Why buy new when you can re-purpose something you already have?
After installing new windows these homeowners were left with the question of what to do with all of the old windows that were now sitting in a pile. Rather than throw them outs they decided to re-purpose the old windows using stock lumber materials. This simple outdoor coffee table was constructed using 1x4 Basswood for the skirt and Cypress posts (sawn and cut down) for the legs. With a bit of sanding and a fresh coat of paint this table will look as good as new!
Located in Oneonta, NY, The Custom Finish, specializes in fine professional carpentry. Owner Travis Marsh has a passion for restoring the original beauty of homes through custom creations that display quality finishes and creative details.
Custom Finish's capabilities range from older homes to new construction and business establishments. In addition to finish carpentry the company offers painting services, wall finishing and other general construction services. No project is too small!
Spring officially arrives in 4 days! Though this winter has been extremely mild we are all undoubtedly looking forward to nature's spring awakening.
In dreaming of the many activities we will share outdoors here are some ways in which wood structures may add to the enjoyment of the spring and summer seasons!
 Decks: One of the most popular outdoor wood structures, decks are synonymous with summertime relaxation. As these structures are typically responsible for supporting a heavy load it is important that they are designed and constructed correctly.
Arbors and Pergolas: These versatile wood structures may serve many purposes from providing shade to an outdoor seating area to serving as a trellis in a garden.
 Fences: A wood fence enhances the aesthetics of any property. Often used around gardens to keep out unwanted visitors, fences are also used to maintain privacy among neighbors or along busy streets.
We currently have a good amount of logs in our yard waiting to be processed through our sawmill. Though it has been a mild winter this year, the colder weather still affects machinery causing decreased performance and maintenance issues. Thankfully our expert mechanics have been able to address these problems and keep our equipment running at optimal levels. Recognizing our crews this week for their outstanding work!!
Here is a beautiful example of the many ways in which our square lumber materials may be used.
This reception desk was created by gluing together pieces of square white oak boards.
Here is some of our Rustic Cherry flooring waiting to be end-matched.
What exactly is end-matched flooring? End-matching refers to milling a tongue on one end and a groove on the opposite end of the individual planks of flooring so that when the planks are butted together, the tongue of one piece engages the groove of the next piece.
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Flooring piece coming through end-matcher.
Note the groove that has been milled on the
end of the board. |
Why end-match flooring if it alreaady fits together with a tongue and groove lenth-wise? Individual flooring boards expand and contract at different rates both in width and thickness. If the flooring boards are not end matched the changes in thickness could result in height differences in the flooring, making the boards vulnerable to chipping.
With end-matched boards, the height differences are greatly reduced.
We were recently introduced to this cool website by our marketing company, Vibrant Creative of Oneonta. Though we're new to Pinterest and its capabilities, it seems pretty neat - here's our link: https://pinterest.com/wightmanlumber/
We've started adding pins to boards with our various products on them - please check us out! This is a 'work in progress', so we'll be continuously updating with more content.
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| 28 Railroad Avenue |
Established in 1786 the village of Cooperstown, New York is rich in beauty and tradition. Far removed from centers of architectural innovation, Cooperstown is actually home to many significant residential, commercial and religious structures. One example stands at 28 Railroad Avenue.
Constructed in 1903 this building served residents of the area for decades as a feed mill, food and produce store. Its function during the 1940's and 50's remains a mystery, but in the 1960's an Agway retail store moved into the facility. For over 40 years Agway served the local community until the store chose to leave Railroad Avenue in 2008. The building laid vacant for nearly a year after Agway's departure until Mike Manno purchased the property.
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| Red Oak Wainscot and trim |
A preservationist at heart and resident of Cooperstown for decades, Mr. Manno feared the historic structure would be demolished. His goal was to restore the building and transform it into useable space.
G&S Construction and owner Steve Smith began renovations at the property in the winter of 2009. Throughout the project special care was taken to maintain the historical accuracy of the building while also making improvements that would preserve its longevity.
The original layout consisted of two buildings which have since been connected to create a tremendous open floor plan. The main building, which once served as the feed mill, now features new trusses and a barrel vaulted ceiling. Wainscot has been added to the ceiling and walls, and many of the building's historical elements have been preserved including an auger that once transported grain within the facility.
Extensive exterior renovations have also been completed. The siding has been replaced with custom novelty siding and new windows have been installed.
Mr. Manno has completed renovations and is now actively searching for an interested party to utilize the newly renovated space.
The revitalization of this historic property is truly inspiring; the next occupant is sure to have quite a story to tell.
What a welcome relief this January has been compared to last. Normally this time of year we're busy clearing snow in the yard, but this year we've been able to focus our time on keeping our production on track. Here are some happenings from around our operation.
