FSC Mixed vs 100% Pure

The truth about FSC.

What comes to mind when you hear FSC? Most of us are inclined to think that only trees from managed forests can receive this astute recognition and "green" seal of approval, however this really is not the case.

When the FSC organization began in 1993, that inclination was true. Only trees that came from managed forests were allowed to be part of the FSC chain of custody, or were 100% Pure FSC. Meaning the lumber could be traced from the end user to the the forest where the log originated. Because not every forest in the US is FSC certified and mills cannot buy their wood from only one or two companies, it takes incredible detail to maintain an inventory of hundreds of thousands pieces of wood that essential look exactly the same. So.....they came up with the "Mix" certification title.

Now, to clarify, the wood that is non-fsc has to pass the following criteria:

PRINCIPLE #1: COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND FSC PRINCIPLES
PRINCIPLE #2: TENURE AND USE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PRINCIPLE #3: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS
PRINCIPLE #4: COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND WORKER’S RIGHTS
PRINCIPLE #5: BENEFITS FROM THE FOREST
PRINCIPLE #6: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
PRINCIPLE #7: MANAGEMENT PLAN
PRINCIPLE #8: MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
PRINCIPLE #9: MAINTENANCE OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE FORESTS
PRINCIPLE #10: PLANTATIONS
(Source: http://www.fscus.org/standards_criteria)

As long as it passes the 10 criteria it can then be mixed with FSC material. So you may order 10 pieces of 2x4x8 FSC Lumber. Your receipt will say "FSC Mix" it also maybe followed by a percentage. Every mix has a percentage, because the mill knows how many FSC vs Non FSC pieces (or credits) they have in stock, and they can only sell the as many FSC pieces as they purchased. When they go to pull your FSC order, they pull from the pile of combined stock that they have.

To clarify, the best comparison to this is buying renewable energy. When you buy wind power for electricity in your home, the power that runs your home may come from a non-renewable source. It would be too difficult and maybe impossible for the energy companies to organize each power source to each house, so it is "mixed".

In either case, buying renewable energy sources of FSC wood, you are making a conscious decision to support sustainable practices. The more we support these practices, the more likely they will be come the standard.

Kitchen and Bath Design Services...

Unique, Sustainable and American Made!

           

When it comes to sustainability Woodland is always looking for unique and eco-friendly products to offer our contractors and home owners. Although we just discovered this little jem, AAW Inc has been around for over 30 years. Based in California, this door manufacturer is one of the few companies that still uses solid wood for exterior doors. Although the distance from Philly to LA is not considered "local", supporting domestic manufacturing in today's economy is an important factor to consider when purchasing home building products. AAW uses only premium wood, mostly from sustainably managed forests and most of their mahogany is FSC certified.  All doors are produced under the strictest manufacturing standards and quality control. They also offer bamboo doors and all of their doors are finished in water based sealers.

An Ode to Dennis Oppenheim

On August 8 through the 11th, the village of Arts and Humanities celebrated the life of Dennis Oppenheim through their teen workshop. The teens and local residents recreated a smaller version of Oppenheim's well known sculpture entitled Device to Root Out Evil (1997) located in Vancouver, Canada. Woodland helped to provide some of the lumber for the project and is excited to share their work with you.....

Bathroom Renovation

Woodland does Design......Take a look at our newest design rehab. Woodland had a client who was looking to update their outdated master bath. The original bathroom was functional but lacked a lot of the things they were looking for in their new home. They wanted a bathroom with clean lines, but that also felt fresh and inviting. We worked out  a budget and prioritized which items would be essential to making their dream master bath.

Before and After Vanity

 First on the list was the vanity. Their current vanity was older, and starting to loose it's lackluster and crowned with a shell shaped double sink top, definitely not out client's style.We went with something that was warm in color and provided a clean French country look. The new vanity also has 4 center drawers for organizing brushes, toothpaste, ect.


The second "must have" was new tile. We only tiled in the original areas that had tile to reserve our budget for other important items. We decided on a honed Travertine for the floor, as Travertine adds a level of sophistication and longevity. We
went with a porcelain tile for the walls and around the drop in tub, as it more inexpensive than Travertine and requires less maintenance. To break the wall tile we added 3 rows of glass and tumbled linear stone.

The third item on the list was a new tub. The old tub was bone color, which our clients were not crazy about. In running theme with the fresh look, we went with white. We chose a soaking tub that was much larger and deeper than the previous tub. We also added a tiled ledge that had been missing from the previous layout, and removed an awkward step that was in front of the tub.

The other items on the list fell into place as we made figured on the three major items. We talked about removing the wall in the shower area, replacing the door to add more light to the space. Instead we left it and the large mirrors that were already inplace and in tact. We add all new fixtures that coordinated with one another. We removed an old large mirror with very little storage behind it and replaced it 2 large cameo mirror with full storage behind them.

This project served as a good example of how you don't always need to gut a bathroom to give your space an entirely new feeling. At the end of this projects our clients were overjoyed how well their new bathroom turned out and that they stayed in budget.

