Thermal Modification Science Fair Project Wins First Place

Felicia Brooks tests 3 criteria in science fair project that addresses issues in thermal modification technology to understand if British Columbia pine beetle wood can be used as a more sensible and environmental choice for wood products requiring durability. Felicia won best overall in her category of earth and environmental sciences.  She was also awarded [...]

What happens to all that blue-stained pine?

Sustainability question: What happens to all that blue-stained pine? It is no mystery that the recent outbreak of mountain pine beetle has affected British Columbia forests and will continue for the following years as it continues to consume many more millions of hectares of forest lands. Mountain pine beetles successfully kill trees by laying eggs [...]

Adding Value to Poplar

Poplar is a soft hardwood often undervalued because of its lighter white color which is not often desirable for furniture construction.  From a technical standpoint however, it is still a great wood species for wood products because of its even texture and ease of machinability.  Because of this and its ability to take glue and [...]

Everything Exotic but the Price

Exotic woods have everything going for them to be the choice of wood for fine woodcraft and durable construction.  Well, almost. Exotics stand out.  Be it an exotic red Ferrari or exotic Honduran Mahogany.  Exotic woods have bright, dark, or an otherwise distinct color.  They look nothing like your average IKEA pine furniture stock.  A [...]