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| Sawmill: We were sawing Red Oak last week - had some big logs come in, largest measured at 24"! |
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| 4/4 Hard Maple loading into drying kilns |
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Maple set in drying kilns ready to be processed; we dry all hardwoods 6-8% moisture content.
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Rustic Cherry flooring ready to be end-matched
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| Rustic Cherry flooring processing through end-matcher; note the tongue and groove on the end of the board. |
This coming Saturday, November 26th, 2011 is the second annual Small Business Saturday.
The purpose of Small Business Saturday is to support the small businesses within the thousands of communities across our country on a day when many people begin their holiday shopping at large malls and big box retailers. Truly the backbone of our economy, small businesses are the entrepreneurs and families in your town who offer unique items that larger chains often do not carry. It is in small business establishments where you find friendly, knowledgeable staff offering quality customer service.
By shopping at the small businesses in your community this holiday season you are supporting your neighbors and helping to keep the people of your community employed.
Please consider supporting your local small businesses and help fuel your local economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge!
 First established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 the important purpose of Veterans Day is "A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good." We commend and deeply thank all members of our Armed Forces who have and continue to proudly serve our country. We also think about the meaning behind this holiday and the acts of heroism performed by ordinary individuals each day.
Consider the thousands of men and women across the country that routinely volunteer their time to help others: those who cook in soup kitchens, organize clothing drives and food banks, make hats and blankets for local hospitals, volunteer in nursing homes, and perform countless other acts all in the name of helping fellow citizens. These are the everyday heroes of our communities.
 There are also those heroes, like the current owners of Faribault Woolen Mills, who provide new opportunities for their local community. Founded in 1865 this small Minnesota company became a household name with their wool blankets that warmed families, airplane passengers and even soldiers in World War I. However, in 2009 the company went bankrupt due to poor management and a weak economy. For 2 years the factory remained untouched until two cousins from the town of just 23,000 people took a chance and purchased the mill. Both retired, neither Chuck nor Paul Mooty invested in the company for financial gain, rather they wanted to bring opportunities back to the area. Fairbault WoolenMills now employes 35 people, most of them former employees, and expects to have 50 by the end of 2011. ( Click here to read the full story)
Take the opportunity this Veterans Day to celebrate and honor all the heroes in your life and consider following in their footsteps.
18 years ago we hosted an Open House offering people to tour our facility to learn more about how our wood products are made. That was back in 1993. 18 years later our small Open House has blossomed into a wonderful Fall Festival. The main event of the day is still the tours through our plant, however we have added many activities to make the day a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Seminars: With countless topics on wood to choose from, we have chosen this year to focus on the forests. Mike Zagata, President and CEO of The Ruffed Grouse Society and former DEC Commissioner will discuss "Forests and Wildlife - Debunking the Myths".
Demonstrations: A picture or demonstration is worth a thousand words. If you're interested in woodworking, Dan West of West WoodWorks will be demonstrating how to turn wood on a lathe. Dan is an extremely talented woodworker and teacher.
Kid's Activity: Children of all ages become little builders. This year our featured activity is building an abacus.
Live Music: What would a festival be without music? Doug Decker and Willy Wood of Just Throw Money will entertain with an eclectic mix of popular music.
Refreshments: Coffee, tea, donuts, hot dogs and more will all be sold throughout the day to benefit Habitat for Humanity.
Please stop in and join us!
We wanted to share with you some of the exciting things we have going on and coming up at Wightmans.
Save 15% off all Rustic Cherry Flooring during our End of Summer Sale through September 30th.
Our Open House is fast approaching. Stop in on Saturday October 8th from 9:00am - 3:00pm for mill tours, woodworking sales, demonstrations, seminars, kid's activities, food and music - a great way to spend a fall weekend!
Finally, we are hard at work on our new catalog set to debut at our Open House - stay tuned!
We are excited to share with you that we are currently in the process of designing a new catalog!
Available for the first time at our Open House on October 8th, the catalog will include brand new photographs of projects completed over the last 2 years using our wood materials. Also featured will be some of our new products including Stair Treads and Custom Joined.
Many thanks go to our talented photographer, Richard Walker of Richard Walker Photography.  Richard is an amazing photographer right here in Cooperstown. Known for his still-life compositions of products, antiques, and sports memorabilia, Richard's work has been featured in highly regarded media such as the Smithsonian Magazine, Architectural Digest, the New York Times, and many more.
Last days to save 15% off all Hard Maple flooring.
This creamy white, smooth grain patterned wood has excellent shock resistance, making it a great choice for any area of the home. (Fun fact: Maple is the premier choice of flooring for basketball courts).
Sale ends August 15th.
