Whether you’re working on a commercial or residential project, stairs are likely essential to the design. The initial step to obtaining a perfect stair package involves designing and requesting a quote, which can be an unfamiliar realm for many people.
Stair packages are pre-designed stair systems with all the necessary components to build a staircase. When searching for a stair package, it is imperative to understand the different types of packages available and the elements that make up a stair package.
Stair packages can be categorized into two main types: pre-manufactured and custom-built. Pre-manufactured stair packages are pre-designed and pre-built and are often less expensive than custom-built packages. They come in standard sizes and designs and can be easily installed by a professional. On the other hand, custom-built stair packages are designed and built specifically for a project. They offer more flexibility in design and size and can be tailored to specific needs and preferences.
Components of a Stair Package Delving into the components of a staircase provides insight into its structural elements and empowers you with a deeper understanding of the design options available. By familiarizing yourself with each part of the staircase, you gain clarity on how these elements can be tailored to suit your design preferences and functional requirements. Some key components of a stair package include:
Stair treads: The horizontal surface of each step.
Risers: The vertical surface between each step.
Stringers: The structural support that runs along the length of the stair and supports the treads and risers.
Landings: The flat platform located at the top, bottom, or intermediate point where the stairs change direction and/or a transition area between two sets of stairs or between a flight of stairs and a door or hallway.
Handrails: The railing that runs along the side of the stairs for safety and support.
Balusters: The vertical posts that support the handrail.
Custom Stair Packages Choosing a custom stair package brings design ideas to life, creating spaces that uniquely reflect your style. From the smallest details to the overall look, each part should be carefully crafted to blend beauty with practicality. Getting a quote for custom stair package kick-starts the process, opening discussions to ensure everything matches your vision perfectly. Knowing what you want, and need is a crucial part of obtaining an accurate estimate.
Some of the things to consider when defining stair project requirements:
The type of stringer configuration you have (e.g., closed, open on the left or right, mono-stringer, etc.).
The number of treads required and the associated dimensions.
The number of risers required and the associated dimensions.
Whether or not you need nosings at intermediate landings or at the top of stairs.
The product you want for the stairs and accompanying parts to match (see floor offerings).
Any special requirements you might have (e.g., ADA compliance).
Understanding the various options and project requirements is key to seamlessly integrating stair packages into your project. It is imperative to create and review architectural blueprints, measurements, and specifications. Any discrepancies could result in erroneous quotes and potential setbacks to project timelines. Working with a designer, providing precise details on the stairs, and outlining project needs early can help facilitate the provision of a more accurate and prompt quotation.
reSAWN TIMBER co. offers high-quality custom stair components and custom-built stair packages based on project needs. We provide an array of profiles for treads, risers, nosings, reducers, thresholds/saddles, wall bases, T-molding, and other essential trim offerings. From modern marvels to timeless classics, our diverse profile offering, and meticulous craftsmanship promise to transform vision into reality. Our goal is to provide bespoke solutions that enhance the aesthetic appeal of a project while ensuring durability and functionality, tailored precisely to specifications.
In light of climate change, there is a pressing need for everyone around the world to shoulder the responsibility to implement changes across various aspects of our lives, spanning from food consumption and transportation to energy systems and even our approach to construction. The demand for essential infrastructure continues to surge at record rates. To meet economic needs without jeopardizing the environment, the solution lies in using natural materials.
Wood, as one of our most traditional and natural construction materials, plays a pivotal role in both balancing and removing greenhouse gasses from the environment. Since their inception, trees have been integral to the ongoing process of removing greenhouse gasses by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. This carbon is stored within their structure throughout their lifecycle, even after they are harvested and transformed into building materials, thereby continuing to contribute to carbon retention and storage.
By leveraging wood’s natural properties, timber is less carbon-intensive to manufacture compared to cement and steel. According to ARUP’s report, Rethinking Timber Building, cement production accounted for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, while the iron and steel industry accounted for 6-7%. With the significant carbon footprint associated with cement and steel production, timber emerges as an increasingly compelling alternative.
