In Ancient Egypt, wood veneers were used for everything from furnishings to sarcophagi. These thin slices of wood were bonded securely to an underlying layer, creating a material that was not just beautiful but also highly functional. While some might think that veneer is inferior in some ways to solid wood, veneer has some pretty […]

The hospitality industry has seen record growth in the past few years, and as it has grown, it has evolved dramatically. Gone are the days of simple lodgings and cafes: Today, those in the industry must stay on track to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. Restaurants are catering to more adventurous palates, […]

The hospitality industry has made both a business and an art out of hospitality, welcoming their customers and clients with respect and graciousness. It’s no wonder, then, that this industry is growing exponentially, with more than 500,000 jobs in the hospitality industry in the U.S. currently and more added every day. Several types of businesses […]

The first timber buildings appeared during the Stone Age, with ancient humans building large communal wooden buildings for gathering and protection. As man’s ability to make and use tools advanced, so did their structures. In fact, by the Iron Age, about half of existing woodland had been cleared for timber. Wood wasn’t only used for […]

One of the most durable building materials, wood never goes out of style. Wood is a naturally renewable material that can be used in many applications, from framing and flooring to wall coverings and furnishings. While solid wood is often believed to be ideal, there are times when sustainable wood veneers can be the better […]

Primates have always been drawn to trees. The oldest known primates, purgatorius, were naturally arboreal creatures that lived about 65 million years ago. Since then, virtually all primates have been drawn to trees for food, safety and shelter. It’s no wonder, then, that humans are equally drawn to trees. Research shows that people who live […]

For centuries, people have chosen wood to build their homes, businesses and gathering places. It’s one of the most enduring building materials, but it offers so much more with its warm feel and beautiful appearance. Wood is as versatile as it is durable. Since the country’s earliest days, wooden structures usually featured wooden interior walls, […]

Chandler Performing Arts Center in Chandler, Arizona, will soon be celebrating its 30th birthday. Designed as a shared facility for the school district and the city, the Center features a 1,500 square foot exhibition gallery and three theaters. The exhibition gallery features rotating sections, which create two smaller spaces: the Hal Bogle Theatre and the […]

Vacant lots are quickly disappearing as cities become more crowded. Housing prices are soaring, and cities are building out, encroaching on rural areas and swallowing up surrounding land. Although zoning laws can be changed to allow for denser housing, this is only a partial solution and will not offer long-term relief from overcrowding. What if […]

Wood is the original green building material. In fact, it’s the only renewable construction material and is known for its thermal and acoustic insulation and fire and moisture resistance. Wood buildings can last many decades, and few materials can compare with wood when it comes to beauty and versatility. For all these reasons, many retailers […]