FSC-CERTIFIED HARDWOOD FRAMES
Many manufacturers use fake or imitation woods like plywood or particleboard to construct their frames. These are often made with formaldehyde-based glues, a carcinogen which can off-gas and also cause allergic reactions.
For all our frames, our standard is kiln-dried Phytosanitary certified and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified solid beech hardwood from the Pacific Northwest.
By drying wood in a kiln, most of the moisture in the wood is removed, which prevents warping and bowing. Hardwood, with a higher density than softwood, has better fire resistance, and is harder, stronger, and more durable than softwood
By choosing FSC certified wood, we also ensure that wood comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
For more about our choice to use FSC-certified hardwoods, read our blog here.
MORE ABOUT THE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
Over the past 20 years, FSC has earned a reputation as the most rigorous, credible forest certification system. FSC's forest management standards expand protection of water quality, prohibit harvest of rare old-growth forest, prevent loss of natural forest cover and prohibit highly hazardous chemicals, which are all unique aspects of the system. FSC requires forest managers on both public and private lands to engage local community members and to protect customary rights of indigenous people.
FSC requires the results of certification audits to be released to the public, even on private lands, which makes FSC unique among forest certifications.
Green building standards, including the US Green Building Council's LEED program, provide incentives for using FSC certified materials.