Press Room

(January 07, 2021) FARMINGTON, NY and PORTLAND, OR––Pioneer Millworks, a leader in the reclaimed and sustainable wood industry, announced an expansion of their popular Shou Sugi Ban product lineup with over 50 new offerings for both exterior siding and interior cladding applications. From sustainably harvested Larch, Cedar, Douglas fir and reclaimed Oak, to thermally modified Accoya wood with its 50-year warranty, the new product offerings will provide even more options for those looking to enhance their design with the allure of charred wood and weatherproof materials.

Deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, Shou Sugi Ban is well known in the design and DIY communities. For centuries craftsman and woodworkers have been taught that “Yakisugi” or burnt wood siding was only possible using Cypress or Cedar. Pioneer Millworks sought to move beyond the stereotypical norms and invest in more sustainable and longer lasting options with their Traditionally Inspired, American Made™ approach to the Shou Sugi Ban product offerings.

“After 30 years working with wood and travels across ocean in search of the perfect “burn,” I realized that anyone with the species options we have here in North America would be making a blind mistake not to use them. I love tradition, and I love having the best wood options available to us right here.” – Pioneer Millworks founder Jonathan Orpin.

The new offerings in the Shou Sugi Ban product line will feature deeply charred textures and “alligator like” scaling, with a deep black, iridescent color palette that will cool and weather over time when exposed to the elements. Brushed finish options in styles like Carbon and Toasted, that remove the outer layer of char to reveal and expose the natural grains and fissures of the wood. Cool, natural tones in Undressed, Smoke and White, and customizable color options like Ember and Cobalt to make statement on any project or in any room. 

Creating responsibly sourced and sustainable product options for the client is part of the Pioneer Millworks DNA. This expansion of their Shou Sugi Ban product offerings will create even more ways to work with designers, builders, and those looking to remodel, for both exterior siding or interior design applications. Contact them directly for further information and details.

About Pioneer Millworks: 
For over 30 years Pioneer Millworks has been a leader in the reclaimed and sustainable materials industry. As an employee-owned, JUST, and planet-focused company, offering FSC®-Certified, Cradle-to-Cradle, Declare, and UL GREENGAURD Gold wood flooring, paneling, and siding that is crafted here in America, Numerous species, grades, textures, and color options for architects, designers, builders, and homeowners are available. Options that are easy for builders to install; options that have a story that homeowners and end-users can connect with; options that are good for our people and our planet.

(October 30, 2018) Farmington, NY—Pioneer Millworks, a leader in the reclaimed and sustainable wood industry, will share the latest trend drivers at the annual BDNY, a Boutique Design trade fair at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC November 11 and 12, 2018. The show brings 8,000+ interior designers, architects, purchasing agents and owners/developers together with more than 750 manufacturers and marketers of exceptional design elements for hospitality interiors. The Pioneer Millworks offerings include dramatic textures and patterns on a vast array of reclaimed wood species.

“When designers think about reclaimed wood we want them to think beyond rustic barn siding to color, a wealth of texture, and thoughtful sophistication,” said Jered Slusser, reclaimed wood expert at Pioneer Millworks. “Our reclaimed wood is prized for its history, character, tight grain patterns, and deep patina. We’re further celebrating those attributes with custom textures and unique patterns.”

With hundreds of species, grades, and finish combinations, Pioneer Millworks continually searches for exceptional surfaces and variety of reclaimed and sustainable wood to add to their offerings. The newest textures are paving the way for reclaimed wood as more than just barn wood.

The team will share custom Raked and Saw Kissed textures, both of which can be applied to a majority of their reclaimed wood products. Additionally, their Indonesian Teak Ready-Made Panels, in Versailles Pattern will be on display. Furthering the trend for charred wood, they’re combining color with charring in their Shou Sugi Ban grade. “The really cool part is these finishes celebrate the signs of previous life inherent in reclaimed wood while bringing new visual and textural experiences,” continued Slusser.    

BDNY will take place at the Jacob Javits Convent Center in NYC with the Fair running from 10am-5pm on November 11th and 12th. Pioneer Millworks will be located at booth #253.

