Venice Veneer 4530

Material Fails

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How to Make the Right Material Choice

There’s a pressing need for more material education and to make connections between trade and design programs. Without understanding the design properties, durability, and costs of architectural materials, it’s easy to find yourself in a specification nightmare.

The good news is that all wood-based products have a unique sustainability story and play a part in long-term carbon storage when they are placed in the right settings. Visit our Material Guides section to find “Materials 101” details for a variety of surfaces and substrates.

We also have detailed case studies for Multifamily and Healthcare, where you can hear directly from thought leaders in design and manufacturing whose reputations are built on making—and offering—great choices.

Have a question about a specific material? Just ask!

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Article by Kenn Busch

Madison-based Kenn Busch is a journalist and the founder of Material Intelligence, a sustainability subject matter expert, and the founder of ClimatePositiveNOW.org. He is dedicated to bridging the knowledge gap between materials and sustainability for furniture and interior architecture.

More about Kenn »

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