Timber stands out as a renewable resource with ideal characteristics for construction materials. Beyond its role as a carbon sink, its tensile and compressive strength fortify building structures with enduring durability. The cellular structure of wood, consisting of strong fibers and a matrix of lignin, provides natural strength and flexibility. This composition allows the wood to bear significant loads and resist deformation.
University of Wisconsin Platteville Sesquicentennial Hall feat. REED Reclaimed Hemlock Wall and Ceiling Cladding
Though exterior applications like cladding may render wood vulnerable in certain environments, ongoing investments and advancements in preservation techniques, including thermal and chemical modifications, have bolstered its reliability as a sustainable building material over the years. Given the paramount importance of employing safe and dependable building materials for commercial projects, there remains a steadfast commitment to this cause. Simultaneously, the burgeoning emphasis on the health and comfort of occupants continues to garner increasing attention and significance in the construction industry.
When considering indoor health and comfort, the availability of natural materials is known to reduce occupant stress levels and heightened positive responses. Natural materials such as wood play a pivotal role in fostering biophilic design within commercial projects, integrating natural elements seamlessly into the built environment. A biophilic design approach in interior space enhances cognitive function and elevates mood and productivity for occupants. The warmth and organic qualities of wood create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, evoking human’s natural sense of connection to nature.
In addition to psychological well-being and comfort, natural materials help maintain better indoor air quality. Certain synthetic materials may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution and potential health hazards. Opting for wood in construction and furnishing choices enhances the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of spaces and supports a healthier indoor environment by minimizing the emission of harmful chemicals. Incorporating wood into a biophilic design can fulfill green building certification criteria due to its inherent environmental benefits.
Vitus Project feat. MATE European White Oak Flooring
Wood is renowned for its durability as a building material, often enduring for over a century when properly maintained. Nevertheless, as with all materials, there comes a point when wood reaches its end-of-life. When this moment arrives, the options for its disposal extend far beyond mere waste. The common options typically encompass disassembly, adaptation, and reuse, ensuring the longevity of wood as a building material while minimizing its environmental footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future. Through thoughtful practices, wood can continue to contribute to sustainable construction and design, embodying the principles of environmental stewardship and resource efficiency.
Wood isn’t just a conventional building material; it plays a vital role in advancing sustainability in construction. Wood stands as one of the most organic building materials, exhibiting reduced carbon intensity in manufacturing when compared to synthetic alternatives. Its inherent characteristics, including carbon sequestration throughout its lifecycle, remarkable durability, and renewable nature, wood emerges as a key player in environmentally friendly building practices. As we navigate the future of construction, prioritizing wood in commercial projects will continuously make positive impacts on our environment.
reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Sylva™ thermally modified product line presents domestically sourced and manufactured wood cladding suitable for both interior and exterior applications, providing environmentally friendly options with a minimal carbon footprint. Thermally modified wood further enhances the wood’s structure, transforming the wood into a material with improved durability, stability, and aesthetic qualities. Selecting a product that is both locally sourced and modified reflects a commitment to mitigating climate change and endorsing sustainable design for future buildings.
Wood remains a prominent choice in modern architecture and design, and stands out as a leading building material. Given its natural and biodegradable characteristics, debates frequently arise regarding its longevity. As a result, manufacturers of building materials are continually engaging in exploration and innovation to meet evolving demands and preferences. They strive to enhance and discover sustainable solutions, with modified wood emerging as a forefront choice in this endeavor. reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Sylva™ product line is designed with functional and sustainable attributes in mind. This article explores the unique qualities and benefits that make this material a standout choice for various architectural projects.
Lower Embodied Carbon: Domestic Species & Sustainably Sourced Currently, Sylva consists of locally harvested, FSC®-Certified North American Red Oak. FSC certification ensures that the Sylva product line comes from forests where responsible and sustainable forest management practices are implemented. This includes considerations for biodiversity, ecosystem health, and the rights of local communities. The distance between its harvesting and manufacturing locations is less than three hours, leading to a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Harvesting wood locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, contributing to an eco-friendly building process. By sourcing materials regionally, builders and architects can support local economies and reduce the environmental impact of their projects.
