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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?

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!

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One of the most important architectural details in your home is moulding. It is the frame to your entire house that sets the stage from ceiling to floor. Interior trim is versatile, beyond framing each room you can use decorative mouldings to add design accents to the walls. As the #1 provider of custom moulding profiles in Las Vegas – we can match any profile brought to us! We grind custom profiles up to 9” with our knife grinding equipment. On-site in our showroom and mill we have 4,000 moulding profile knives that you can choose from.

Our state-of-the-art equipment including an upgraded knife grinder, gang rip, and moulder allows us to run standard profiles with a 3–5-day turnaround. If requesting a custom profile, turnaround is 5-7 days. We manufacture moulding from any hardwood or softwood you need, subject to the availability of raw lumber.

Types of Interior Trim

In general, moulding throughout a home or building should match. Moulding generally describes the covering of gaps between the wall and doors, windows, ceilings, and floors. Let’s go over the most common types of moulding.

Base moulding (baseboards) runs along the floor covering the joint where the bottom of the wall and the floor meet. Base moulding throughout the home ties all the rooms together. Case moulding (trim) borders the outside of doors and windows covering the gap between the wall, acting as picture frames to the openings of the room/building. Crown moulding (cornice) caps the top of the wall where it meets the ceiling, visually elevating the ceiling height.

Types of Decorative Moulding

There are multiple types of decorative moulding that act as accents giving a personal touch and design to the home/building. The major types that we typically manufacture are for the corners, stairs, and walls.

Outside corner moulding (corner trim) encases the protruding edge of the wall for protection or to hide the seam between walls. Chair rail moulding normally sits below the windowsill, no taller than a third of the length of the wall adding dimension to an otherwise flat wall. The chair rail also earned its name by protecting dining room walls from being bruised by chairs.

To create wainscoting on the bottom half of the wall panel moulding is often paired with a chair rail. It is trim combined with raised wall panels enhancing the crown and base moulding. Plant on moulding (applied moulding) is general-purpose profiles or decorative details that can be placed on top of other elements, wherever it looks good.

Types of Moulding Joints

To connect the wood mouldings there are two major types of moulding joints used. Tongue and groove (T&G) involve milling the moulding in which the tongue of one piece fits together with the groove of another piece, interlocking.  T&G is a long-lasting method for keeping the pieces together, it tends to lay flatter and allows the molding to be applied horizontally or vertically.

Shiplap involves milling the top and bottom of each piece of moulding to form a rabbet joint simply sitting evenly on top of one another. Due to its low cost and appeal to many homeowners, shiplap can be beneficial.

Woodstock Architectural Products can produce any mouldings of your dreams. We are your one-stop-shop when it comes to mouldings, book an appointment to get your order started today!

Wood has always been a prominent building and construction material because it’s durable yet versatile. Making things from wood can start as a simple hobby and over time become your skill. Then beyond skill, there is a natural talent. Many woodworking projects today are replicas of another man’s creation.

While imitation is the best flattery it’s important to pay homage to those who paved the way before us. After the 13^th amendment abolished slavery, many men had learned a trade that they continued to master as freemen. African American woodworkers were familiar with the beauty of wood and thus made beautiful cabinets, furniture, bed frames, instruments, and more.

Henry Boyd – Furniture Maker

The Boyd bedstead – a collector’s item today was one black man’s dream in the 1800s. At 24 years old, Henry Boyd moved to Ohio as a free man with no money and no one willing to hire him. He took odd-end jobs until one day an opportunity allowed him to craft a countertop for his boss at the time. That one opportunity showed he was a master woodworker. It led to more contract jobs until one day he was able to open his own shop.

In his shop, Henry builds bed frames with a revolutionary design. The bed design was highly sought after because it allowed the beds to be sturdier and more durable. He operated an integrated workplace of up to 50 men at one time. His success and popularity continued to rise, and he eventually built a showroom showing his bedsteads and parlor furniture. While some praised him, others caused his business to close from constant arson. His work auctions for top dollar today and regarded by some as the greatest pre–Civil War woodwork.

