Pioneer Millworks outfitted shipping containers with reclaimed wood for Greenbuild 2016
Pioneer Millworks Mushroom Wood Greenbuild Container.jpg
Pioneer Millworks Reclaimed Mushroom Board’s original textured, washboard-like surface brings character to one of the re-purposed shipping containers at Greenbuild’s Networking Lounge.

Photo By Pioneer Millworks

FARMINGTON, NY - Pioneer Millworks outfitted the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo Networking Lounge check-in area and Passport to Prizes drop-off location with two repurposed shipping containers fitted with reclaimed wood flooring and pPaneling. The containers accommodated the numerous meetings, introductions, and interactions that took place in Los Angeles, California Oct. 5-7.

“The use of shipping containers as a form for construction is a fantastic example of adaptive re-use and recycling” explains Jered Slusser, Reclaimed Wood Expert at Pioneer Millworks. "Our certified 100% Recycled Flooring and Paneling adds organic character and warmth to the hard lines of the steel, a testament to the design flexibility of not only the container itself, but also our reclaimed wood."



Patrons of Greenbuild were able to experience a small sample of Pioneer Millworks reclaimed wood products in action in the two re-purposed containers:

  •  Foundry Maple flooring: Reclaimed by Pioneer Millworks from a variety of factories across the US. The batch featured is from the American Crayon Factory in Sandusky, Ohio. The old wood has endured thousands of footfalls, heavy machinery, and a smattering of colorful wax crayon materials and now has new life at Greenbuild.
  •  Railyard Oak paneling: Rail Yard Oak is reclaimed from a combination of boards and timbers from the steel pipe industry. Original surfaces are celebrated in this grade, including varied wear patterns, fastener marks, and textures. Typically a mixture of red and white oak with a smaller percentage of other hardwoods is included in this reclaimed product.
  • American Gothic Oak Engineered flooring: Pioneer Millworks salvages wood from agricultural buildings that have outlived their use throughout the Northeastern US. From timbers, joists, or planks, this wood has seen a fare share of livestock, tractors, and crops. The Worlds’ Most Eco-friendly Engineered Flooring from Pioneer Millworks is fully manufactured in Farmington NY.
  • Mushroom Boards paneling: Housing mushrooms is no small task as Pioneer Millworks reclaimed Mushroom Board Hemlock’s weathered face shows. The heavily textured washboard-like surface achieved from years of living with the moist and acid-laden environment used to grow commercial mushrooms.

The containers were a part of Greenbuild’s Conference and Sustainability program and will be re-used for several years at future Expos. Other contributors include J Evans Construction, Andersen Windows, and Benjamin Moore.

Pioneer Millworks says it has  rescued nearly 26 million board feet of old wood from rot and landfills, giving it new life as flooring, paneling, millwork, cabinetry, and more.

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About the author
Michaelle Bradford | Editor

Michaelle Bradford, CCI Media, is Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine and Woodworking Network editor. She has more than 20 years of experience covering the woodworking and design industry, including visits to custom cabinet shops, closet firms and design studios throughout North America. As Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine under the Woodworking Network brand, Michaelle’s responsibilities include writing, editing, and coordinating editorial content as well as managing annual design competitions like the Top Shelf Design Awards. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media.