For 30 years Pioneer Millworks has been developing creative reclaimed and sustainable wood flooring, paneling, siding, furniture, doors, fixtures, and more. To date they’ve salvaged over 29 million board feet of wood from rot and landfills, giving it new life. Numerous species, grades, textures, and color options for architects, builders, designers, and homeowners; options that are easy for builders to install; options that have a story which homeowners and end-users can connect with; options that are good for the people & the planet. Pioneer Millworks is FSC®-certified and Green America approved. All of their products are LEED point eligible.

(October 26, 2018) Farmington, NY—Pioneer Millworks will share their reclaimed and sustainable wood products in Chicago, November 14-16 at the 2018 Greenbuild Expo, the premier sustainable building event for innovative products and services for the built environment. They’ll join more than 750 suppliers and top manufacturers of the latest green building equipment, products, services and technology available in today’s market.

“We’re excited to connect with designers, architects, builders, and homeowners, new and known. Folks who join us in the drive for sustainable, ethically sourced, and made in USA products,” explains Jered Slusser, Northeast Sales Market Manager for Pioneer Millworks. “We’ll share the latest in our custom wood products including the newest finishes and textures such as Shou Sugi Ban Color Char and Raked.”

Reclaimed and sustainably harvested wood, solid and engineered, is crafted by Pioneer Millworks in their New York and Oregon mills. Their products are LEED point eligible, FSC®-Certified, and many are part of mindful MATERIALS open-source data platform. The company operates on the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet, and Profit. “We have a 400-panel solar array, we use our wood scraps to heat our facility in clean-burning boilers, our sawdust is collected for wood pellet use, our engineered products and finishing options are VOC free,” shared Slusser. “Plus, we’re looking to become an ESOP company in the near future.”

Architects, designers, and homeowners are invited to stop by the Pioneer Millworks booth (#737) in the Wood Pavilion to learn more from the company’s sales and market specialists. Greenbuild will take place at McCormick Place in Chicago with the Expo running from 10am-6pm on November 14-16.

For nearly 30 years Pioneer Millworks has been developing creative reclaimed and sustainable wood flooring, paneling, siding, furniture, doors, fixtures, and more. To date they’ve salvaged over 29 million board feet of wood from rot and landfills, giving it new life. Numerous species, grades, textures, and color options for architects, builders, designers, and homeowners; options that are easy for builders to install; options that have a story which homeowners and end-users can connect with; options that are good for the people & the planet. Pioneer Millworks is FSC®-certified and Green America approved. All of their products are LEED point eligible.

(August 9, 2018) PORTLAND, OR—Pioneer Millworks is sponsoring Lovett Deconstruction’s 2nd Annual “Dropbox Derby,” this Labor Day, September 3, 2018, from 10am - 6pm. The design-build competition will take place at the Eastbank Esplanade (between SE Salmon and Madison) in Portland, OR. Each year, 24 hours in advance of the competition, the year’s theme is announced to teams including a list of salvaged materials the teams will be tasked with using in their designs. An array of food and festivities will occur as the audience watches the teams in action and bids on the final creations in a silent auction.

“We’re very excited that the proceeds from this year’s auction will go to the Oregon Tradeswomen Inc (OTI), an organization dedicated to women in the trades,” said Stephen Reichard of Lovett Deconstruction. “The Dropbox Derby celebrates sustainability and design in a friendly, fun and quintessentially Portland atmosphere.”

Over 20 teams of artists, makers, builders, contractors, and designers are challenged to design and build a project based on the year’s theme using salvaged building materials. They have just 4 hours to complete their projects. The teams will be awarded trophies for outstanding design and use of materials, with winners selected by a distinguished panel of judges.

Pioneer Millworks is a leader in the reclaimed and sustainable wood industry and will be showcasing their products at the Derby expo along with their sister company, New Energy Works. “At Pioneer Millworks we live by the re-use of materials and believe in the importance of community. We’re looking forward to experiencing the Derby and its creations,” shared Jonathan Orpin, Founder of Pioneer Millworks. “This is a great opportunity for makers and other community members to come together for a bit of fun, learning, creativity, and to support local businesses as well as women in the trades.”