Thomas Day – Cabinet Maker

When you ask for a “daybed” do you know you’re referencing the African American master cabinetmaker Thomas Day? Thomas Day born a free man in Southern Virginia moved to North Carolina and opened his own cabinet shop in 1827. 96% of the cabinetmakers in North Carolina were white at that time but Day had proven his skill and was treated with high regard in his community. He had unique artistry that excited his customers and kept them coming back.

He added architectural enhancements and curve features unlike any seen before. Yet the shapes were subtle small touches that gave simple pieces like sofas and dressers, great character. The Civil War caused Day’s shop to drop in prominence but today you can find his millwork in homes throughout North Carolina. From playful staircases and archways to hand carving that showcased his woodworking mastery – his work is in museums and considered to some as prized possessions.

Freeman Vines – Guitar Maker

Another North Carolina freeman who never made two guitars alike is Freeman Vines. A guitarist and wood craftsman, Freeman Vines has been making wood guitars hoping to create the perfect sound. Rescuing wood and upcycling its material adds a story to each guitar. He uses wood from unlikely places such as the soundboard of an old piano, the steps of an old tobacco barn, or even a previous hanging tree.

He crafts these reclaimed wood guitars by hand then plays each one of them. Some guitars are shaped like African masks while others have a simple design like that of a leaf or oar. Most notable about this skilled woodworker is his ability to rewrite his own people’s history. He made four guitars from a black walnut tree where a young man was hanged, and it plays beautifully honoring his ancestors with every strum.

Make a Lasting Mark

History is many things to many people. It can be a teacher and it can be a mirror. Showing us how we as Americans need to change and showing us how the past is ever-present today. History is important to us and we strive to understand it and learn from it.  At Woodstock AP, we treat all people with love and kindness. We handcraft wood pieces with the hope that they will bring happiness to whatever home they find. Our showroom is open, book an appointment for a dedicated tour and design consultation.

Additional sources: Smithsonian Magazine “Freeman Vines” & “Thomas Day”, Kentucky Tribune

Winter season is in full effect with snowmaking record appearances and temperatures steadily dropping. Get cozy next to your fireplace to keep warm, but why not enjoy the scenery too?! Finding the right mantel to enhance the look of your fireplace has never been easier. Match it to your interior design theme or choose a show-stopping, stand out mantel.

Sleek

Prominent interior designers have named elegant, luxurious design themes as trending in 2021. In those types of designs, non-brick fireplaces that resemble hotel décor are the go-to. When we say non-brick, we mean a fireplace with some type of panel covering. That covering can be reclaimed wood panels, 3D panels, or geometric architectural panels. With a sleek fireplace, find dark-toned mantels that blend well with the overall theme. We have made some beautiful black and dark gray oak and walnut mantles that seem subtle but make a bold design statement.

Modern

Modern interior designs now lean heavily on natural elements and earth tones. In contemporary country themes, fireplaces made of brick or stone are a classic look. Incorporating wood delicately creates an inviting and open space. A brick or stone fireplace is typically large and can cover an entire wall. You may be wondering why you need a mantle when the bricks/stones are the centerpieces of the modern cottage design. A mantle is meant to be a design extension or a compliment to your fireplace. An extra-long, oversized mantel painted white, red, or brown to match the brick/stone color is a gorgeous addition. Not to mention the bonus shelving it provides as well!

Reclaimed

When it comes to a reclaimed wood mantel – don’t think rustic, think rustic vogue. We cover our mantels with real American reclaimed wood panels. The variety in naturally weathered reclaimed wood allows for multiple color options ranging from mixed grays, browns, and whites. Have a fluid look from a reclaimed wood fireplace covering to the reclaimed wood mantel, truly making the fireplace stand out. Too matchy-matchy for your taste? Consider pairing it with a reclaimed wood accent wall in the same or adjacent room to complete the look.

