White Birch Bark Laminate Wall Coverings

Bark Species

• White Birch (Betula papyrifera)

Details

• Panel surface is woven with multiple sheets of bark with edges concealed
• Actual bark is seldom thicker than 1/8”
• Can be laminated to ¼” birch plywood or ½” or greater MDF substrate or a Formaldehyde free substrate may be specified if desired
• No minimum order required
• Panels can be treated to meet stringent fire code standards
• Panels may be coated with a dead Flat 2K Poly to protect and reduce flaking
• Panels can be ordered with optional feathered overlapping edges to hide lateral joints
• Reclaimed Forestry Waste Product

Product Applications

• Interior, Exterior (with consultation)
• Residential, Commercial
• Traditional to Modern
• Walls, Ceilings, Fixture Inserts

Product Dimensions

• Actual bark is seldom thicker than 1/8”
• Maximum Panel size with ¼” birch substrate is 4’ x 8’
• Maximum Panel size with ½” or greater MDF substrate is 5’ x 12’

White Birch Bark is a storied legend of the North American forest. From Native American’s birch bark canoes to adornment of our earliest rustic retreats, its romanticized past seems to make White Birch the most recognizable tree of the north woods. In the United States, White Birch is widely distributed across northern forests bordering Canada. While isolated pockets can be found as far south as North Carolina, the species prefers the colder climate of the northern latitudes. The bark has superior rot resistance as long downed logs can be found rotted out of their still intact bark cylinders. All of our birch bark is sustainably harvested from logs destined for mills to become plywood and OSB.

No other product that we offer seems to have the universal appeal of our White Birch Bark wall coverings. They have found their way as wall paneling in homes and lodges as well as in  institutional and retail spaces.  The chalky color of our White Birch Bark laminate also makes it a inspired choice for ceilings. It provides ample brightness and light reflectivity  while nurturing  the space with an earthy air. The textural appeal of Birch Bark cabinet doors and furniture panels makes them staples in rustic retreats as well as corporate offices. Our exterior laminate substrate options for White Birch make it as easy to apply in an urban commercial setting as a forest residential one.

No two projects are ever the same. That’s why we provide multiple indoor and outdoor solutions for residential and commercial applications. The only critical decisions to be determined are the choices of substrates, adhesives, and whether to use finishes or fire retardants. Our team has years of experience and has worked with a myriad of designers on projects across the globe. We will always direct you to the simplest and most cost effective solution to fit your design.

This white birch bark wall covering and laminate is 100% sourced and made in the US. Bark House® invests over 50% of its income directly back into our local Appalachian economy.  See what makes us Authentically good…

• Expert Technical Assistance for Architects, Designers, and Contractors
• Detailed installation instructions for your specific project

*Important Note about Single Surface Lamination* Any substrate that has a bark veneer or 3D wood attachment has the capacity to warp or cup. We do not recommend that panels “float” as in cabinet door applications without an additional back side lamination to balance it out. This may be achieved by laminating our bark treatment to both sides or by laminating a separate finish wood veneer.

There is no concern with single surface lamination when panels are affixed to studs or wall surfaces per our installation guide.

RECYCLING POPLAR BARK HOUSE® PRODUCTS

Recycling Centers are available in every county in each state across the country.  We’ll help you to identify the closest Recycling Center in your area that has Demolition and Construction Recycling Infrastructure. This decreases general landfill waste and improves the environment.

BIOLOGICAL NUTRIENT

Simply mulch untreated BARK HOUSE® POPLAR PRODUCTS and allow them to add biological nutrients back in the soil.

Bark Laminate Wall Panels are new to me.  What do I need to know?

What is a White Birch Wall Covering?

Bark House® White Birch Wall Coverings are monolithic panels, hand crafted by laminating white birch (Betula papyrifera) tree bark to a specified substrate for ease of installation.  Each panel is uniquely crafted with natural bark so no two are ever completely alike.  A distinguishing characteristic is the white background of the bark with the black streaks or lenticels.  The papery thin material supports our craftsmen to weave smaller pieces of bark into a continuous tapestry that looks natural.  We can also provide feathering of the material over the panel edges so that seams will disappear between panels on installation.  All bark wallcoverings were originally designed and created by Marty McCurry.

How are laminate wall coverings priced?

Our Laminate Wall Coverings are priced by the square foot. The price will depend on the type of bark, the substrate material, and any finishes that you wish to add. Feathered edges are priced by the linear foot.

How are laminate wall coverings fabricated?

