FDMC March 2024

Wood and wood looks lead rising trends in kitchen cabinets.

Gene Wengert, the Wood Doctor, has been answering readers questions since 1979; here’s his first column.

Copaia (Jacaranda copaia) is probably more commonly known in North American trade as para para. However, the common name of lumber from this tree varies from country to country. In fact, in Panama, it is sometimes called “elephant’s foot” as the corrugated trunk near the ground looks somewhat like an elephant’s foot.

What is the attraction that draws us and our customers to wood?

The 40 Under 40 award program recognizes achievements in productivity, profitability, social good, ingenuity, innovation, peer inspiration, product development, organizational leadership, or other areas. Submit a nomination by May 13.

Ultrashelf system makes putting up floating shelves simple and easy.

Prestigious contest searches for the best veneer work offering thousands of dollars in prizes.

The annual Design Portfolio, a publication of the Composite Panel Association, offers sustainable design solutions for residential, commercial, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and education environments.

Last year’s debut of the Design Portfolio, the result of an innovative partnership between Woodworking Network and the Composite Panel Association (CPA), was greeted with praise from a multitude of communities. The publication’s new design and branding, coupled with enhanced content, was appreciated by architects, designers, and fabricators of products made with composite panels, including furniture and cabinet makers throughout North America.

Composite wood panels are sustainable to the core.

The stability, strength, uniformity, and ease of fabrication make MDF an ideal substrate for use in a wide range of applications.

Manufactured in various dimensions with a wide range of physical properties, particleboard offers design flexibility and ease of fabrication for specifiers and end users.

Durable and versatile, hardboard is ideal for a variety of applications.

Highly versatile, these panels are engineered to perform in interior and exterior exposure applications.

A brief look at trends impacting these sustainable materials.

With their excellent scratch and wear resistance, TFL panels are a popular choice for furniture, closet system components, retail fixtures, cabinetry, and laminate flooring.

Two-dimensional laminates (2DL), three-dimensional laminates (3DL), and films are versatile surfaces for commercial and residential environments that offer excellent design options as well as performance and durability.

Light basis weight papers (LBWP) and decorative foils are available in a wide range of colors, and can be printed with excellent quality and high-fidelity patterns and textures.

HPL is commonly used for horizontal surfaces, including flooring, countertops, and desktops due to its durability.

The proper coating selection and application will result in a well-finished, quality product.

Overlaid onto panels, veneer surfaces add warmth and design to any environment.

Choosing the correct adhesive for the application is critical to the success of the project.

Does automation help or hinder your lean manufacturing efforts?