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Modern Classics: Unrivaled, Rift & Quartered White Oak

Wide Plank White Oak at Rice University

An incredible installation of TerraMai’s MC White Oak both flooring and stair treads. TerraMai image.

When it comes to a near flawless character, three of TerraMai’s sustainably-harvested wood species stand out: MC Walnut, Wide Plank White Oak, and MC White Oak. We’ve already told you about the classic sophistication of MC Walnut, and you can read all about it here. Today, we’re focused on one of the most popular wood flooring and paneling species: Oak. 

Classic wood grain, minimalistic character in TerraMai’s Wide Plank White Oak


Flooring installation at Rice University featuring our Wide Plank White Oak. Image courtesy of Mariella Ayala. 

TerraMai’s clean and warm Wide Plank White Oak is a perfect choice for flooring applications. Bringing the outside in with natural materials like wood have shown to have positive biophilic effects when used in design. The human brain often looks for soothing, natural patterns which can be found in using wood and other natural materials. 

Elegant, sophisticated rift and quartered Modern Classic White Oak

TerraMai’s stunning Modern Classic White Oak brings the outside in with this phenomenal installation of flooring in a Pale Ale finish. TerraMai image.

Refined, minimalist, and impeccable – TerraMai’s MC White Oak brightens up the floors of this space with dynamic and warm flooring at Perkins + Will’s Chicago office. Like its sister (MC Walnut), MC White Oak highlights the rift and quartersawn milling method which brings a pristine tone to any installation, along with linear grain patterns.  

Got an upcoming project that calls for any of TerraMai’s Modern Classics? We’ve got you covered. All three are FSC® and FloorScore® certified, and each offers impeccable style. Click to learn more about our Modern Classics.
Check out our blog here and subscribe to our eCards here.

Exterior Wood Siding Panels: Modular Beauty

Exterior Wood Siding: An example of the beauty of vertical wood siding

Elevating Exteriors with Wood Siding Panels

What do you envision when you think of “exterior wood siding”?

Perhaps a rustic log cabin nestled in the woods? Well, it’s time to reimagine that notion. Wood siding panels have emerged as the latest trend in home exteriors. Wood panels offer a striking exterior contrast to other materials and also provide a textured appeal that captivates the eye.

Architects and designers have been using wood in exterior design for ages – and for good reasons too. Its sustainability, renewability, and inherent beauty make it a compelling choice. And slatted wood siding panels is an incredible way to use wood on the exterior of commercial buildings and homes that gives them a modern sophisticated and stylish look.

The natural warmth and unique texture of exterior wood siding panels on the exterior cannot be matched by any other siding type available. In addition to its aesthetic benefits, reclaimed and sustainable wood siding also boasts numerous advantages including durability, low carbon footprint, minimal toxicity, and easy disposal, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Exterior Wood Siding: An example of the beauty of vertical wood siding

Exterior Wood Siding Panels’ Timeless Appeal

Wood siding panels possesses a timeless charm that adds character and elegance to any architectural style. Its warm tones and natural grains create a welcoming and inviting exterior. Whether you prefer a modern, contemporary look or a more traditional aesthetic, wood siding panels can be tailored to suit your design vision.

With TerraMai’s Exterior Wood Siding Panels, you can achieve a harmonious blend of high design, sustainability, and functionality. Inspired by the warm color tones and stunning visuals of wood slats commonly found in modern Scandinavian style, these panels are the epitome of sophisticated elegance. You can use it as your primary exterior material, or you can combine wood slat panels with other modern construction materials on your building exterior like cement, brick, stone, or metal. Exterior wood slat panels or cladding can serve as an accent, infusing warmth and softness into your building’s aesthetic.

By blending various textures, surfaces, colors, grain patterns, styles, and shapes, you can create striking contrasts, break up long and flat façades, and emphasize different planes to add depth and dimension to your design. Let your creativity shine as you explore the interplay between wood and other materials, achieving a harmonious balance that enhances the overall visual appeal of your structure.

Exterior Wood Siding: Slat Panel Accents for Commercial Buildings

When it comes to designing commercial buildings, exterior wood siding slat panels have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic and is increasingly being incorporated into newer structures. With their sleek and modern appearance, these panels can transform the look and feel of a commercial space, making it stand out and enhancing its appeal to visitors, occupants, and passersby.

Exterior wood siding slat panels can be utilized in various ways to add depth and visual interest to the building’s exterior. One popular approach is to incorporate them as siding, replacing traditional materials with the warmth and natural beauty of wood. This creates a visually striking contrast and instantly enhances the curb appeal of the commercial property. TerraMai’s slat and mini slat panels are modular, which reduces installation time and speeds up project completion.