The event will feature live music including Los Palmeros, Ukeladies, and The Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers. Food will be provided by Spicy Spoon, Aybla Mediterranean Grill and 50 Licks Ice Cream. Beverages will be provided by Cider Riot, StormBreaker Brewing and Portland Roasting Coffee. In addition to the primary sponsor, Pioneer Millworks, sponsors include the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Heiberg Garbage and Recycling and Salvage Works. 

• 10:00 a.m. – Competition begins
• 2:00 p.m. – Competition ends/Judging begins
• 3:00 p.m. – Judging ends/awards given/auction begins
• 4:30 p.m. – Auction ends
• 6:00 p.m. – Event ends

About Pioneer Millworks: For 30 years Pioneer Millworks has been inspired by all of you to develop creative reclaimed and sustainable wood flooring, paneling, and siding. Numerous species, grades, textures, and color options for architects, designers, builders, and homeowners. Options that are easy for builders to install; options that have a story which homeowners and end-users can connect with; options that are good for our people and our planet.

About Lovett Deconstruction: For 14 years Lovett Deconstruction has been working in the greater Portland area offering an alternative to mechanical demolition, ensuring that quality building materials can be reused, repurposed, or recycled. Known as the first phase in sustainable remodeling of everything from small surgical remodels to full structure takedowns, Lovett Deconstruction aims to set the industry standard for service that is friendly, clean, thorough, and professional every time.

About Oregon Tradeswomen: Oregon Tradeswomen is a nonprofit founded on the principles that women deserve, and can attain, economic self-sufficiency through pursuing careers in the building, mechanical, electrical, and utility trades while helping and encouraging the trades industry build up a diverse workforce.

(MAY 21, 2018) PORTLAND, OR—The Hospitality! resource and showroom space within The REEF/LA Mart in downtown Los Angeles, California is displaying a variety of samples of reclaimed and sustainable wood products from Pioneer Millworks. This is the place in LA to see and feel the wood, available to trade and professionals five days a week and also open to the public on Wednesdays or by appointment. 

“A few years ago, I recognized as a designer the lack of resource showrooms to trade and the value they could bring to our design community. To fill this void, the Hospitality! showroom came about as a place to be introduced to, explore, and learn about new products—a location to grow professionally! We are delighted to welcome Pioneer Millworks to our dynamic list of vendors and manufacturers and look forward to the endless possibilities that the introduction of their phenomenal products will bring to our industry of design,” said Annika Sandberg, Principal/CEO Hospitality! 

Pioneer Millworks has a 30-year reputation of providing creative and consistent wood product solutions across the nation for retail, office, hospitality, and residential spaces. The new display in LA provides an easily accessible way to experience many of their products in person, to better understand tones, textures, and customization possibilities with their storied wood. 

“Wow, I feel like the luckiest guy! We now have great partners in Annika and her coworker Christian, and a perfect location in the thriving LA downtown corridor,” shared Jonathan Orpin, Founder/President of Pioneer Millworks.

Hospitality! is a downtown LA-based interior architecture and interior design firm, with a state-of-the-art resource showroom which has access to products and surfaces suitable for both, hospitality and commercial, as well as residential installations.

(March 29, 2018) FARMINGTON, NY—Pioneer Millworks celebrates Pantone® Color of the Year 2018 by introducing purple reclaimed wood to their collection. The Ultra Violet color is the newest offering in their Thoughtful Sophistication™ collection, which continues to break reclaimed and sustainable wood out of its stereotypical 'barn wood' category. This inspiring color joins the collection of modern and fashion-forward tones and textures.    

"Architects, designers, and builders need freedom to innovate. By pushing the boundaries of reclaimed wood and taking it beyond the barn with modern colors and textures, the palette opens up for this traditional material," said Jennifer Young, General Manager of Pioneer Millworks. 

