Abstract Surface charring is a wood modification technique that enhances the aesthetic appearance of wood while increasing durability and service life in outdoor environments. Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) was subjected to one-sided surface charring at temperatures of 210, 240, and 270 °C, followed by impregnation with 10% phytic acid solution. The rise in charring temperature from 210 to 240°C led to a notable increase in the weight percent gain (WPG) of PA in the charred wood. Charring treatment significantly reduced lightness as temperature increased compared to untreated control. The highest water contact angles were observed for groups charred at 210°C (115°) and 240°C (116°), whereas phytic acid impregnation decreased the contact angle due to its hydrophilic nature. Reaction to fire of the groups was studied at 25 kW m −2 and 50 kW m −2 . Compared with the control group, charred groups displayed generally lower time to ignition (i.e., increased flammability) and a lower peak heat release rate. When applying an irradiance of 25 kW · m -2 , groups impregnated with PA did not ignite. When applying 50 kW · m -2 , the heat release rate of the PA impregnated groups evolved similarly, displaying a delayed ignition, a sharp reduction of the peak of heat release rate, and releasing almost no heat. However, the PA impregnation negatively increased the generation of VOCs and the smoke production.