Another way to utilize wood siding slat panels on building exteriors is as architectural accents. By strategically placing them around windows, entrances, or other prominent features, these panels add a touch of sophistication and create a focal point that draws attention. The clean lines and contemporary feel of wood slat panels bring a sense of modernity to commercial buildings, making them more appealing. Additionally, incorporating wood panels strategically on exterior walls or as privacy screens can introduce a modern twist to the overall design, creating a visually striking focal point for the building.

The benefits of using wood accents on commercial building exteriors extend beyond aesthetics. Wood is a sustainable and eco-friendly material that aligns with the growing focus on environmentally conscious practices. It is also highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the design to their unique branding and style. Furthermore, wood naturally provides insulation, enhancing energy efficiency and contributing to a comfortable indoor environment for occupants year-round.

Incorporating wood accents into the exterior design of commercial buildings not only increases curb appeal but also showcases a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. By harnessing the inherent beauty and functionality of wood, businesses can create an inviting and visually captivating space that leaves a lasting impression on clients, customers, and visitors alike.

Three Beautiful Wood Siding Exterior Panel Configurations

Exterior Wood Siding: Pictures of TerraMai's Wood Panels
Exterior Wood Siding: Thin Slat Modular Panels in Western Red Cedar, from left: Exterior Square Slat Modular Panels in Water Reclaimed Western Red Cedar, Exterior Square Slat Open Panels in Ipe.

TerraMai’s Exterior Wood Siding Panels come in three beautiful and subtly distinct styles of slatted panels: Modular Panels in either Square Slat or Thin Slat, and Open Panels in Square Slat. 

Both Modular Wood Panel designs are fabricated with slats attached to marine grade plywood and function as siding: weather-resistant exterior cladding, and can only be installed vertically. 

Open Panels are constructed with slats attached to cross rails. This open structure enhances existing cladding but does not function as a cladding on its own. Open Panels may be used as see-through dividers, and may be installed either vertically or horizontally.

TerraMai takes sustainability to the next level by offering reclaimed wood siding panels. Reclaimed wood is salvaged from old structures and water reclaimed, giving it a new life and preventing unnecessary waste. By incorporating reclaimed wood into your exteriors, you not only add a unique touch but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and deforestation.

With TerraMai’s range of exterior wood siding panels, you have a plethora of design possibilities at your fingertips. The panels can be customized to suit your preferred wood species, finish, and dimensions, allowing you to achieve a truly personalized look. Whether you desire a sleek and contemporary facade or a more rustic and weathered appearance, the versatility of wood siding panels ensures that your vision comes to life.

Exterior wood siding panel Ipe wood
Exterior wood siding slat panel: Ipe wood

Exterior Wood Siding Panels: Quick Installation

The project cycle on large scale construction projects can be lengthy. By the time facade materials are delivered, construction rockets forward. This is why we help speed things up through TerraMai’s prefabrication process. Our expert woodworkers assemble the product at the factory. Once delivered, installation of our exterior wood panel siding is quick, easy, and stays true to your design goals. 

Additional Exterior Wood Siding Panel Options

All three Exterior Wood Siding Panel configurations are available in a range of diverse wood species. 

Square Slat Exterior Wood Siding Modular or Open Panels

  • Angelique
  • Ipe
  • Teak
  • Rock Walnut
  • Doug Fir 

Thin Slat Exterior Wood Siding Modular Panels

  • All of the above, plus
  • Lost Coast Redwood
  • Western Red Cedar 

Angelique and Ipe are both naturally Class A flame resistant, but a Fire Retardant may be applied to the other species if desired.  

Panel sizes, slat sizes, slat spacing, and configurations are also customizable.

Exterior Wood Siding Panel Finishes

Finishes may be specified to suit the long-term aesthetic goals, and to maximize protection based on the wood species. Because Ipe and Teak are exotic species with high oil content, and Ipe is extraordinarily dense, TerraMai’s oil finishes must be used. For the other species, if the intent is to allow the wood to develop a silvery weathered patina, TerraMai’s Clear Protective Sealer may be applied. It protects the wood from moisture, requires less maintenance, but allows the wood to gracefully age as seen below.

Exterior Wood Panel on Bench - Teak
Teak installation at The High Line in New York. TerraMai image.

If the goal is to allow the wood to maintain the original color, TerraMai’s Color Protecting Exterior Finish reduces UV damage and extends the wood’s natural tones.

With a stunning selection of natural wood species, sustainably sourced, and a bold set of panels to choose from, TerraMai’s Exterior Wood Siding Panels will bring European charm, quick installation, and will elevate your next design. 

Have a project in need of Exterior Wood Panels?
Go here to get samples or reach out to one of our resident wood experts to talk shop. 