Each laminate order is custom fabricated, and every order is unique. We can fabricate panels up to 4’x8′ on 1/4″ Birch plywood substrate, and up to 5’x12′ on 1/2″ MDF substrate. We epoxy laminate the bark to your panels after our skilled craftsman carefully designs the piece.

Will I see the seams on the White Birch panels?

Most larger panels are made up of multiple individual sheets of bark. We choose colors and textures that flow together and then intricately patch the seams so that the finished panel looks like one big piece of bark! We can even feather the panel edges to “seamlessly” fit against another.  The end product is a work of art.

See an example of this in our blog on the Ritz-Carlton.

Is this an exterior rated product?

Yes, when laminated to Extira® Exterior Rated MDF

What are feathered edges?

If you wish to hide the seam where two panels join, we offer feathered edges as a way to conceal them. The edge of your panel will have bark overhanging which can be overlapped onto the adjoining panel. Feathered edges are available on our White Birch and Gold Birch laminate veneers.

What are bark lenticels?

A lenticel is an open pore that can be found on certain bark materials. The shape, color, size and prevalence of lenticels is one of the characteristics used for tree identification.  It adds a distinctive quality to wall coverings.  In nature, they control gas and water vapor exchange. 

How fragile is White Birch bark? Should I worry about peeling or delamination?

White Birch bark is seldom thicker than 1/8”, but it is a strong material that offers trees growing in harsh environments protection from the elements. Bark House White Birch Wall Coverings are made from this durable bark, but the textured nature of it may lend itself to some peeling. Peeling may occur when handling the laminate panels, installing, or if they are installed in an area that will see heavy traffic.

If this is a concern, then a clear polyurethane coat is an option.

They are strong enough to hold up to the traffic of a busy mall…

How do I clean my interior bark wall coverings?

If you choose, feel free to use the brush attachment on your vacuum for an occasional dusting.

Do I need a finish on White Birch bark?

There are various finishing options that can be added to your laminates, but they are not necessary. Finishes are applied for aesthetic reasons, with the exception of fire retardant, which may be required for some commercial installations.

Will finishing White Birch bark change the appearance?

Unfinished White Birch bark is renowned for its powdery white appearance. The signature white color is what many of our customers desire in their laminate wall coverings. When a finish is applied, the bright white color will yellow, but lenticels and other features will become more pronounced.  

How do I install laminate wall coverings?

As with all of our products, we provide detailed installation instructions.  Our Laminate Wall Covering Installation guide is found here.

Can I Wrap the White Birch laminate around a Column? 

Bendable plywood will allow us to laminate White Birch to achieve a minimum 12 inch radius. 

Will the White Birch panel look just like the sample that I received?

These products are derived from natural material, so no two will be the same. If you have been inspired by a photo, let us know, and we will do our best to help you achieve a similar look.

How much will it cost to ship my bark wall covering panels?

Laminates and panels are shipped in the most economical way possible for the size of your order. Most shipments will be done via Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight, and the cost will depend on your order size and shipping location.  We are happy to provide you with a quote.  

How do I get an estimate for laminate wall coverings?

To place an order for laminate wall coverings, our sales team will need:

• Type of bark laminate that you wish to order
• Substrate type
• Panel dimensions
• Finishes/Feathering details
• Shipping address details

See the section above labeled “Product Options” which will walk you through this process.

Schedule a Meeting 

Cost and quality are important to me.  How do Bark House® Laminate Wall Coverings save me money and supply a better-quality product?

What are the economic benefits I receive when purchasing from the “Original Manufacturer of Bark Wall Coverings”?

You can be sure that your investment in Bark House® Laminate Wall Coverings is an investment in a well-designed product. Years of research and development, trial and error, have paved the way for the highest quality product. The maintenance free laminates will last indefinitely, leaving you to do nothing but enjoy the natural beauty that they add to your building. Your investment in our wall coverings is an investment in the well-being of our planet, and the health of your interior space.

The Bark House Difference

Why are Bark House® Laminate Wall Coverings better than other types of wall coverings?

Why not cover the interior of your home with what Mother Nature covers her trees? Our durable laminate wall coverings offer a natural beauty in an indoor space that other wall covering solutions cannot match. These Bark House products break the mold of traditional building practices by giving you a unique design that is created just for you.

“Healing Environments Biomimic Design”

Does Bark House offer a trade or volume discount?

Bark House® Laminate Wall Coverings and Panels are custom fabricated for each individual client. We are unable to offer discounts on these products due to the level of craftsmanship that is required for every order. 

What is the minimum order needed to purchase laminate wall coverings?

We do not have a minimum order for Laminate Wall Coverings.  If you are looking for very small quantities, we do have 6″ x 6″ sample tiles that you can easily order via our sample page, Sample Kits.