Below are some "Before and After" pictures. Enjoy!


........ BEFORE

........ AFTER

Pervious Concrete

Photo by Crag.org

Last summer the Philadelphia Water Department changed the way it bills commercial customers, separating stormwater charges from sewer bills and basing charges on the amount of impervious surface in a parcel. While the changes will help to reduce stormwater runoff, pollution to our water system, flooding and drought, they have also caused businesses to rethink the material used in designing roofs, pathways, sidewalks, parking lots and other normally impervious surfaces.

Because impervious surfaces do not allow water to soak into the ground as nature intends, this reduces the amount of water available for wells and springs and increases the amount of water above ground and the potential for flooding. Another downside is when water sits on a surface it collects pollutants from the air and cars, and during storms excess water that could not seep into the ground, flows across impervious surfaces and sweeps these pollutants into surrounding waters and farther downstream.

The Philadelphia's implementation of stormwater charges is hoped to serve in a catalyst for further green design, and acheive the city's goals laid out in Mayor Nutter's plan for sustainability, Greenworks, which began in 2009.


Here is the way the city calculates stormwater charges:

Stormwater Charge = (Gross Area Rate * Gross Area of Property) +

                                    (Impervious Area Rate * Impervious Area of Property)

By reducing the area of impervious property, business can see a reduction of their water bill, as well as reduction in overflow and flooding. Ways to reduce stormwater include impervious surfaces, such as using products like Empire Blended Pervious Concrete, a pre-blended permeable paving product. It looks just like concrete yet through small voids allow water and air to pass through. Another avenue to stormwater reduction, is installing a green roof. Colbond Enkadrain Mats and Rooflite lightweight.

For further information, check out the Stormwater Basic Information page.

ABC Show Recap

ABC SHOW RECAP

This year's Atlantic City Builder's show proved to have a good turn out of local builders and other industry professionals. Woodland showcased quite a few products, but the two that received the most interest were our Atlantis Rail System and Thermally Modified Wood. The Atlantis Rail System is a stainless steel tension system that allows for visible horizons and cool breezes while providing up to code safety precautions. The thermally modified wood by EcoPrem is naturally treated wood that is fire kilned to prevent rotting, mold and provide dimensional stability.  Check out our links for more information on these products.

Storm Chasers comes to Woodland.

Yesterday, Woodland had a pleasant surprise from one of the Discovery Channel's Storm Chaser teams, TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle). The team featured on the show stopped in to say hello (and fix their trailer). We got a glimpse inside this amazing machine, hand built by Sean Casey.  The 16,000-pound armored tank is outfitted with wind-resistant flaps and anchor spikes to keep him safe while filming inside a twister. The vehicle was en route to Pittsburgh where it is on display in conjunction with the IMAX film, Tornado Alley. The vehicle was also on display at the  Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, before making its debut at Woodland.

 

UltraTouch Launches Perforated Denim Insulation

 

Watch Bonded Logic's video on the latest innovation in their recycled denim insulation line, Ultra Touch. Woodland currently stocks the original unperforated Ultra Touch to the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley Region. For more information on available sizes and prices, call 215-727-533. Look for updates to find out when our stock will change to PERFORATED!

Atlantic City Builder's Convention 2011

Woodland Building Supply is proud to announce our participation at this year's Atlantic City Builder's Convention from April 6-8, 2011 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Have a look at our newest products at our booth, #1504 and we will also popping up in this year's Green Zone, so keep an eye out for our Ultratouch recycled denim wall and mini booth featuring all of our green products. For more information on the show visit: http://www.abconvention.com/index.php

FSC OSB OMG!

Woodland will now be stocking FSC OSB (4x8x7/16"). Here is a little breakdown of how FSC works for those of you who are not familiar with the FSC system. Each FSC order receives a unique identification number that provides a chain of custody from the tree that was cut down to the end user. The FSC label provides assurance to the end user that the material they are purchasing comes from the certified managed forest it claims and that it has not been switched for a non-FSC material. Woodland is a part of that chain of custody and has received training on how to properly inventory and manage FSC material by a third party accreditation party. Stop in and check it out.

FSC OSB is available for $12.99/sheet.

Wood Spotlight:: Ash Wood

Plain sliced American Ash

Sometimes the best place to find what you are looking for is to look in your own backyard. Today lets take a look at a local and ashamedly underutilized North American Hardwood - Ash.  When speaking in terms of green woods, we often think of Bamboo and other rapidly renewable sources, but this however overlooks the most important aspect to green design - locality! Buying local reduces the carbon footprint size and additionally it helps the local economy to grow (which we could all use these days). The first step is to look at what is around you, and see how you can benefit from the resources closest to you.