Get the latest in TerraMai products and wood news by signing up for our blog and see stunning installations and stories with our eCards.  

TerraMai’s sustainable second life for aging orchard trees

TerraMai’s Orchard Walnut in our Square Slat Modular Panels. TerraMai image.

Time impacts every living thing on our planet – and trees are no exception. While many trees can live for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years, others have shorter life cycles. Trees that stop producing materials and nuts are culled or burned; the wood wasted. Enter, Orchard Walnut.

The current life cycle of an orchard tree (from left to right) begins with young fruitful trees producing walnuts for harvest, to trees aging and contracting diseases, and eventually burned when they can no longer produce nuts. Video courtesy of Paxxcis.

Orchard Reclaimed Life Cycle from TerraMai on Vimeo.

TerraMai’s Orchard Walnut comes from aging orchard walnut trees that have lessened production after many decades of harvests. The aging trees are culled and replaced with younger ones. TerraMai creates strong markets for old orchard trees, saving the wood from being burned or chipped as is customary. Fewer trees being burned means less CO2 released into the air as well. This gives these trees another breath of life and illuminates the wood’s natural quality and beauty.

TerraMai image.

Orchard Reclaimed

TerraMai’s Orchard Walnut in our Honeycomb Modular Panels. With care and precision we give failing Orchard Walnut trees a second life, saving them from burn piles. TerraMai image.

A somewhat softer wood on the janka scale, Orchard Walnut has a rich complexion of color, and a striking appearance compared to its cousins. Orchard Walnut has exceptional luster – gleaming with depth and maturity. This wood is a natural fit for interior applications. The allure of Orchard Walnut creates warmth in any space as paneling, flooring, ceiling applications, and more.

Look for our Orchard Reclaimed badge to find which tree species are ethically harvested with this method. 

Follow this link to see another species of Orchard Reclaimed, Acacia, in gorgeous tabletops. The clean, live edge grain of TerraMai’s Orchard Reclaimed Acacia makes the space come alive with this once fruitful tree – now a beautiful and fruitful installation. 

Got a project coming up that Orchard Walnut (or any of our other orchard reclaimed woods) would be perfect for? You can find our incredible team of wood experts through this link to get the ball rolling. Want to get your hands on samples of Orchard Walnut (and other wood species)? We got you covered.

Subscribe to TerraMai’s blog for more wood news and keep in the loop on upcoming products with our eCards. 

Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) Wood: Reclaiming Ipe hardwood from the water

What is Ipe Wood?

Ipe wood (pronounced e-pay) is also called Brazilian walnut. It is a beautiful exotic wood from Central and South America. High-value tropical hardwoods like Ipe wood are renowned across the globe for their exceptional beauty, durability, strength, and natural resistance to rot, mold, insects, and fire.

Ipe wood’s commercial uses include decking, siding and flooring. It has a wide range growing throughout the tropical regions of Latin America, from Mexico to southern South America. Ipe trees themselves are lovely, producing flowers of from red and pink to a vibrant golden yellow. Mature trees can reach heights of up to 100-150 feet high with the trunk reaching up 4 feet in diameter. 

Ipe Wood: Making sure it’s from a sustainable source

Ipe’s characteristics and beauty – along with other beautiful tropical hardwoods like Angelique and Rock Walnut – make them ideal for decking, siding and other outdoor uses. Unfortunately, this has also generated a huge demand for these slow-growing woods causing deforestation, illegal logging, and habitat loss.

While the majority of architects and designers prioritize using responsibly sourced wood, many are unclear or have limited awareness of how to source this prized wood in a sustainable manner. TerraMai has one of the only sustainable sources of some of the most coveted species of tropical hardwoods – Ipe, Angelique, and Rock Walnut – on the planet.

Reclaimed Ipe Wood: Harvesting flooded forests

Decades ago, huge, ancient forests in Central and South America were flooded, creating reservoirs for water storage and power generation. Below these manmade lakes is an abundance of perfectly-preserved tropical hardwoods. TerraMai harvests these submerged giants alongside local communities. 

Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) Wood in water
A massive tree, over 100 ft tall, rises above the surface of the reservoir. The portion of the tree exposed to the air will decay, but the immense trunk below the surface is perfectly preserved, thanks to the lack of oxygen. TerraMai image.

Expert divers are sent out in barges with specialized underwater harvesting tools, dive in, and reclaim the riches these flooded forests provide. 

Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) Wood in water with divers
Local experts bringing a tree to the surface of the reservoir. TerraMai image.

Water reclamation of tropical hardwoods is an ecologically-friendly alternative to obtaining lumber and we don’t cut down any living trees or contribute to deforestation. The species TerraMai reclaims are Ipe, Angelique, and Rock Walnut. To know you are getting the most sustainably-sourced, water reclaimed tropical hardwoods, look for the Water Reclaimed badge below.

Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) Wood reclaimed badge
Look for our Water Reclaimed badge to find which tree species are ethically harvested with this method. 

Tropical Hardwood Project Spotlight: Angelique in Modular Panel Square Slat

Tropical Hardood Panels Lumber
A warm example of TerraMai’s water reclaimed Angelique in the form of our Square Slat Modular Panels. Image courtesy of Virtuoso Interior Design.

For wood pulled from the depths of a flooded forest, TerraMai’s Angelique shines with cozy confidence in this residential installation in California. Virtuoso Interior Design created a beautiful accent wall for this home office using TerraMai’s Square Slat Modular Panels, backlit by lights and the natural warmth of wood. 

TerraMai’s Angelique is an exquisitely clean tropical hardwood with the toughness to take on the elements in graceful style. The standing submerged exotic trees are extracted to produce TerraMai’s Angelique Siding and Decking are incredibly free of knots and signs of surface character. And it’s naturally Class A fire resistant; making it a beautiful, sustainable, and smart selection.

Got a project coming up that Angelique (or any of our other water reclaimed woods) would be perfect for? You can find our incredible team of wood experts through this link to get the ball rolling. Want to get your hands on samples of Angelique (and other wood species)?

Click below to see our beautiful selection of water-reclaimed Ipe wood:

  • Ipe Wood Decking
  • Ipe Wood Siding
  • Ipe Exterior Panels

The unique design of TerraMai’s grey finishes

Let’s take a walk through our grey finishes on various wood species. TerraMai image. 

Some time back we asked designers what tones and colors called to them for wood finishes. The answer was overwhelming: Shades of grey. With this knowledge in our pocket, we set out to create a dynamic line of toned finishes across the entire spectrum of greys, from the sharp Scandinavian white of Tundra to the silvery and rustic gleams of Pebble to the modern wonder of Blacksmith. 

These shades accentuate the grain structure beautifully. Because different species and milling techniques produce different grain patterns, the variation in appearance of flooring and paneling using the same color finish is fascinating. 

On Mission Oak our greys work in perfect harmony with the natural strength of the wood – a shine here, a whisper of a grain pattern there, a wonderful balance. On our 1816 Hickory, Wide Plank White Oak, and Northern Oak, the dynamic shifts in myriad ways. All make a beautiful case for modern interiors.

Left to right on Hickory: Tundra, Pebble, Blacksmith. TerraMai image. 

With Hickory, the contrast is striking – the stain pulls out stripes, loops, whorls, entire maps from the wood; a wonderful cartography of light and dark. This makes total sense for a hardwood like Hickory, leaving a lasting, memorable impression on any project. In its own unique fashion, this wood elevates the clean minimalism of the finish, making it energetic instead of subtle.

Tundra, Pebble, Blacksmith. TerraMai image. 

On Wide Plank White Oak, the grey finishes produce an aged yet timeless appearance. The flat sawn mixed grain creates ripples and eddies throughout the material. A perfect measure of minimalist rustic ideal for kitchen or bathroom interiors.

From left to right on Northern Oak: Tundra, Pebble, Blacksmith. TerraMai image. 

On Northern Oak, our grey finishes become lighter in tone and there is some similar play of light and dark as with Hickory, but it is more sophisticated and less wild. With Northern Oak the stain swirls along the natural lines of the wood, creating restful loops for bedroom designs.

From left to right on 1816 Oak: Tundra, Pebble, Blacksmith. TerraMai image.

And on 1816 Oak, our greyscale finishes become delicate, feathered patterns, reminiscent of the pearly dance of oil and water. Although mildly sparse, the patterning here transforms in bohemian ways.

Whatever your architecture or design calls for wood-wise, this distinction of how stain takes to different wood species shows how crucial it is to see the results in person. Whether you are considering the warm subtlety of 1816 Oak or the energetic striations of 1816 Hickory, our grey finishes are here to shine a spotlight on wood’s natural style and strength. 

Inspired? Follow this link to get samples for your next project.

If you want the latest in our take on wood news, upcoming products, and more, sign up for our blog here and our e-Cards here. 

Meet TerraMai’s latest: Rock Walnut

TerraMai image

We’d like to re-introduce you to one of TerraMai’s stand out wood species: Rock Walnut. Exceptionally durable and incredibly modern, Rock Walnut displays a complete rainbow of rich, dark brown to reddish hues. This species is ethically harvested across Central and South America, and can be used for myriad applications with a natural beauty that shines through in our modular and acoustic panels. With its rich colors, Rock Walnut is a wonderful selection for any architecture or design project.