Pantone® defines their color of the year as: 'Inventive and imaginative, Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come'. Pioneer Millworks has incorporated the influential and inspiring color in an opaque application and a specialized gradation over wire brushed texture, allowing colors to blend and customization to be endless. 

Explains Young: "Designers should be able to dream big and get a quality custom product to bring ideas to life. We're pushing the envelope to include adventurous colors, opaque or translucent, solid or settled in the cracks and crevasses-giving designers the reclaimed wood of wild dreams."

With an experienced in-house design team and solutions-based customer service focus, Pioneer Millworks is bringing classic grades, such as their rugged Settlers' Plank and smooth American Gothic to the design forefront with new milling profiles, textures, sheens, and colors in Thoughtful Sophistication. Options are available in solid paneling, engineered paneling, solid flooring, engineered flooring, board stock, treads, thresholds, and fixtures-all with eco-loving and LEED benefits. New finishes include: Ultra Violet, Sage, Caliente, and Oceanside.

(March 21, 2018) PORTLAND, OR—Pioneer Millworks has reclaimed decommissioned court flooring previously used by the Portland Trail Blazers and Portland Fire. The hard maple flooring has original paint in colorful line patterns, typography, and other imagery. 

Elise Payne, design expert at Pioneer Millworks explains, "The hard maple used in gymnasium court floors is remarkably durable and has plenty of life left in it even after being salvaged from the Moda Center and Coliseum. The decommissioned maple flooring is attached to plywood, so we're selling it in 4'x8′ sheets or cut-to-size." The company notes that while quantities of the Blazers flooring are limited, other court flooring and bleachers are available. 

As athletic facilities age and school designs are updated, many choose to replace their gymnasium or court flooring (and bleachers too). "In this case, the original finish of the flooring, complete with painted lines, typography, and markings has been left intact to create a very unique appearance which varies from slab to slab," continued Payne. "If the desire is for a clean look though, we have other salvaged floors where the old finish can be carefully milled off revealing the bright, clear tone of the Maple." 

Pioneer Millworks often sources from dilapidated factories and agricultural buildings. The prospect of reclaiming from sports facilities was an exciting opportunity. They have reclaimed hard maple gymnasium and court flooring plus bleacher boards in a mixture of Pine, Fir, and even Mahogany from various locations. The company's Sports Collection inventory celebrates original surfaces and athletic markings in a variety of paint colors - green, yellow, red, grey, black, and blue - which can create a random and playful reminder of the wood's source.

(January 26, 2018) FARMINGTON, NY—Pioneer Millworks introduces Sustainably Harvested, a sleeker more modern wood line of products including flooring and paneling, sourced and manufactured in an eco and socially responsible way. Available in a variety of species, the Sustainably Harvested products are being offered in high grades with a more uniform appearance than their reclaimed wood counterparts. 

“While reclaimed wood will always have our hearts, we understand that sometimes designers, architects, builders, and homeowners are in the market for something with a smoother complexion and less character,” said Jered Slusser, Wood Design Expert at Pioneer Millworks. “Sustainably Harvested fits those needs and can be a more affordable option.” 

With less tonal variation and fewer knots, these fresh sawn products offer a cleaner, more homogeneous look. “The consistency of our freshly harvested species pair great with our various eco-friendly finishes,” continued Slusser. “From colors to textures such as Shou Sugi Ban and Raked, Sustainably Harvested is easy to get creative with.” 

Sourcing Sustainably Harvested wood flooring and paneling is consistent with the company’s ethos including options from FSC®-certified forests as well as from incidental harvest species, standing dead, and small well-managed family forests. “We’ve long been FSC® chain of custody certified. The additional sources allow us access to a greater selection of species from reputable, sustainable advocates,” said Slusser.

Sustainably Harvested wood options include Ash, Hickory, Walnut, Maple, Oak, Indonesian Teak, and Larch – with other species being introduced throughout 2018. As a standard, the line is offered in solid and engineered wood products in a 5 ½” face width. Customization can include a variety of alternate widths, pre-finish colors, textures, and mill profiles. Full fabrication for fixtures, build-outs, furniture, and more is also offered by the company.