About Berkeley Mills
Take a moment to learn more about us, our products, philosophies, and an insight with our "behind the scene" experience.
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All wood is not created equal.
Wood differs, not only by species, but in quality. The color, character and consistency of any species of wood varies from tree to tree, log to log, and board to board. As you can see from the illustration, a log is composed of a layer of sapwood surrounding the tree's heartwood. The lighter colored sapwood acts as the tree's vascular system, transporting water and nutrients, while the darker, denser heartwood provides the tree's rigid core. Although sapwood may occasionally be used as a design element, it is the grain, color and density of heartwood that distinguishes fine furniture.
At Berkeley Mills, we use only export grade and veneer quality wood, whose large timbers yield the wide, flawless planks desirable for table tops and other expansive surfaces. Each piece of furniture we make is unique because of the nature of the wood that shapes it ¡ª wood chosen for its ability to express and extend the design of the piece. Whenever possible, boards cut from the same tree are used to ensure the most harmonious color and grain patterns.
The dynamics of wood
Even after harvesting, wood retains a life of its own. It is a dynamic material, affected by light, air, weather and changes in the temperature. Over weeks, months and years, wood will change in color, responding to its surroundings. For example, the color of your cherry furniture will become deeper and richer as it lives in your home.
Wood as a renewable resource
Berkeley Mills is committed to ecologically sound manufacturing and business practices. Because wood is the very heart of our business, we do everything possible to support sustainable forestry and the responsible use of this precious resource. Wood from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests and lumber companies is subject to strict "chain of custody" requirements from the moment the wood is cut through its delivery to a manufacturer and ultimately into the consumer's hands. Berkeley Mills is proud to have been one of the first furniture companies in the United States to earn FSC-certification as a responsible link in this chain of custody (Certificate Registration Code SW-COC-040). Today, much of the wood we use comes from FSC-certified sources, and our certification, which is renewed annually through on-site audits, assures our customers that their purchase supports forestry that meets the highest standards for environmentally responsible harvesting.
Wood differs, not only by species, but in quality. The color, character and consistency of any species of wood varies from tree to tree, log to log, and board to board. As you can see from the illustration, a log is composed of a layer of sapwood surrounding the tree's heartwood. The lighter colored sapwood acts as the tree's vascular system, transporting water and nutrients, while the darker, denser heartwood provides the tree's rigid core. Although sapwood may occasionally be used as a design element, it is the grain, color and density of heartwood that distinguishes fine furniture.
At Berkeley Mills, we use only export grade and veneer quality wood, whose large timbers yield the wide, flawless planks desirable for table tops and other expansive surfaces. Each piece of furniture we make is unique because of the nature of the wood that shapes it ¡ª wood chosen for its ability to express and extend the design of the piece. Whenever possible, boards cut from the same tree are used to ensure the most harmonious color and grain patterns.
The dynamics of wood
Even after harvesting, wood retains a life of its own. It is a dynamic material, affected by light, air, weather and changes in the temperature. Over weeks, months and years, wood will change in color, responding to its surroundings. For example, the color of your cherry furniture will become deeper and richer as it lives in your home.
Wood as a renewable resource
Berkeley Mills is committed to ecologically sound manufacturing and business practices. Because wood is the very heart of our business, we do everything possible to support sustainable forestry and the responsible use of this precious resource. Wood from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests and lumber companies is subject to strict "chain of custody" requirements from the moment the wood is cut through its delivery to a manufacturer and ultimately into the consumer's hands. Berkeley Mills is proud to have been one of the first furniture companies in the United States to earn FSC-certification as a responsible link in this chain of custody (Certificate Registration Code SW-COC-040). Today, much of the wood we use comes from FSC-certified sources, and our certification, which is renewed annually through on-site audits, assures our customers that their purchase supports forestry that meets the highest standards for environmentally responsible harvesting.
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