Scroll down to learn more about this incredible wood and find your next inspiration. 

Meet: Rock Walnut

Traits: Clean grain and particularly enduring, with subtle tones. A complex, but gentle giant. 

Appearance: A mature constellation of ruby glimmers fanning out into ribbons of mahogany tones and into bronze accents. 

Reclamation method: Water reclaimed. Decades ago, huge, ancient forests in South America and Africa were flooded, creating reservoirs for water storage and power generation. Below these man made lakes is an abundance of amazing tropical woods, perfectly preserved. Tropical woods are valued for their looks, strength and durability, however, many are illegally harvested, endangering the rainforest habitat. TerraMai raises these submerged giants to the surface while working in collaboration with local communities. 

Experts are sent out in boats with water resistant harvesting tools, dive under the water, and reclaim the riches these flooded forests provide. Water reclaimed is an ecologically friendly alternative to obtaining tropical woods where no living trees are cut. Rock Walnut is not our only water reclaimed wood species; look for the badge below on our website to find our other amazing water reclaimed woods.

Look for our Water Reclaimed badge to find which tree species are ethically harvested with this method

Uses: With incredible durability and strength, Rock Walnut is ideal for industrious applications like flooring and table tops. However, the sophisticated shades of this enduring tropical giant make it a wonderful choice for any installation imaginable, making it a cornerstone for interior design seeking a comfortable, rustic look.

TerraMai image

With natural beauty and luster, Rock Walnut will make your next design gleam with vitality and style. Find your samples here. 

Sign up for our blog here, and find inspiration for your next project here.

Meet TerraMai’s latest: Orchard Walnut

TerraMai image

Straight from rows of quaint nut-producing groves, TerraMai is thrilled to introduce you to Orchard Walnut. An incredible example of the warmth and elegance wood exudes. This species is ethically harvested from trees in orchards that no longer produce nuts, but they can live on  and used for scores of applications. 

Scroll down to learn more and find your next inspiration. 

Meet: Orchard Walnut

Traits: A somewhat softer wood, Orchard Walnut has a rich complexion of color, and a striking appearance compared to its cousins.

Appearance: Ombré waves of dark, almost obsidian striations give way to ripples of bronze and champagne-colored ribbons. Orchard Walnut has exceptional luster – gleaming with depth and maturity. 

Reclamation method: Orchard reclaimed. This wood comes from aging orchard trees that have lessened production after many decades of harvests. The older trees are culled and replaced. TerraMai creates strong markets for old orchard trees rather than chipping or burning them. This gives these trees another breath of life and illuminates the wood’s natural quality and beauty. 

Uses: Orchard Walnut is a natural fit for interior applications. With regular treatment and attention, the allure of Orchard Walnut creates warmth in any space as paneling, flooring, ceiling applications, and more. With a comforting coziness Orchard Walnut looks incredible in spaces designed to soothe, whether in bedrooms or common spaces. The rich luster lends itself to a natural Biophilic design using natural material.

TerraMai image 

With its natural elegance Orchard Walnut will make your next design shine. Find your samples here. 

Sign up for our blog here, and find inspiration for your next project here.

An enduring family tree: Meet Amish Oak

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons 


Among the rolling hills of the Northeastern United States, Amish farmers care for centuries-old forests of Oak, as their forefathers before them did. TerraMai has worked with these communities to bring you our latest wood species for your next project: Amish Oak. 

This wood is logged using both modern and traditional methods. Every farm has some forest connected to it and local Amish farmers treat their forests like a crop, cultivating their trees and hand selecting for harvest.

These forests are never clear cut. To preserve the nature of the forests, Amish loggers take only a few trees at a time, which thins the canopy and lets sunlight reach smaller growth close to the forest floor. With the focus of living off the land in sustainable ways, local farmers see themselves as stewards of their land, and as a result, stewards of their forests. Whether or not the Oak harvested is sold for lumber, it is never wasted.

To top it off, these Oak forests do the hard work of replanting themselves over the course of their lifetimes.  An average Oak tree can produce upwards of 10,000 acorns during a reproductive season, keeping these beautiful Pennsylvanian forests green and growing. 

Amish Oak will fit the bill for whatever your next creation calls for, as well as benefit local families who’ve been forest farmers for centuries.

Inspired? Visit our website to bring Amish Oak to your next project. Sign up for our blog here.

Wood – The Designer’s GOAT

GOATs have suddenly become trendy. Not the hoofed, horned, iron-gutted variety but the Greatest of All Time variety.

This type of GOAT is popping up all over the place, most notably in sports (e.g. Michael Jordan) but also literature (Shakespeare), singers (Aretha Franklin), conquerors (Genghis Khan), ice cream flavors (Vanilla), rappers (Vanilla Ice…..). OK, there can be some questionable choices. But when it comes to design materials, one material reigns supreme, above all others, one true GOAT that bleats alone astride the mountaintop = Wood.