Natural Aesthetic One of the most striking features of North American Red Oak is its gorgeous red undertone that delivers a rich and distinctive appearance. The thermal modification process enhances the coloration and boosts the wood’s natural beauty, giving it a warm and elegant aesthetic. One notable aspect of Red Oak is its variability in color, even timber sourced from the same tree can showcase varying shades. This inherent diversity in color lends itself to creating a versatile design, imbuing surfaces with visual depth, complexity, and an added touch of sophistication. The material can be used to seamlessly blend with a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern, making it a multifaceted choice for architects and designers seeking a timeless and visually appealing solution.
Thermally Modified Process The thermal modification process involves exposing the Red Oak to high temperatures in a controlled environment, altering its chemical composition. This process enhances the wood’s durability, stability, and resistance to decay. As a result, thermally modified Red Oak cladding offers a longer lifespan and requires less maintenance when compared to unfinished wood.
Resistance to Decay One of the primary concerns with wood cladding is its susceptibility to rot and decay. Thermally modified Red Oak addresses these concerns by becoming highly resistant to decay through the thermal modification process. The high temperatures cause chemical changes in the wood, leading to the modification of its cellular structure. Hemicellulose, one of the wood’s components, is permanently affected. The breakdown of hemicellulose reduces the wood’s ability to absorb and retain water, making it less susceptible to decay. This resistance ensures that the cladding remains durable and maintains its original quality, even in challenging outdoor environments.
Stability and Dimensional Consistency The thermal modification process not only enhances the wood’s visual appeal but also improves its stability. The timber experiences chemical modification during the process that significantly reduces the timber’s susceptibility to absorb moisture and swell, resulting in a more dimensionally stable material. This stability is crucial in ensuring that the cladding maintains its structural integrity over time, even in varying environmental conditions.
Ease of Maintenance Sylva requires minimal maintenance when compared to unfinished wood cladding. Its enhanced durability and resistance to decay means that it can withstand the elements without deteriorating. This not only saves time and effort for property owners but also contributes to the material’s longevity and cost-effectiveness.
Wide Range of Color Selection The Sylva product line includes 13 products, with 5 featuring the Shou Sugi Ban technique during manufacturing. The base color of thermally modified red oak provides a versatile foundation for creating finishes in a wide range of rich tones. The colors range from browns to greys, to Shou Sugi Ban black. These products are suitable for both exterior and interior applications. The carefully chosen color palette was designed with precision to effortlessly blend the wood aesthetics both inside and outside, cultivating an environment that promotes a consistent and harmonious wood-themed aesthetic throughout the entire space.
The versatility and benefits of locally harvested thermally modified wood cladding make Sylva a compelling choice for architects, designers, builders, and even homeowners committed to sustainability and quality. From its sustainable sourcing practices, meticulously managed thermal modification process, and enhanced aesthetic appeal and durability, this material offers a harmonious blend of form and function. As the construction industry continues to prioritize eco-friendly and resilient solutions, Sylva cladding stands out as a reliable and aesthetically pleasing option for various architectural applications.
Contact us to connect with a reSAWN TIMBER co. specification consultant and explore the opportunities for incorporating Sylva™ Thermally Modified Red Oak into your next project.
Wood is one of the earth’s most renewable resources and has a low environmental impact compared to alternative building materials that are often used during the construction process. We believe if architects and builders want to provide clients with high-quality, sustainable building materials that will last over the lifespan of the structure, they must choose high-quality materials. We invest in quality, sustainably rich materials like Alaskan Yellow Cedar, so end users can rest assured that their cladding is going to last for many years to come. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of one of reSAWN TIMBER co.’s most specified product, WILLIWAW Alaskan Yellow Cedar (AYC).
Benefits of WILLIWAW
WILLIWAW features pre-weathered Alaskan Yellow Cedar that is sourced anywhere from Alaska to Oregon and is intended to provide a high-performing, natural material with a clean weathered aesthetic.
