modification of wood may lead to reduced strength properties what may limit the use of wood in mechanically beared constructions. The changes in wood properties resulting from thermal modification strongly depend on thermal and moisture conditions of thermal modification process. We have tried to obtain improved wood using thermal modification in the form of heat-oil treatment as well. The aim of this research was to identify resistance of thermally and thermal-oil modified wood to rot (Basidiomycotina) and mould (Ascomycotina, Deuteromycotina) fungi. Sapwood samples of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L) and birch (Betula verrucosa Ehrh.) wood were subject of the study. Thermally and thermo-oil modified wood proved not to be resistant to mould fungi; however decrease in intensity of fungi growth was noticed. The modified Scots pine and birch wood tested by method based on EN 113 also was characterized by increased resistance to Coniophora puteana or Trametes versicolor respectively, and it was valid after leaching ( EN 84) or evaporation (EN 73) also. The durability classification (EN 350-1) of wood was raised as a result of thermal and thermal-oil modification.

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