Debatable? Hardly. Wood stands alone in the power and versatility it offers designers compared to other materials like concrete, metal, plastics and textiles. The unique design benefits of wood can be defined across four key categories – Beauty, Versatility, Durability, Sustainability.

Beauty

Ah, where better to start than with beauty? True, timeless, universal beauty is ultimately ephemeral and undefinable, but also undeniable. And in this simple yet profound attribute, wood holds ultimate power for designers.

Humans are innately attracted to wood. It’s in our DNA. Whether you believe we descended from the trees (Darwin fans), got our start at the base of a tree (Adam & Eve fans) or were literally created from trees (Norse mythology fans) wood is fundamental to the human experience – for shelter, food, fuel, tools and uses too numerous and varied to ever hope to list.

Pause to gaze about – most likely there is wood all around you, in many shapes and forms, and most likely these objects and surfaces are all lovely to gaze upon, especially once attentively noticed and appreciated.

Most of us also carry deep emotional associations with wood that add to its power and appeal. This might take the from of a family dinner table, a beloved childhood possession (any Citizen Kane fans out there….?), a cherished heirloom or memento, a wood box holding treasured items, a hand-me-down wood kitchen utensil or tool worn smooth with expert use and long service and so on, different for each of us. These deep emotional associations with wood are part of our innate human attraction to wood’s beauty.

These emotional connections also help explain the magical way wood can instantly add warmth and soul to a space. This unique ability enables designers to make otherwise sterile spaces feel warm and welcoming in a way no other material can accomplish. This is especially important when considering healthcare spaces and learning spaces but also civic spaces, corporate environments and also commercial spaces like restaurants, stores and hotels.

Science shows patients heal more quickly in facilities that feature wood, students learn more effectively in classrooms that feature wood, workers perform better and are more creative in work environments that feature wood and patrons stay longer and spend more money in stores, restaurants and hotels that feature real wood. (See reference notes below.)

At some point, beauty transcends rational understanding. Much of wood’s special allure comes from its unique ability to appeal to all five human senses, an ability no other design material possesses. This means we experience wood not just on a surface, conscious level but also on a cellular, subconscious level through all of our senses.

1. Sight – wood is beautiful to the human eye
2. Sound – wood is naturally sound absorbing and softening
3. Touch – wood is naturally warm to the touch and tactile
4. Taste – wood naturally flavors foods and beverages like wine, spirits, grilled meats and vegetables
5. Smell – wood provides aromatic scents like pine, cedar and sandalwood

No other material offers the range and power to move us in a way we call “beautiful” like wood. Not concrete. Not metal. Certainly not plastic or vinyl. We could rest our case for wood based on beauty alone. But the design benefits of wood go so much further.

Versatility

While wood is unique in its beauty it is also unique in its versatility, in terms of color, texture, pattern, and range of interior and exterior applications.

Color: Wood offers designers a vast array of diverse natural color tones – from rich, dense reds, browns and blacks to naturally weathered patinas, to more subtle and neutral hues. Natural wood tones can also be selected to compliment any color scheme. Add the ability to stain and color wood and the color options become limitless.

Texture: Wood offers a full spectrum of textures, from smooth and supple to weathered, rough-sawn, skip-planed, brushed, sculpted and more. These textures can be used in combination with other materials such as glass, steel, concrete and textiles – either in harmony or juxtaposition – to create infinite interplays of texture in a space. Wood is also naturally warm to touch, as we’ve already noted.

Line & Pattern: The human eye loves pattern and wood provides endless opportunities to introduce line and pattern into a space. Natural wood grains can add either subtle or bold organic lines and pattern to an interior. Wood can also be installed horizontally to make a space feel more grounded and expansive, or vertically to make a space feel more elongated, lofty and even soaring. Wood can also be installed diagonally and in angled patterns to add a sense of energy and movement to a space – either with subtle patterns or more bold, dynamic arrangements such as chevrons, herringbones and other patterns. Whether on the floor, walls or ceiling, wood provides infinite options and opportunities to add line and pattern to a space.

Acoustics: Wood also helps designers control the acoustic characteristics of a space. Wood is naturally sound absorbing, as noted, which helps create spaces that feel good to the ear as well as beautiful to the eye. The role of acoustics in how a space feels and is experienced can often be under-appreciated. Spaces with hard, reflective surfaces that ricochet sound can be jarring to the human ear and nervous system, causing discomfort, unease and the overwhelming urge to escape the space, whether a work place, restaurant, store, school or other environment. While hard, reflective surfaces may help create an “edgy” aesthetic, they also create “edgy” people.