WILLIWAW can be used for interior or exterior wall cladding and is available in clear vertical grain. Clear vertical grain Alaskan yellow cedar contains few character marks.
WILLIWAW is durable, dimensionally stable, resistant to rot and insects, and has a light tan/gray, weathered look.
WILLIWAW can be treated to Class A Fire Rating for Interior Applications.
WILLIWAW is known for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, coupled with its aesthetic appeal, making it a favored choice for both functional and decorative applications in various architectural and design projects.
Each WILLIWAW product is meticulously crafted to showcase the natural characteristics of the wood, such as grain patterns, and color variations.
As a natural building material, wood cladding weathers inconsistently and can be unpredictable. WILLIWAW provides an exterior material with minimal aesthetic variation regardless of UV exposure.
WILLIWAW is designed to be versatile and can be used in both high-end residential and commercial settings.
The combination of expert craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and the inherent beauty of wood makes WILLIWAW a popular choice among designers, architects, and homeowners looking for exceptional wood products.
reSAWN’s Lumber Warehouse Featuring WILLIWAW- Day One
reSAWN’s Lumber Warehouse Featuring WILLIWAW- 2 Years Later
Why WILLIWAW?
reSAWN TIMBER co. offers a variety of Alaskan Yellow Cedar options that all contain the incredible benefits of this species. WILLIWAW not only has all of those benefits, but is loved for its natural variation, pre-weathered features, and low maintenance.
From afar, WILLIWAW exhibits a light beige color with gray undertones, making it unique looking in every kind of lighting. Its color compliments every environment it’s surrounded by whether it’s mountains or beaches, sun or snow, it provides a natural look as if it has always belonged there. The natural color variations in Alaskan Yellow Cedar wood are primarily due to the wood’s interaction with minerals found in the soil of its growing environment. As the tree absorbs water and nutrients from the soil, it also absorbs trace amounts of minerals present in the surrounding environment. These minerals can include iron, copper, manganese, and others, each imparting its own color properties to the wood. The mineral composition of the soil plays a crucial role in determining the color variation.
WILLIWAW is prefinished in plant-based, zero VOC finish, allowing it to accept and hold finishes with minimal aesthetic variation throughout its installation lifecycle. reSAWN’s products arrive at job sites prefinished to avoid minor mishaps that can occur on job sites like oversprays, streaks, drips, or lap marks. Drying racks that are used to hold wet cladding on a job site are costly and take up much-needed space. Prefinished wood materials like WILLIWAW are finished and dried in a controlled environment prior to arriving on a job site. With factory-finished products, they have already undergone quality control, inspection, and back coating to ensure the material is in perfect condition before it arrives at its destination.
WILLIWAW is offered in a clear vertical grade, meaning the growth rings are parallel to each other on the face or the board, and very light skips on the non-graded face. Architects and builders often seek out select grades because it has very few imperfections or character markings, making it look smooth and clean. Additionally, WILLIWAW is utilized for both interior and exterior purposes, making it versatile and flexible for all styles of design.
WILLIWAW is currently being installed on homes in different climatic zones across the country in South Carolina, Minnesota, California, Florida, and Canada. Below is the Red Mountain Residence in Aspen, Colorado on its way to completion.
AYC is a remarkable species that is located in the coastal regions of Alaska, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It is grown in climates that have mildly wet winters, and cool damp summers. This species is often found on higher elevations and thrives in diverse forest ecosystems.
Unfinished AYC exhibits a pale yellow to golden color, often with subtle streaks of reddish brown, which deepen and become richer with age and exposure to sunlight. In addition to its physical attributes, the species possess a pleasing aroma that emanates from the wood, which adds to its allure and sensory appeal. Its scent is often described as sweet, reminiscent of cedar and citrus.
At reSAWN, our Alaskan Yellow Cedar products like WILLIWAW are ideally suited for any interior and exterior project, including wall and ceiling cladding. With its versatility, comes many remarkable benefits.
