Bark House® White Birch Wall Panels adorn the interiors and exteriors of homes and lodges as well as institutional and retail spaces. We start with carefully selected natural bark material and glue this to a specified substrate. The panels are meticulously handcrafted with attention to every detail by an experienced team of in-house artisans. The chalky color of our white birch bark laminate makes it an inspired choice for walls and ceilings. The product provides ample brightness and light reflectivity while nurturing the space with an earthy feel. The textural appeal of birch bark furniture panels makes them staples in rustic retreats as well as corporate offices.
Only the best sheets of bark with natural lenticels in contrasting black tones are used in the crafting of this product. We can essentially hide the seams between panels on this product with a technique we call “feathering”. This wall finish is not a good option for high-traffic areas that will be rubbed.
When we add an exterior-rated substrate, this product may be used for exterior applications.
The white birch bark is sourced in the Appalachians with 100% grading and hand crafting at our Bark House shop in North Carolina.
Attaching to Gypsum or Drywall
To mount Bark House® bark laminate wall panels to gypsum board (or drywall), apply a typical trowel-able wall adhesive with a 3/16 notched trowel to the surface of the gypsum board or the back side of the panel being installed. Seat the laminate panels and use a few finish nails to pin them to the wall to hold them in place until the glue dries. If the panel is slightly bowed or does not completely compress, a minimal number of trim screws may be required.
Attaching to a Ceiling
Follow the installation guides for walls, with the exception of using trim screws instead of trim nails until the adhesive dries.
Attaching “feathered edges”
Apply a thin coat of typical wood glue to the back of the “feathers” using a small brush. After the panel is attached in place, gently press feathers against the panel to be lapped. The suction of the glue is generally enough to hold feathers in place. If they try to separate or curl back, you can attach a temporary wood cleat to hold them in place. DO NOT OVER APPLY GLUE to feathers as this can result in glue running beyond out the sides and gluing the feathers to the cleat if used.
*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.
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 laminate panels were originally designed and created by Bark House cofounder, Marty McCurry.
How are laminate wall coverings priced?
Bark House® 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 ranging from 4’x8′ on 1/4″ on a birch plywood substrate, 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. You may choose an FSC backer and specify a glue of your choice for an additional fee.
Can I custom cut the panel on-site?
Yes. We advise using a finishing blade and a track saw.
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.
Is this an exterior rated product?
Unlike our other laminate products, white birch can be used on exterior walls, but only 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 and are priced per linear foot.
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. Never allow furniture to scrub against a wall with White Birch Bark Panels.
A clear polyurethane coat is an option that adds additional protection.
How do I clean my interior bark wall coverings?
We recommend that you use the brush attachment on your vacuum for an occasional cleaning.
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?
We do not offer this option.
Will the White Birch panel look just like the sample that I received?
Our bark products are crafted from natural material, so no two will be the same.
How much will it cost to ship my bark wall covering panels?
Bark Shingles 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. Please email [email protected].
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.
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.
Why is there an added fee for small panel sizes?
A number of factors dictates a 20% upcharge for panels less than 3ft x 3ft including project set-up fees, cutting down larger sheets of bark material, and the degree of difficulty working with a smaller scale.
Why is there an added fee for panels over 4 ft wide?
The main factor impacting the cost of wider panels is due to the difficulty in reaching across a wider field of work and the increase of internal weaving that must occur for the natural look of bark to be achieved.