Applications: Wood is suited to virtually any and all interior applications – from floors to walls to ceilings, to cabinets, furnishings and virtually everything in between – as well as exterior applications. Wood can help tie inside and outside spaces together and help create a sense of flow between indoors and the natural world outside. Wood exteriors are also simply beautiful in their own right. All the features and advantages discussed that make wood a beautiful interior material are also true for exterior applications.

Durability

Wood is a material with timeless appeal and endurance. With reasonable care, wood can perform aesthetically and functionally for decades, even centuries. The older the wood in a space, the richer it feels. To stroll through an old library, university or country inn with original wood floors and surfaces, featuring patina acquired over generations of use and care, is invariably a gorgeous experience. While so many other materials are transitory and disposable, wood lives on in a space. Wood endures not only through use and service but also through style trends and fashions. Wood’s timeless appeal and durability also expresses a commitment to quality by those who created and invested in the space. This can be especially impactful in public spaces such as classrooms and civic buildings, where the use of real wood makes a statement about the care and commitment of those who built the space.

Sustainability

Unlike most other design materials, wood is a renewable resource. Wood also requires low energy to produce compared to other materials like metals, vinyl, glass and plastics. Wood is carbon sequestering. Roughly 50% of wood by weight is carbon. This carbon will remain sequestered for the life of the wood product. Wood is also recyclable. Carbon from wood is released only if the material decomposes or is burned. Reclaiming wood ensures the carbon will remain sequestered. It takes only 1/13th the energy to produce wood flooring and cladding from reclaimed wood versus new wood.

The Lone GOAT

For all these reasons, wood bleats alone as the designers lone GOAT. Beauty, versatility, durability and sustainability – wood does it all. No other design material can compare. When it comes to wood as a design material, there is no LeBron to Michael, no Stones to Beatles, no DaVinci to Michelangelo, no chocolate to vanilla, no Notorious B.I.G. to Vanilla Ice…..and here we are, full circle.

For design materials there is one that reigns above all others in its power and versatility, one true and undisputed GOAT = Wood.

Matt Nichols, TerraMai VP of National Accounts – Western U.S.

Rethinking the Humble Stair Tread: 8 Reclaimed Wood Stair Tread Examples

Seattle Center stairs feature alternating reclaimed oak and teak treads

Stairs afford architects and designers innovative design opportunities and are an ideal vehicle to enhance the experience of being in a space. With stairs now highlighted for prominent placement so as to encourage short bouts of exercise throughout the day and viewed as places to facilitate unexpected coworker social ‘collisions’, stair design has become an even larger opportunity for making a statement. In particular, stair treads offer a unique design canvas with some design elements doing double duty to improve safety as well. When stairs stand out, passersby instantly take notice.

Once again, reclaimed wood proves to be an incredibly useful and versatile stair tread material choice.

Here are 8 examples of reclaimed wood stair treads for inspiration.

1. Reclaimed teak stair treads make this staircase picturesque

Reclaimed teak stair treads at UC Berkley Bio Science Building
From TerraMai: These teak stair treads increase the enjoyment of using the stairs

There is something a little thrilling about standing on the upper landing and looking down upon a winding multi-flight stairwell. The height coupled with the spiralling pattern captivates and provides a sense of risk giving an adrenaline rush. As explained by Terrapin Bright Green, design elements with the right risk/peril mix can provide a positive dose of dopamine.

This stairwell is an intentional design element to keep students and staff at UC Berkeley Energy BioSciences building literally on their toes. The Institute was created to find technological solutions to the problems associated with climate change, global warming and the rising price and diminishing supplies of fossil fuels.

Reclaimed teak is a wood that draws the eye and warms and nurtures any space. Its natural oils give the wood a luster and richness that gets better over time. Paired with the grey and orange elements, the teak treads in the BioSciences building help balance out the design palette and create a stronger visual presence. Reclaimed teak is well-placed here as a stair tread. This hearty wood is rugged enough to withstand years of many feet traversing up and down the multi-story building.

2. Beefy reclaimed wood stair treads appear to float

Solid, reclaimed wood stair treads create a strong biophilic connection
From TerraMai: These rich stair treads create a strong biophilic connection

Large, beefy, floating wood stair treads make a powerful statement. Woods like teak, douglas fir, and oak are perfect choices here. The glass baluster used with the stair treads pictured above ensures an open view of the ultra thick reclaimed wood treads and add to the floating on air illusion. Coupled with natural river rock, the wood treads provide an organic, biophilic element to the space, while the glass reflects natural light and opens up the design.

