Abstract: The present application relates to a method for treating wood and wood-based materials for enhancing dimensional stability and surface properties and also for preventing cracking and extending durability. More specifically the invention for the treatment of wood and wood-based materials is directed to a method wherein the wood or wood-based material is subjected to a thermal treatment and the wood or wood-based material is at least partly impregnated with a melamine-containing resin. Subsequently the wood or wood-based material thus impregnated is cured with hot steam at not more than 125° C. preferably up to a maximum of 120° C. In a further aspect the present application includes the thermally treated wood or wood-based material, impregnated with melamine resin and cured, that is obtainable from the method of the invention.