Ash Wood can be found in plethora in Northeastern USA, making it a great wood for the Philly building community. Many times it grows in moist and swampy areas and flowers in the spring time. Ash is a very strong, flexible, durable, and heavy wood. It comes in 3 basic varieties: Black, Green (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and White Ash.  Ash is a wood most notably known for being used in baseball bats, because of it's shock absorption and high strength-to-weight ratio. If you are not familiar with Ash, it has the basic look and durability of Oak and is typically an inexpensive hardwood. Ash has a lighter graining than Oak and comes plain sliced, quarter sawn or rift cut; each of which will render very different looks, from traditional to modern.

Ash wood is also available in FSC and thermally modified (great for decking). Here are some good links for the Ash-lover in you!


http://www.hardwoodinfo.com/species_guide/index.php
http://www.lewislp.com/woodchar.asp#Basswood
http://www.thewoodbox.com/data/wood/ashinfo.htm


  

Update on the American Sardine Bar Project.....

 ................AMERICAN SARDINE PROJECT (update)

            About 2 months ago we blogged about the American Sardine bar in Point Breeze, and the green aspects of the work being done. Well today, we have an update shot of the installed awning. The weathered corrugated steel is originally installed as a typical corrugated silver colored metal. But as time passes and inclement weather ensues, the metal begins it's transformation. We took this shot to show one of the metal's color stages. Right now it is a bright orange but in a few weeks or months it will begin to change to a darker more rusty color. What happens in that time is that the steel's chemical composition begins to form a protective layer on its surface under the influence of the weather thus changing the color of the metal.

Windows are a critical component in sustainable building design. Most energy flows in and out of a building through its windows, but with intelligent design and technological innovation they can be used to provide heating, cooling and lighting for a better indoor environment.  

Here is what to look for:

Framing

Wood frames are very energy efficient, and are available in FSC wood, but can also be expensive and need to be sealed or painted regularly to protect them from water damage. Fiberglass frames are low maintenance and energy-efficient but can also be expensive. Aluminum frames are inexpensive but conduct heat easily and are therefore less energy efficient than other options.


Click here to see a list of our green window manufacturers:
Wood (includes Vinyl and Aluminum Clad)
Fiberglass
Vinyl
Aluminum and Commerical

Glass Options

Insulated Glass
Creates an insulated air space between the two pieces of glass, resulting in better thermal performance. Insulated glass also reduces condensation while keeping the heat in during the winter, and heat out during the summer.


Low-E Glass: Low-E Glass is coated with a virtually invisible layer of silver that reflects radiant solar energy while permitting visible light to pass through the glass. Low-E Glass can either have a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (the best choice in climates dominated by cooling) or a high SHGC ( the best choice in climates dominated by heating or for south facing windows in climates with a mix of cooling and heating requirements).

Argon Gas: Added inside an insulated panel with Low-E Glass, Argon gas is an invisible, insulating blanket that replaces most of the air during the manufacturing process. With Low-E reflecting heat away, Argon gas buffers thermal transfer to enhance the performance of the whole glass panel.

Certifications and Ratings
 

National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC): Look for the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) label on the window or patio door. This label shows the U-Value, Solar Heat Gain, and visible light transmittance values.

Energy Star® Rated: Energy Star® is a national campaign sponsored by the EPA and the Department of Energy to promote energy efficient products.

R- and U-Values: R-Value is a term that measures the insulation properties of a material like insulation, but the energy efficiency of windows is measured by ‘U-Values’. The higher the R-Value, the greater its insulating ability, but for U-Value, the lower the number the better that product’s insulating efficiency. To find a U-Value, divide the number ‘1’ by the R-Value. For example, an R-Value of ‘4’ is equal to a U-Value of .25.

Click here to see our selection of Window Manufacturers (all with eco-friendly window options).

Woodland Is Now FSC Chain of Custody Certified!

Here at Woodland you can purchase FSC products, including FSC lumber, sheetgoods, trim, doors, thermally modified decking, windows, cabinets and millwork. Woodland Building is one of the few lumber and millwork suppliers in the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley Region to be FSC COC Certified.

 For those of you who are not familar, FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Established in 1993 as a response to concerns over global deforestation, FSC is a pioneer forum where the global consensus on responsible forest management convenes and through democratic process effects solutions to the pressures facing the world’s forests and forest-dependent communities.

FSC also can help you achieve points if you are working on a LEED Certified Building. Visit our website or call 215-727-5333 for more information on FSC and other eco friendly materials.

Putting Paneling in it's Place

Faux Tin Tiles make a splash on any backsplash!

In recent years, tin decorative tiles have started appearing in nontraditional areas of the house besides their usual spot on the ceiling. Because of the beautiful colors and patterns you can get from these tiles, they have become very popular in recent years. Although tin and metal tiles are great for their aesthetic value, there is a new option that may make it even more enticing.  Acoustical Ceiling Panels (ACP) now has thermoplastic panels that mimic metal tiles but add a modern element in their designs and color selection.

Thermoplastic panels have many advantages over their metal counterpart. They can be used on almost any surface and once put into place they are just as durable. Easy to clean and install, rust-proof and affordable, thermoplastic are well worth their value. They also cost a fraction of the cost as metal tiles. For more information visit: Fasade Ideas.

Here is a video on the product. Enjoy!