Old growth teak is the most durable and has the best aesthetic as compared to plantation grown teak. An ethical method to source old growth teak is to seek out reclaimed teak since harvesting the remaining supply of old-growth trees is not a viable option. TerraMai’s reclaimed teak is salvaged from vintage buildings and other structures slotted for deconstruction in Southeast Asia.

3. REI leverages reclaimed wood for an immersive shopping experience

Solid reclaimed oak stair treads in REI SOHO
From TerraMai: REI in SoHo uses simple yet evocative reclaimed stair treads

REI is passionate about having “our roots remain firmly planted in the outdoors.” That ethos extends to their retail interiors, which resemble the outdoors with their aesthetic and design. Reclaimed wood is a large part of their store design, and their stairs are no exception. Their SoHo location uses reclaimed oak for both the flooring and stair treads to give shoppers the feeling of being in a space dominated by nature. Juxtaposed with elements like exposed piping, the wood goes a long way to foster a biophilic connection and helps warm the store’s industrial design components. The solid oak stair treads are a prominent feature that are both highly functional and make a brand statement.

REI SoHo features reclaimed wood stair treads and flooring
From TerraMai: The reclaimed wood treads are a central design component of REI SoHo

4. These Doug Fir reclaimed stair treads get a boost from the risers for added eye-catching results

Reclaimed Doug Fir Stair Treads at Living Computers Museum
From TerraMai: These reclaimed Douglas fir stair treads stand out thanks to the dark risers

It’s easy to spice up stair treads and reinforce your brand with a little imagination. While reclaimed wood is already a perfect match to emphasize a sustainable, eco-conscience culture, there are even more possibilities. Consider the stairs pictured above that add text on the risers in a very on-brand manner to further emphasis what the space is all about. These treads are sure to add an element of delight to museum visitors while also keeping their eyes and attention on navigating the stairs.

5. East meets West in these reclaimed wood stair treads

Seattle Center stairs feature alternating reclaimed oak and teak treads
From TerraMai: The Seattle Center stairs are comprised of both oak and teak stair treads

The stairs at the Seattle Center accomplish many things as they welcome visitors to the center. First, they are beautifully designed and aesthetically pleasing with their gentle curve and well lit risers that help people of all ages and abilities safely navigate the stairs. But they also help represent the organization’s core cultural values some of which are to manage their business with accountability, integrity and commitment to race and social justice while also fostering a collaborative and trusting community.

The stairs are comprised of two reclaimed wood materials, reclaimed oak and reclaimed teak. The choosing of these two woods symbolizes the harmonious meeting of cultures with an east meets west theme. The oak and teak treads alternate every other tread. Stadium style seating accompanies the steps allowing for resting and seating areas that can be used to collaborate or just hang out.

6. These reclaimed wood stairs use clever and powerful lighting

Solid reclaimed stair treads with recessed lighting

Another example of lighting turning stairs into attention-grabbing design pieces are these stairs in Lincoln Square. The stained oak treads are illuminated from underneath to cast a band of light on the back portion of each tread. It’s both an attractive design concept and a practical addition, as it helps people safely ascend and descend the stairs. Clear visual cues for surface changes help avoid trip hazards and this is especially true for stairs.

7. Keeping it light and open, especially in smaller spaces

Solid reclaimed stair treads in residential home
From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood treads utilize the back wall to add interest and safety

The contrasting lighter stone wall allows each of the reclaimed teak treads to stand out so users can truly appreciate them. Eliminating the risers keeps this staircase from feeling too closed in and dark and the stone wall serves as a backdrop to visually separate the treads for safer navigation. As a whole, the staircase is warm, airy and inviting providing a calming space.

8. This modern staircase uses reclaimed basketball court wood

Stair case and hallway use reclaimed wood from a basketball court
From Schuchart: This staircase and hallway use wood reclaimed from an old basketball court

Software company Tableau worked with renowned architect and design firm Gensler for their Seattle office, which required the demolition of a three story athletic club. Instead of hauling all of the demo materials to the landfill, Gensler repurposed them, which resulted in an aesthetic that honored the space’s previous life. Especially eye-catching is this staircase that’s made of wood reclaimed from the club’s basketball court. Columnal balusters and a view of the original court lines make this staircase a one-of-a-kind installation.

Using reclaimed wood for stair treads makes a powerful statement

Well-designed stairs can boost the appeal of any built environment. Reclaimed wood stair treads present an elegant solution to reinforce brand messaging, provides biophilic benefits and powerful aesthetics. No longer out-of-sight, out-of-mind and relegated to an enclosed sterile stairwell, stairs are now being designed to make brand statements, facilitate interactions, get people moving and become a central design element––it’s all about creating a better experience for occupants.

If you would like to talk to us about using reclaimed wood stair treads in your next project, click here to contact us.

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