Bark House Newsletter: May 2008

Ask The Experts

bark laminates, nature’s finest

Q:  “Why are there limits on the size of HC pieces of veneer bark.” Paul C. From Roanoke VA A: The three issues that directly determine the sizes of bark are, limb spacing, circumference of the trees, and cracking of the bark.  It is because of these main factors, and other minor ones that we are not able to peel unlimited sizes of bark veneer.

Because most of our veneers come from the tops of trees, we have to deal with the density of the limbs.  If we tried to peel around the limbs, it would leave holes in the bark, so we have to peel between them.  On the majority of the trees we use, finding more than a 3 foot gap between limbs is hard.
Tree circumference directly determines the width of our panels. Because we use the bark from the tops of trees, where the circumference is the smallest, we are limited on what sizes we can peel. Widths rarely exceed 4 feet.
Even when the sap is flowing between the bark and the trunk, there can still be areas where the bark will not peel.  Because the thickness of our veneer bark can range from 1/16th of an inch to 1/8th of an inch, it is challenging to keep the bark from cracking or tearing while being peeled.
Despite the limitations, Highland Craftsmen has learned different ways to splice or weave some of the barks together to eliminate or blend the seams.  To be able to incorporate nature in inside spaces makes the work worth the effort.
Ryan Crawley, Bark House Laminates Expert

Bark Buddies

keep tradition hiking on

Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers
Every year, 3,000 eager people set out during the months of April to October to hike the entire Appalachian Trial.  The trail runs from Georgia to Maine, and is 2,200 miles in length.  Because of weight, each hiker carries a minimum of food and supplies, restocking along the way.  Unexpected hot meals are a real motivator.  During the weekend of May 3rd Highland Craftsmen’s Ryan Crawley and wife Jenna co- ordinated an event to feed AT “Thru-hikers”, creating a little unexpected “trail magic”.  Ryan hiked the entire AT in 1998.  It is estimated that 10% actually complete the trail.  Many thanks to our bark buddy Ryan for his hard work and commitment to great service every where his trail leads him.
Email Your Bark Buddy Blog to chris@highlandcraftsmen.com. 

Bark House® Laminates

create one-of-a-kind masterpieces

Bark laminates have multiple applications and uses including interior paneling, wainscoting, facing doors and furniture, frames for mirrors and artwork, covering decorative boxes, shelving and other projects. Bark that is un-laminated is often used to wrap flower vases, or in other cylinder type applications.  Pictured here, Pine Bark Laminates (inset in cabinerty) have a deep chestnut brown color and varied amounts of green lichen spots.  We also carry yellow and white birch bark, as well as interior grade poplar bark.
Click here to learn more about Bark House® Laminates.

Growing Green

local award

“Greening” is a growing phenomenon.  Every company that enters this process should be able to explain and demonstrate how their company’s practices and their community action is green.  We would like to take the opportunity each month in this newsletter to share one way that we are greening.

Kay Goins, Director of Main Street, presentes Highland Craftsmen Inc. the “Golden Nail Award”.  This award is for significant renovations (cleaning and greening) in Spruce Pine, NC.  Many thanks for the people involved in helping us continue our commitment to improving the space we occupy.
To learn how this month’s Highlighted Product (Bark House® Laminates) are green, click here.

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