From a vision to reality

At Woodstock AP, we listen then we create! Our team of design experts keep up with the latest design trends and find the best material. No matter the design theme or even if you have no design in mind, we can help. Book a dedicated hour with our team today.

Additional source: Home and Gardens

1) Wood Carpet Was A Thing

Only wealthy families could afford intricate, durable handmade wood flooring. This elaborate and expensive hardwood flooring, called parquet, used small wood bocks to make flooring that contained geometric shapes. The process required woodworkers to place the wood pieces by hand, sand them by hand and stain them by hand. To make hardwood flooring more accessible and affordable, a wood carpet was created and advertised as “flooring anyone could install”. The wood carpet was made by gluing very thin sheets of wood onto a piece of canvas. This type of thin wood carpet allowed wood flooring to be mass-produced but it proved to be too weak to stand the tests of common wear and tear.

2) Scraped vs sanded

Before sandpaper was invented, woodworkers used a plane and scraper to make wood planks smooth and flat. A plane and scraper is a tool that shaves the wood away to make it flat and smooth. Using a plane and scraper by hand to cover 100’s of square feet of flooring was very labor-intensive. If an abrasive was needed, they had to turn to natural alternatives such as fine sand. Yes, real sand that was poured onto the flooring and rubbed by hand to give it a polished look. Typically, only the wealthy could afford the labor involved to have polished floors whether scraped or sanded.

3) Breathe easier

Homes with wood floors have cleaner air. Carpet traps dust mites, pollen, animal debris, and other allergens. These allergens usually stay trapped in the carpet until it’s cleaned. Unfortunately, walking or rubbing against the carpet causes allergens and dust to be released into the air. Hardwood flooring keeps allergens at bay compared to laminate and tile which commonly get dust caught in grout lines. The fact that hardwood flooring is also easier and quicker to clean itself helps minimize the build-up of dirt and debris.

4) One-of-a-kind

No wood flooring is identical. We acknowledge this beautiful fact about wood so often. No wood plank is the same, not even those cut from the same tree. When browsing wood flooring samples, the sample is marked to warn you it is only a “close” representation of the hardwood. So many factors determine what a piece of wood looks like such as the way it was cut, the environment it grew in, and how old the tree is. The final installed floor will be completely unique, there will not be another floor like it. If completing a DIY flooring project, you have even more control over making hardwood flooring unlike any other!

Woodstock Architectural Products is a certified Kentwood Flooring vendor supplying a wide range of colors and options. We have samples for browsing in our showroom, book an appointment for a project consultation.

Additional source: Home Guides

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Cameron Fults, a lover of the arts is a trained classical guitarist. He graduated from OKCU with a bachelor’s in music performance and a growing passion for investing and business operations. Throughout his college years he would return and help out the family business. After graduating, Cameron joined Woodstock Architectural Products full time operating the production facility and warehouse.

During his time with the company, he is not only building gorgeous wood products but learning invaluable lessons on how to start and manage a successful business. He took the time out of his busy day of manufacturing, to talk about fascinating wood facts with us.  

Q: What is your favorite thing about wood? 

Cameron: My favorite thing about wood is that not one tree or piece of wood is similar; trees are like humans. It is really fascinating. 

Q: What do you think makes wood so beautiful?

Cameron: Just as humans are so diverse and unique so is wood. Wood/the grain is a part of nature’s fingerprint. The atmosphere that the tree lives under influences how the tree grows up such as with humans. Every grain in the wood is unique and it is interesting how the rings from the trees help determine its age. (some would say it is similar to wrinkles on humans lol…I would not however) 

Q: Why is making wood home products so important to you? 

Cameron: The aspect of bringing nature into your home is important. You have the opportunity to choose from thousands of different species of wood. There are wood species’ that you would think are the same, but they have subtle differences that make them unique. Like a home or family, there are subtle differences in our lifestyles that make us unique, wood is that natural best friend that we add to our lives helping us embrace our individuality.  