Sample Kits Available

I am creating a one-of-a-kind space.  How can Bark House support my vision?

What makes Bark House® Laminate Wall Coverings distinctly mine?

No two pieces of harvested bark will be the same, which means that no two of our projects will ever be the same. Bark House® Laminate Wall Coverings and Panels are hand-crafted with materials that meet our rigorous selection standards. From the start of fabrication, to the final installation, you can be sure that the product is made specifically for you.

We work with architects and designers all over the globe to create unique product applications that have contributed to award winning designs. We welcome the opportunity to do so with you.

Can I customize Bark House® Laminate Wall coverings?

Product Options makes your fit and customization finish unique.  The product page for each laminate or panel product will detail the available options that are available. The different barks and materials that we use in our fabrication process lend themselves to unique options for customization.

Can I recreate a design that I’ve seen on your website or in a publication?

If you have been inspired by a design that we’ve done in the past, we can use that as a reference for your custom project. While it will not be exactly the same, we can use our previous work as a guide for your vision.

I’ve got a unique design concept and I’m not sure if your products will work for it. How can I be sure?

We are no strangers to high levels of customization and unique installations. If you’re wondering if it can be done, it probably can be. Reach out to our expert staff to discuss the details of your project!

Can Bark House help me to share my unique project with others?

Projects with Bark House® products have been featured in over 250 well-positioned media outlets.  We want to celebrate the completion of your unique project.  

Share your project with us

I am interested in regenerative manufacturing practices.  What benefits do Bark House processes create for Appalachian forests, families, and climate-change remediation?

How does Regenerative Development benefit communities?

“When a practitioner of Regenerative Development works in a project or community, the result should be increasing ableness for that community. People should become better able to evolve and pursue the aspirations they hold for healthy and meaningful lives. Water and air should be increasingly able to maintain their quality, and forests to support enlarged diversity of life. These are the indicators that real value has been delivered to stakeholders.” www.Regenerat.es

Podcast with The Carol Sanford Institute:  Regenerative Work

What is green, sustainable or regenerative manufacturing?

The single skilled craftsman encompassed the earliest form of making products.  Training was personal and the tradesmen took pride in their work and the benefits it produced.  A post-industrial world saw the use of machinery, increased scale and a trend toward practices that were Extractive to people and planet.  Recognizing a need for change and making a choice to do better, manufacturers improved their processes and identified themselves as “GREEN companies”.  With an aim to do “less bad”, and quantify what better should look like with agreed measurements, companies were certified through third-party groups as SUSTAINABLE.  Companies with a REGENERATIVE aim were either founded with this mission, or made conscious choices to work to create new and fitting potential for the places they operate and the sectors they disrupt.  Regenerative design opens a new level of exploration.  It begins a process of wholistic, collaborative development.  This occurs in tandem with the natural world and the inhabitants of the places they work. 

“What if consumers became healers of the world?” – Chris McCurry speaks on environmental issues at the Leadership NC Conference in Asheville.

What are the green or regenerative benefits I receive when purchasing from the “Original Manufacturer of Bark Wall Coverings”?

We offer a thirty-year track record with over 250 well placed publications sharing our regenerative philosophy that is now and has always been the core-business for this company.  The co-founders designed the original products and processes, inspired by nature.  The products you purchase reach their highest achievement when supporting your regenerative projects.  Read more about the benefits below.  Feel free to contact us at [email protected] to ask questions or share your project details with us.      

MATERIAL SOURCING

Where is the wood sourced?

Bark House sources only Reclaimed Appalachian Wood Waste, (RAW™) from small 10-acre tracts owned and stewarded by local families over generations.

What benefit do you create when you only source materials from the Appalachian region?

The Bark House manufacturing facility is located within the five states across the Appalachian region in which our raw materials are sourced.  The co-founders were born here and understanding “Appalachia” as a place has been their life’s work.  Because this is our neighborhood, we take our impacts very personally.  The proximity means that our neighbors can let us know what we’re doing well and where we need to improve.  The benefits we are most proud of is helping to keep family farms intact and providing right-fit, nature-based jobs in this economically distressed area.  The legacy of US Forestry practices began in our back yard.  We aim to honor the philosophy of those practices by exceeding them.

What benefits are created from small-tract harvesting?

Whether select (most often) or clear-cutting, smaller tracts sparsely spaced throughout many Appalachian states means that the impact of harvesting is less disruptive to the living eco-system. Loggers provide materials from forty-five counties across five Appalachian states.

What benefits do smaller eco-logging crews offer?