 Check out Frugal Farmhouse Design's completed kitchen project using our Pine flooring! "Early American" stain by Minwax was used in this beach cottage renovation. This really illustrates the beauty and versatility of Pine.
 Our Annual Open House will take place Saturday October 8, 2011. Over the last 17 years this event has grown to become one of the areas great fall activities, brining both local and out of town guests to enjoy a day of entertainment and learning.  The featured activity is of course the tours through our manufacturing plant. We take you through the entire process of how we make our products - from raw log materials all the way to the finished floorings, sidings and many other wood products that we make. For those interested in woodworking, this year the talented woodworkers throughout our area  will have select pieces available for sale and also on display. Various talks and demonstrations relating to woodworking and forest management will take place throughout the day. Mary Peterson of Amazable Science Adventures leads children through the construction of unique pieces, food is sold to support Habitat for Humanity and live music by Just Throw Money is enjoyed throughout the day. We welcome you to enjoy a nice fall day with us and learn about wood products  made right here in central New York State!
 Cypress is a great wood specie for use in exterior projects due to the presence of natural enzymes within the wood that make it resistant to decay and insect attack. Native to the southern coastal region of the United States, Cypress has been used for centuries as decking, covered porch flooring, siding, fencing, and outdoor structures. The wood will age to a silvery greyish color if left untreated, or it may be finished to maintain its original coloring.
 Have your home looking great by fall! Take advantage of our summer flooring sale: 15% off all Hard Maple flooring now through August 15th. Hard Maple is a beautiful hardwood. Creamy white in color, it is one of the strongest hardwoods famous for its use on basketball courts and sporting equipment.
Our Annual Open House will take place Saturday October 8, 2011!
From http://www.americanmadematters.com/ : "Over 5.5 million manufacturing jobs have been lost in the US in the last decade. This has a “rippling effect” of four to five other jobs lost. That means, in total, there have been some 30 million jobs lost. In the last six years, over six million jobs have been outsourced. Many American factories have closed their doors and laid off their workers because they could not compete with lower cost producers. Many others have moved jobs  offshore to survive and compete with lower-priced foreign made alternatives. Some have downsized to cut costs and survive in the face of reduced orders. Today, American workers have to fight to keep their jobs. Only about 11 million people still make things in the US which is the lowest since 1941. American producers cannot compete on price but we can still compete on quality, safety, service, durability and speed to market. American workers and companies recycle money back into our economy. Please help to keep our jobs here in American by supporting American made products and companies."
 Final week to save 15% on all Ash flooring!Ash is a wonderful wood native to New York State. Famous for its use in baseball bats and other sporting equipment Ash is a very hard, strong wood ideal for high traffic areas of the home. It has an open grain pattern with distinctive white to gray/brown coloring and accepts stain well.
 Clapboard siding, also known as bevel or lap siding, is a horizontal siding material in which 1 edge is thicker than the other. The boards are placed on the exterior of a home such that each board overlaps the next. Popular throughout the northeastern region, Clapboard siding is made in different widths to appeal to different style preferences.
 Basswood is an excellent hardwood specie for use in carving. The 'softness' of this hardwood makes it very easy to carve both with and across the grain. Basswood contains hardly any grain pattern and is almost white in color. It has enough structural integrity to allow for intricate designs and is very dimensionally stable so it holds its shape well. Check out local artist Stephanie Rocknak's use of Basswood in her amazing carvings!
 Do you have plans to build a deck this summer? If so you know that it is a complicated project. Constructing a deck involves load calculations, precise measuring, pouring concrete footers and much more. A deck is, after all, a structure that will hold the weight of your family, guests, furniture and anything else you choose to put on your deck. You want this structure to be safe. For your safety be sure to consult or hire a professional with extensive construction knowledge so your deck is built correctly. Here are some tips on deck safety.
 Eastern Hemlock is an excellent wood material for outdoor use. Here in central New York Hemlock trees are abundant and the wood is widely used for many different types of exterior applications: siding, fencing, arbors, pergolas and many more. Here rough Hemlock beams create the structure for these distinctive porches.
will be stained and placed against white trim of house! 
 Featured in galleries throughout New York and art fairs in Europe, Jeremy is taking Wightman wood to another level! Check out his work at: http://www.holmesarts.com/
How are you planning to honor Mom this weekend? A wam wish for a very happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms!!
Still 2 more weeks left to save 15% off Red Oak Flooring for your home!! Have a great weekend - weather is suppose to be fantastic, hooray for spring!!!
 Tony Musso continues to lead the way in green design. Check out Part 3 of his project - water conservation, recycled steel framework and green panel system!
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Now through June 30th save 15% off all Ash Flooring!