Q: What are some memorable projects you’ve worked on? 

Cameron: The very first Venetian/Pallazzo Remodel we did out of our Reno Ave shop, before we had employees. Those moments helped me become who I am, today. I’ve worked on some truly beautiful walnut live edge pieces; one was a bathroom vanity. Another was a matching coffee & side table.  I also love seeing homes come together after remodeling! Many clients purchase a barn door and realize that they need flooring to go with the door. Sometimes even tables to match the door. It is truly amazing seeing homes from before the remodel to after the remodel. A lot of these homes are magazine worthy after the remodel.

Go behind the scenes with Cameron in our warehouse. He makes wood manufacturing look like a breeze!

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There are so many ways to decorate your home. With a personalized design and custom furniture, your home becomes your oasis. Never settle for less when creating your indoor haven, go big! A dramatic décor choice that will enhance any room are faux and hand hewn beams.

What are ceiling beams?

Originally introduced as a decorative covering for wooden joists, ceiling beams add depth to a room. Ceiling joists are exposed horizontal pieces of wood used to frame an open space. Commonly, joists are left exposed on the ceilings of attics or basements. Placed in the same framing design as joists, ceiling beams are more aesthetically appealing making a room look remarkable.

Faux Beams

At Woodstock Architectural Products, we provide wood beams both faux and hand hewn. Faux beams are typically a uniform rectangle shape with the flexibility to be any size. They can be as wide, short, narrow, or skinny as you want. They are light weight with an MDF core, hollow center, and open back side. The design of your faux wood beam can be almost anything you can imagine. With the versatility of real wood veneer, the beam can be various colors and wood grains. To create country charm, the MDF core is covered with reclaimed wood panels.

 

Hand Hewn Beams

Hand hewn beams are fallen solid pieces of lumber from 100s of years ago, cut into rectangle logs with an axe. They add drama and airiness to a kitchen or dining area giving the warmth of the outdoors inside the home. Hand hewn beams come in many species and look gorgeous, each with a unique story of their own. Often, they are hard to work with; they cannot be easily cut into other widths or lengths and sold as is. Hand hewn beams can be an ideal addition to a cabin themed design or open design that integrates the essence of nature.

Start your beam order

No matter which type you choose, wood beams make a room more beautiful. Beams extend beyond the ceiling; they can frame a room vertically from floor to ceiling. Schedule a free project consultation to find the right beam for you.

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When shopping around for live edge wood, beyond finding a piece that catches your eye, the quality of the wood slab is very important. As a custom shop, we choose the absolute best wood materials and provide exceptional craftmanship for your finished product. We are sharing 5 expert tips for shoppers on the hunt for live edge wood.

1. Kiln Dried

Much of the live edge wood sold today is “air dried” however not many of the slabs have had the multiple years required to air dry slowly enough to be usable. Faster than air drying is kiln drying which helps stabilize the wood. If the wood is not kiln dried, there is a high probability that the wood will warp. The moisture content of the wood should be between 6-8%. There are different types of kilns, but essentially, they are all the same. The importance is that the wood is not wet to create what you want with it.

2. Make Sure It’s the Size You Need

It’s important to understand the width, length and thickness needed for the use of your slab. If you’re planning on making a dining tabletop with the slab, you may prefer a solid wood slab 36” wide, 3” thick, 60” long. For a live edge floating shelf or mantel, you will want a smaller slab in length and width but thicker to hide the brackets in the slab to create the “floating” appearance. Slabs can also be glued together to create a custom width, or you can search for a solid slab that meets your criteria but may be cut down to size.

