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Master Your Project With Recon Veneer

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

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2021 is at its halfway point, demand for lumber has exploded and lumber prices have skyrocketed. Manufacturers and suppliers are playing catch up for industry pros to have the wood material they need. Not only are we all struggling to get lumber at the best price, but we’re also waiting 4-6 weeks or 2-3 months to receive it. For homeowners, designers, or contractors looking for organically beautiful, environmentally friendly, and affordable material – consider reconstituted veneer.

What is Reconstituted Veneer?

Reconstituted veneer is repurposed white hardwoods used to make stunning wood furniture and décor at a reasonable price. Recon veneer is thinly sliced from large, straight logs that have little to no defects. Logs are sustainably sourced and maximized by using the best part of the log for numerous sheets. With any kind of veneer, there is no worry about knots, insect damage, ring shake, or seams. Every single sheet has a similar color and grain, making it perfect for architectural panels. The unique appearance of the lumber is captured producing a stunning natural wood grain veneer.

It is no secret that recomposed and man-made materials preserve natural resources needed for future generations. While reconstituted veneer is a valuable resource for green living, it does involve a lengthy process. First, the wood is sliced from the log then the sheets are dyed to get the desired wood grain color. Next, the thin strips of wood are layered, glued, and stained to replicate a beautiful, natural wood grain. The veneer block is pressed and re-sliced into paper-thin sheets that are used for countless projects. The block is turned for different cuts that produce different looks such as plain with cathedrals, rift, or quartered.

Why Reconstituted Veneer?

kitchen cabinet reconstituted wood veneer

Not only are we helping preserve the environment by using reconstituted veneer but we’re also choosing a more durable material. When the veneer is placed onto MDF or substrate, it’s strengthening the thin sheet of wood and the finished product. Real wood moves – it can crack, warp or swell over time due to moist conditions or extreme temperatures. A reconstituted veneer can withstand those types of conditions and remain strong, unmoved for years to come.

Recon veneer is also ideal for large projects where the wood grain needs to be consistent throughout. Major commercial remodels utilize reconstituted veneer panels, cabinets, countertops, and more in a single space. This also makes it easy to match that specific color and grain if more material is needed later. Interior designers will choose recon veneer when their client wants an exotic wood species but doesn’t want to pay exotic prices.

At Woodstock Architectural Products, we supply a line of natural and Remarkable Veneers. Our real wood veneers come from across the globe spanning almost every single continent. They do not have a backer and are typically 4’x8’ sheets. We have a full gallery of different colors and species to choose from. If there is a veneer outside of our gallery, we can get it for you!


Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

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The weather is heating up and we’re all starting to venture back outside. But enjoying a night out with a cool breeze and a beautiful sunset is easier with a new deck. Decking that extends the front or back of your house giving you more living space is a summer fun must-have. Spend time with friends and family on a high-quality wood deck for memorable summer nights.

Why Wood Decking

Wood used to be the only choice for decking material but today options include aluminum, plastic & composite (wood look-alike). Of course, our top choice is solid lumber. Yes, the alternative material options are typically lower maintenance. Solid wood decking offers many benefits. It is durable, organic, easy to install, and not to mention your bare feet will be more comfortable!

If you’re installing a new deck or replacing an old one, it’s important to know your options. Solid wood decks should last between 15-25 years with some upkeep throughout those years. Typically, every two to three years your deck will need to be thoroughly cleaned and re-stained to preserve its natural beauty. Some wood planks may be pressure treated or thermo treated – both designed to make the wood stronger, longer-lasting, and resistant to insects. Unlike pressure-treated wood, thermal or heat-treated wood is not exposed to harmful chemicals. Let’s dive into the top 3 wood species for decking (plus our 2 personal favorites!)

What Type of Wood

solid wood decking

Cedar is the expensive and most popular choice amongst homeowners. Cedar is an ideal choice because it is wear-resistant, resistant to moisture and naturally fights against rot and bugs. Another key advantage is its flexibility to bend without breaking and adapt to its surroundings. Cedar will withstand extreme heat or cold with little cracking over time.

Redwood, once the most popular choice, is also one of the most expensive. Because of its loved red-brown coloring and fire resistance, redwood forests have been victims of excessive logging. There is less old-growth material and more new-growth lumber which isn’t as durable. Redwood has the same pros as cedar – bug repellent, slow to wear, and can hold up in any environment.

Ipe is a tropical hardwood that is 8 times harder than redwood. Its strength and longevity are almost unmatched compared to the first two options. It also resists mold, rot, decay, fire, and insects. It ranges in color more so than other options as well with shades of red-brown to a golden brown. Beware of dark wood grains because it heats up more than lighter wood. Ipe wood grain is tight and interlocking which makes it slip-resistant as well.

Our Picks

Thermally treated wood decking such as Thermo Ash decking is more stable and less prone to decay. The heat treatment helps the deck stay in place and shiftless over the years while remaining all-natural and chemical-free. Thermo Ash is the eco-friendlier choice because it is normally sourced responsibly and not reducing old-growth forests nor tropical forests.

Reclaimed wood decking is a favorite because of its unique appearance. All redwood decking may look similar but no two reclaimed wood decks will. With reclaimed wood, you can choose almost any color planks from white and grey to brown and red. The planks are finished to make the surface smooth and better for bare feet. Our reclaimed wood is decades old; this wood has proven it can withstand insects, rot, decay, and severe weather. We now offer flame-resistant planks to give you that outdoor oasis you always wanted while keeping the family safe too.

Reach out to one of our experts if you have more questions about decking options!


Read Our Previous Blog Posts To Learn More About Wood


 

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