We talk a lot about initial color. Too much, I think. When working with architects and homeowners, we try to help them consider longterm color as much as initial color. Wood fades and changes over time, and it’s at least as important to think about how the project will look down the line as it is to consider the color on day one.

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There’s More Than Meets The Eye With Tropical Hardwoods. As a lifelong lumberman, I’m accustomed to a world of relative certainty: grades are well defined, producers play by an accepted set of rules, and you can reasonably expect to receive a product that matches what you think you bought, at the price you paid. (more…)

The world has gone mad. It wasn’t long ago that selling any Russin product for above $10,000 per thousand board feet was laughable – we take orders at that pricing every day. Demand is outstripping supply on nearly every product we offer. Ocean freight costs are through the roof. 

We frequently get inquiries from customers requesting all long-length boards. Sometimes we can do this, but in some products, it can be more challenging and we may push back. Why do we do this? Is it just because we’re mean? (more…)

Every Summit Rainscreen Systems product is custom-oiled by Russin Factory Finishing. With semi transparent stains, clear coats, and opaque finishing options- we coat dozens of other wood cladding products at Russin, too. But why is this a necessary step? (more…)

The word “rainscreen” has become a buzzword in the building materials industry. However, there are some misconceptions surrounding what a rainscreen system actually is, what it does, and why it’s so critical in a cladding installation.  Simply put, a rainscreen is a gap of air between cladding and the structure of the building. People often believe that the cladding itself can be a rainscreen system, but this is not the case – it’s the integration of the cladding with the air gap that creates the rainscreen. (more…)

Many homeowners purchase cladding just once in their lives. For architects, it’s one major decision among dozens of major decisions leading up to each project. The choices are confusing, the noise in the market is mind-numbing, and only one thing is certain: it’s a significant decision, and it needs to be right. This is where Summit comes in. We’ve seen first-hand how the species and coating options can cause choice paralysis. We understand that the best way to ensure a long-lasting cladding façade is to build a rainscreen and to protect the wood on four sides with oil. We wanted to create a customizable exterior cladding system so that we can guide you to the product that will work best for you. We’re wood people, after all.  (more…)