3. Faux or Natural

The true beauty of natural live edge comes from the sap of the wood. The raw, blonde, lighter colored edge is a quick way to distinguish natural live edge wood. Natural live edge gives the feeling of the tree it came from and the environment it grew in. Faux live edge wood typically has a smoother edge with the grain matching the rest of the wood slab. However, sometimes the sap/bark gets torn off the natural tree and it can be hard to difference between the two. The benefit of faux is that it can be made from any piece of wood and shaped into any size you want. Faux is a replication of live edge. Like looking at paintings or listening to a band. Looking at a replica of a Picasso is not the same as looking at the original painting.

4. Raw or Finished

You can buy a live edge wood slab without a finish, but it is always recommended to at least do a topcoat to seal and protect the wood. The topcoat also brings out the grain and beauty of the wood itself. You can do a topcoat yourself with a durable finish or take the wood to a finisher. The type of finish needed also depends on the intended use of the wood. For a live edge cutting board, use a food grade oil because some oil such as teak oil is not healthy to place food on. For a dining table, a conversion varnish will last much longer through numerous meals. While a polyurethane topcoat can be used for a bench or item that food is not being placed on.

5. Match Your Décor

Wood looks great with a simple black or white design. However, if you want to paint the wood another color, you should choose an open grained wood. Open grained species such as oak has a much larger grain than other wood species so when it is painted the grain will still be visible. Staining wood can change the color of the wood but won’t cover the surface. It’s a great alternative! A stain normally darkens the wood but can also alter the hue to make it lighter. A tanning solution, which we do exclusively in-house, can drastically alter the color of the wood making it black or different shades of red and brown.

Browse our live-edge inventory to find the slab you’re looking for, we also have more in our showroom!

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Wood is versatile – it ranges in color, shape, and size. Your piece of furniture starts as a tree, cut down by a lumberjack. The tree is sliced into logs by a mill and hand crafted into your dream piece. The process is exciting and challenging, now imagine slicing the wood to 2 mm thick making it as thin as a slice of cheese for a hamburger. The sheets can be as thin as 0.6 mm that can cover other surfaces instead of one solid piece of wood. That is veneer – a type of overlay decorative surface that can cover cabinets, dressers, counters, shelves, racks, walls…the list is essentially endless. Veneer makes the application of wood more flexible.

Natural Veneers

When you select a veneer that is sliced from an individual tree log and not repurposed in any way, it is a natural veneer. Natural veneer is more expensive, especially if it is a rare species that is cut down. With natural veneer, no one sheet is the same because no tree bark is the same. A trees’ reaction to growing conditions over time cause the color, depth, and curves of the grain to be unique. The uniqueness of the grain will be evident – often an easy way to distinguish natural veneer from reconstituted veneer. However, natural veneer can be sequence matched meaning that similar logs are used to maintain the overall effect of an uninterrupted grain and color.

Remarkable Veneers

At Woodstock, we have a private brand of reconstituted veneer called Remarkable Veneers. Reconstituted veneer is FSC certified, ensuring responsible stewardship for cutting trees and preserving rare species. A fast-growing species is cut down and turned into pulp, then resin and dye are added to transform the look of it into a rare wood species such as Ebony Zebrawood or Green Birds Eye Maple. The reconstituted wood is then put into a big block and sliced thin into veneer for use.

The pros of using a reconstituted veneer are the inexpensive cost, the multiple color options, and sustainability. The con being all the sheets of veneer may look the same because they are processed and replicated from the same log. Large commercial projects such as a hotel remodel, consider all the veneer being uniform, a perk. With a large order you can also get the full block of lumber to make moulding or trim that matches the veneer for a cohesive design.

Design Inspiration

Still don’t know what you can design with wood veneer? Here are a few examples to get your design juices flowing.
Adhere veneer panels to the bottom half of a wall for wainscoting design. Apply a full wall application with veneer architectural panels covering the entire wall. With Remarkable Veneers you can create almost any design! You can also renovate an entire kitchen mixing and matching veneer by using plain sliced oak, rift white oak and maple.

We have over 200 Real Wood Veneers at Woodstock for you to choose from. Book an appointment with our experts today to inquire more or get your project started!