Each Bark House® White Birch Bark Wall Panel is handcrafted to your specifications.  To purchase this product, select the OPTIONS from the list below and press the “REQUEST PRODUCT” button.

A member of our team will respond within 2 business days to discuss your order and timelines for handcrafting your custom bark wall finish.

Options:

  • Panel Size, Quantity, and Layout

    If your order includes multiple panels with different options, please briefly describe your project on the next page.

    After you complete the form, a member of our sales team will reach out to you to review the exact sizes that you need, the number of panels, and how you want the bark oriented on each panel.

    What you need to know:

    Panels that are up to a 4’x8’ size can be crafted on a ¼” birch substrate (or backer board) and are our most cost-effective option.  Panels that are greater than 4’x8’ and up to 5’x12’ can be crafted on a ½” MDF substrate.  You may select the thicker substrate for all panels if you desire in the OPTIONS below.

    If your order is for an exterior, you can select the appropriate substrate in the OPTIONS below.

    Layout:

    You will specify the direction the bark is oriented on the panels.  Our craftsmen will orient the bark as it grows on the tree to the measurement that you specify as HEIGHT.  Our sales team will discuss this with you.

  • Substrate

    White Birch Bark must be laminated to a substrate or backer panel.  The substrate used should be determined by your specific application.

     

  • Edge

    Choose the edge for your panel:

    We have two edge options for the panel seams:  Straight and Feathered.

    Straight edge

    The Straight edge fits against the next panel creating a visible seam.

    Feathered edge 

    The Bark House® unique Feathered Edge supports the appearance of one continuous panel across the full span of your wall.  We position jagged edges of the bark to protrude past the joint to overlay onto the adjoining panel.

    The feathered edges are priced by the linear foot.  They are only needed where one panel joins another.  If you have a project needing multiple panels, it helps for us to have a rough drawing of how you plan for your panels to go together on your project:

    Read more about how feathered edges work.

  • Finish

    We love this product without a finish. However, a finish adds a layer of protection from the delicate surface peeling when installed in a higher traffic area. The color and texture of the natural material will be changed when adding a polyurethane as indicated in the image below. Therefore, we think the product’s best application is in low traffic locations.

REQUEST PRODUCT

Bark Species

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, ½” or greater MDF substrate, or 5/8″ Extira
  • A formaldehyde free substrate may be specified for interiors 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’
  • Maximum Panel size with 5/8″ exterior rated MDF is 4’x12′

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 “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.

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.

Berto creating Bark House White Birch Bark wall covering panels

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