A Home Built with Hardwoods from Around the World
Uruguayan red grandis is plantation grown and harvested using FSC certified forestry practices. The species resembles mahogany in hardness, density and grain structure. It is aesthetically similar to cherry, mahogany or Spanish cedar when first sawn. Over time, the wood oxidizes and its color deepens to a rich dark red. Among its positive attributes are its physical workability, stability, durability and resistance to decay. In addition, it is highly sustainable and FSC rated so availability and quality are very consistent. Another plus is that the price point is significantly less than mahogany or sapele.
Mitchell, who holds a master's degree in Wood Sciences from Virginia Tech, says, "I have always loved the beauty of hardwoods." His passion for wood began when he was a youngster growing up on a family farm in Virginia where he and his father sawed poplar for local farmers at their sawmill. Today, Mitchell is Vice President of sales at Atlanta Hardwood Corporation.
Another exotic hardwood, Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum), makes a dramatic statement in the foyer of the Mitchell home, where there is a four-paneled accent wall of quarter-sawn, ribbon-striped sapele. "The wall is somewhat of an anomaly since it's quite different in style from the rest of the house," Mitchell notes. "But it's very striking and beautiful. I think it's my favorite feature in the entire home. The panels are finished with a clear, natural finish so the sapele grain really pops and the ribbons stand out."
Besides the distinctive ribbon pattern seen on quartersawn boards, sapele is also known for various other figured grain patterns, including pommele, quilted, mottled, wavy, beeswing and fiddleback.
In addition to the exotic species, there is a profusion of domestic wood applications in the Mitchell residence, including cedar shake roofing, cypress siding and decking and flat sawn sequence-matched paneled cabinetry. A screened-in porch features western red cedar walls and flooring made from thermally modified sweet gum.
The thermal modification treatment process involves heating the wood to 400 degrees to burn off sugar carbs previously locked in the wood. Once the sugar carbs are gone, the wood is no longer susceptible to decay or fungus. In addition, it turns a luscious rich chocolate color and becomes very stable. The process was used to treat the sweet gum wood of the porch and the exterior garage door of the Mitchell residence.
"The house has a very natural, rustic look and feel. It's just a wonderful, warm, comfortable place and a very cool place to call home," notes Mitchell.
Hal Mitchell / hardwoodweb.com
Frequently asked questions
What are the properties of Uruguayan red grandis wood?+
Uruguayan red grandis resembles mahogany in hardness, density and grain structure, and looks similar to cherry, mahogany or Spanish cedar when first sawn. It oxidizes over time to a rich dark red and offers good workability, stability, durability and decay resistance. It is plantation grown using FSC certified forestry practices and priced significantly less than mahogany or sapele.
How is sapele wood used in the Mitchell home?+
The foyer features a four-paneled accent wall of quarter-sawn, ribbon-striped sapele finished with a clear, natural finish to make the grain pop and the ribbons stand out. Mitchell considers it his favorite feature in the entire home.
What figured grain patterns is sapele known for?+
Besides the distinctive ribbon pattern seen on quartersawn boards, sapele is known for pommele, quilted, mottled, wavy, beeswing and fiddleback figured grain patterns.
How does the thermal modification process work for wood?+
The wood is heated to 400 degrees to burn off the sugar carbs locked inside, which makes it no longer susceptible to decay or fungus. The treatment also turns the wood a rich chocolate color and makes it very stable.
What domestic woods were used in the Mitchell residence?+
Domestic applications include cedar shake roofing, cypress siding and decking, and flat sawn sequence-matched paneled cabinetry. A screened-in porch features western red cedar walls and flooring made from thermally modified sweet gum.
Who is Hal Mitchell and what is his background in wood?+
Hal Mitchell holds a master's degree in Wood Sciences from Virginia Tech and serves as Vice President of sales at Atlanta Hardwood Corporation. His passion for wood began growing up on a family farm in Virginia, where he and his father sawed poplar for local farmers at their sawmill.