Durability– AYC has exceptional resistance to decay, rot, fungi, and insect damage. Due to their natural extractives such as Thujaplicans and Phenolics, they act as a defense mechanism for decay-causing organisms and pests. The natural oils also act as a natural barrier against moisture, helping to repel water. This contributes to the long lifecycle of the wood.
Strength– The low density and compact characteristics of the species make it more resistant to wear, impact, checks, and twists. Additionally, its straight grain pattern contributes to the strength of the wood. The fibers in AYC run parallel to the board’s length, providing structural integrity, making it less susceptible to shrink, and enabling it to withstand various environmental and structural stresses.
Insulation– The species’ tightly packed fibers and low density allow the wood to be thermally insulated.
Fire Resistant– When exposed to fire, AYC tends to have a slower burn rate. It releases heat at a slower pace and retains its structure for a longer period. reSAWN’s AYC has a Flame Spread Index of 40 and a Smoke Developed Index of 140, giving it a Class B Rating.
The building industry continues to produce unsustainable materials to mimic the aesthetic of wood and advertise them as sustainable products. However, some contain toxic chemicals, are unethically manufactured, and have a short lifespan because it is less expensive to do so. Additionally, their life cycle produces a mass of carbon emissions whereas products like WILLIWAW act as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.
At reSAWN TIMBER co., we bear the responsibility to become mindful educators, while nurturing and preserving earth’s ecosystems, cherishing its biodiversity, and embracing sustainable practices. We provide sustainably sourced products that will look beautiful on day one and continue to weather as nature takes over, with little to no aesthetic maintenance needed. This leaves more time to enjoy the product and less time to maintain it.
What does it truly mean to be an environmentally conscious wood manufacturer? In an industry that runs on nonrenewable, disposable resources beyond what is necessary, healthy, or sustainable, we choose to change the narrative. At reSAWN TIMBER co., we research, study, and observe every product we sell to not only protect our planet, but future generations. We carefully craft quality products that are durable and sustainably sourced to keep our promise to nature and end-users.
There is a reason why WILLIWAW Alaskan Yellow Cedar continues to be one of our most specified products. It is durable, dimensionally stable, rot and insect resistant, versatile, and exceptional at withstanding all weather conditions. Architects and builders continue to choose WILLIWAW for their projects because it promises to keep a home aesthetically beautiful and safe for years to come.
Want to see how WILLIWAW will look on your next project? WILLIWAW samples are available for architects and designers at no cost and shipped via UPS Ground. Click on the button to get started.
The stay-at-home orders and quarantines in place across the world have many homeowners taking advantage of the additional time at home by jumping into neglected renovations and improvements. According to LikeFolio, consumers mentioning home renovation ideas on social media doubled from normal levels in just two weeks during the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
Americans spend a whopping 93 percent of their lives indoors breathing in recycled air. What most don’t realize is the air we breathe indoors is on average 2X to 5X more toxic than what we breathe outdoors due to insufficient ventilation, synthetic building materials, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) from a variety of products and materials. Thus, for many people, the health risks related to indoor air pollution may be greater than that of outdoor exposure.
IBX Center for Innovation – Philadelphia, PA. reSAWN's BLACK & TAN Reclaimed Hemlock Wall Cladding & BELLEPORT Black Walnut Flooring.
It’s not always feasible or practical to spend more time outdoors, especially in facilities like schools, hospitals, daycare facilities, and workplaces. Fortunately, we can take steps to minimize exposure to indoor toxins by choosing healthier, more sustainable products and building materials. Not only are they better for the environment, but some natural materials and products are proven to have physiological and psychological benefits for humans when brought indoors.
According to many authoritative studies, exposure to wood products indoors creates similar health benefits to those created by spending time in nature. Incorporating natural materials such as real wood cladding and flooring into a built environment helps to reduce blood pressure, heart rates, and stress levels, whilst improving well being, creativity, cognitive abilities, and the air we breathe.