Smaller 2-3 person crews with lighter equipment disturbs the soil less, so regrowth occurs faster.  Carefully felling and removing trees and following Forestry Best Management Practices protects the trees from scarring and invaders.  These practices are less disruptive to the living eco-system.

How does the Bark House^® process impact local watersheds?

• The company’s material procurement model utilizes small logging crews, with less equipment on small tracts and has a lighter impact on the environment
• Loggers are trained in water stewardship and have state governed logger certifications
• No water is used in direct manufacturing
• Bark House participates in water stewardship initiatives, stream bank restoration and stream protection initiatives to improve water quality in the Appalachian Region
• We advocate for and educate about clean water
• We monitor Government Reporting on watersheds where our materials are sourced

What else is Bark House involved in to improve Appalachian forests and impact climate change remediation?

You can read about all our engagements over thirty years in real-time accounts published in the EmBark Blog and over 250 acclaimed publications. Right now, we are working to support a Regenerative Source Guild of the Blue Ridge.

MANUFACTURING

How does your investment in Solar Panels impact your Carbon Footprint?

Solar panels replace our electricity as one important component in the total carbon equation to manufacture a low carbon product.

How does Bark House’s unique kilns impact your Carbon Footprint?

High efficiency kilns designed by co-founder Marty McCurry exclusively for the complex process of drying bark are the first and only kilns of their kind.  They received the NC Governor’s Green Innovation Award and are one important component in the total carbon equation to manufacture a low carbon product.

Do poplar bark panel wall coverings qualify for LEED building practices?

Bark House veneer wall coverings may qualify for LEED points based on locally or regionally sourced product.

SOCIAL BENEFITS

What financial benefits does Bark House create for Appalachian families?

At a minimum, 50% of annual company income is invested directly in to the local community.  As a comparison, big box stores invest 12% in the local communities where they operate.  Products are 100% sourced and made in the Appalachians.  We purchase wood-waste products from land owners that are not acceptable in the standardized industry because of figure, curl or massive size.  Employees are paid a living wage as a starting point.  Importantly, a new income stream for this economically challenged area means that family farms can remain intact.

How does Bark House support the culture of the Appalachian region?

Bark House supports cultural diversity, equity and inclusion.  These attributes can be traced in Appalachian culture before European settlement began and as it occurred.  Cultural diversity is inspired by the region’s vast bio-diversity of flora and fauna.  One thing this culture of independent people agree on is an appreciation for nature.  Bark House work supports people to retain this close relationship with nature.  Our volunteer work and community contributions center on further developing this relationship.

What verification can you offer that supports your social benefits?

Bark House believes in shared prosperity and we can back up our claim of social benefits with the certifications and awards that we’ve received:

• We maintained a B Corp Certification over a ten year period earning Best for the World Awards.
• Bark House was the first and only (to date) to receive a Platinum grade from Cradle to Cradle across all platforms.
• We are considered a Buckminster Fuller Catalyst Company.
• We received a Regenerative Business Award.
• The Department of Commerce presented Spruce Pine Main Street with a Design Award for the Main Street Pocket Park and Visitor’s Center. This project is one that we spent years volunteering our time and resources to and we couldn’t be prouder of the outcome.
• In 2016, Bark House was an Architectural Record Product of the Year Winner.
• Root Cause honored us with the 2017 Support of Local Wood Product Award in recognition of our efforts in promoting local forest products and supporting jobs in the forest products industry.
• We may not have been on the prestigious John Ruskin Prize shortlist, but we were among the top 5%.
• Other certifications and awards can be viewed on the certification page

What social benefits do bark panels offer beyond the Appalachian region?

Bark House views the development of a relationship that honors nature as critically important, especially in view of a disrupted climate.  Our wall coverings go into the space where people spend most of their time (indoors) and provide a gentle invitation to remember those healing, invigorating moments outdoors – in a forest.

Can Bark House help me to share the benefits that my project creates with others?

Projects with Bark House products have been featured in over 250 well-positioned media outlets as well as being featured in our blog.  We want to celebrate the benefits your project is creating for people or the environment.

Share your project with us

If you have further questions for us, please reach out to [email protected].

We look forward to working with you!

Schedule a Meeting

We store Bark House White Birch Bark Laminates in a climate-controlled warehouse to prevent them from warping and wicking water.

If you need to store your Laminate Panels prior to installation we recommend that you:

• Keep your Laminate Panels in their crate lying flat to prevent warping
• Store your panels in a dry and secure location, not out in the elements, or under a tarp.  

Failure to follow these guidelines can compromise your finished application