Private Residence: reSAWN's SANTA ANA Weathered Western Red Cedar (STK) Wall Cladding.
This report examines the growing body of research showing the range of health and wellbeing benefits of living, working, and learning in environments rich in wooden furnishings and fixtures. “An increasing body of research is beginning to show that being surrounded by wood at home, work or school has positive effects on the body, the brain, and the environment and can even shorten hospital stays through reduced recovery times,” said Chris Philpot, Make it Wood Campaign Manager at Planet Ark.
The report also found:
Wood products within a room have been shown to improve indoor air quality by moderating humidity. This effect occurs due to wood absorbing and releasing moisture in order to maintain equilibrium with the surrounding air, known as the equilibrium moisture content. Wood, therefore, absorbs moisture from the air in humid conditions and releases moisture in dry conditions.
Residents in aged care facilities interact more with each other when surrounded by wood.
Students in classrooms that feature more wood have lower heart rates and stress responses than students in classrooms featuring plastic and metal.
Two out of three workers prefer offices with wooden chairs, desks, and blinds over the same office with those items made from plastic.
According to Planet Ark, the studies show that although many consumers aren’t aware of the health and wellbeing benefits of wood indoors, designers, architects, and contractors are getting on board with sustainable building practices. Sustainable building practices in homes and commercial settings integrate design and development techniques that improve energy, water, and resource efficiency, indoor environmental quality, reduce environmental impacts on the job site; and/or are accredited by a third party to the National Green Building Code, LEED for homes or some other green rating program.
Major Trends in the Use of Wood for Interior and Exterior Use
A convergence of five major trends enhances the case of wood buildings and wood interiors for economic, organizational, and human benefits:
Changes in construction codes allow for bigger and larger wooden buildings.
The public and big investors are urging the government to take action to combat climate change; while the spreading of green building certifications promotes sustainable development and building upgrades.
Employers who are concerned with enhancing the well-being of their employees are incorporating strategies to enhance indoor environmental quality.
A growing body of research documents the benefits of green buildings to health and productivity, particularly those using wood construction or finishing.
Corporate sustainability approaches tie environmental and human resource priorities more closely together.
A recent 2020 study conducted by Dodge Data & Analytics and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says the percentage of dedicated green single-family home builders has steadily grown from 18% in 2014 to 21% in 2019.
What is Biophilia?
The best proof of the human and organizational benefits of wood is based upon the biophilic properties of wood. Biophilia is the term coined by the Harvard naturalist Dr. Edward O. Wilson to describe what he saw as humanity’s “innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes,” and to be drawn toward nature, to feel an affinity for it, a love, a craving. When people come into contact with nature, their neural, physiological, and psychological responses contribute to lower tension, lower blood pressure, more relaxation, positive moods, and increased focus.
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into the construction of buildings and their interiors. Wood is one of the few natural resources that can accomplish four important goals simultaneously: reduced carbon emissions; enhanced resilience in the life cycle of a building; improved well-being for the occupants; and increased organizational benefits from having safer, happier, and more efficient workers.
Selecting wood as a construction and interior finishing material is easier than one might think. With many different species to choose from, there are plenty of options that’ll suit one’s construction needs and/or aesthetic desires. Some wood is optimal for insulation, others for acoustics, grain pattern, color, appearance, and others for structural frames, walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture.
Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado, CA. reSAWN's BARTEK European White Oak Flooring.
At reSAWN TIMBER co., we value being stewards of the environment by working to source timber that is sustainably harvested, has wide and prolific availability, and is able to quickly rejuvenate. We provide wood species with low/zero VOC finishes & FSC options that have compelling environmental advantages over scarce slow-growing hardwoods, woods treated with toxic chemicals, and non-renewable carbon-intensive materials such as plastics, steel, and concrete. Our products can help with your next sustainable building project. If you’d like to learn more about how reSAWN TIMBER co. can assist, contact us today.
Samples are available for architects and designers at no cost and shipped via UPS Ground. Click on the button below to explore reSAWN’s complete product offering – sort by species, color, or application.