Monthly Archives: February 2011

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

Wood-Mode Cares About…
RESPONSIBLY MANAGED
FORESTRY RESOURCES
The lumber which yields the solid Appalachian Hardwood
used for Wood-Mode Cabinetry is harvested primarily from
the northeast United States and Canada. In this region,
hardwood stocks are growing twice as fast as they are being
harvested, and forest lands are increasing in size each year.
According to the Department of Agriculture, hardwood
stocks in the United States have increased more than 98%
between 1953 and 2002.
Hardwood lumber is a valuable economic resource. It would
cease being valuable if it was not periodically harvested, as
the land would be converted to other uses.
The harvesting of mature trees results in additional light,
water and nutrients for smaller trees, allowing them to grow
more quickly. It also encourages low-level plant growth,
providing food and cover for forest animals.
Since a hardwood forest is harvested only once every ten to
twenty years, disturbances to the ecosystem are kept to a
minimum.
By purchasing locally and regionally grown lumber from
vendors dedicated to responsible forestry management,
Wood-Mode insures the continued economic viability of
our precious hardwood resource.
For more than sixty-five years since its founding, Wood-Mode
has maintained a firm commitment to sound environmentallyprotective
policies and practices in the manufacture of its custom
cabinet products.
The company has taken pride in producing the industry’s highest
quality cabinetry in a manner that demonstrates its genuine
concern and care for the environment.
Wood-Mode Cares About…
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Wood-Mode has been certified by the Kitchen Cabinet
Manufacturers Association (KCMA) as meeting the standards
for its “Environmental Stewardship Program” (ESP).
This program was created to recognize industry manufacturers
who use environmentally friendly materials and production
processes. To qualify for and maintain certification,
manufacturers are evaluated annually on compliance in five
categories, including air quality, product resource management,
process resource management, environmental
stewardship and community relations, as well as energy
conservation and recycling programs.
Environmental Bochure:Layout 1 2/10/08 9:39 PM Page 2

Wood-Mode Cares About…RESPONSIBLY MANAGEDFORESTRY RESOURCESThe lumber which yields the solid Appalachian Hardwoodused for Wood-Mode Cabinetry is harvested primarily fromthe northeast United States and Canada. In this region,hardwood stocks are growing twice as fast as they are beingharvested, and forest lands are increasing in size each year.According to the Department of Agriculture, hardwoodstocks in the United States have increased more than 98%between 1953 and 2002.Hardwood lumber is a valuable economic resource. It wouldcease being valuable if it was not periodically harvested, asthe land would be converted to other uses.The harvesting of mature trees results in additional light,water and nutrients for smaller trees, allowing them to growmore quickly. It also encourages low-level plant growth,providing food and cover for forest animals.Since a hardwood forest is harvested only once every ten totwenty years, disturbances to the ecosystem are kept to aminimum.By purchasing locally and regionally grown lumber fromvendors dedicated to responsible forestry management,Wood-Mode insures the continued economic viability ofour precious hardwood resource.For more than sixty-five years since its founding, Wood-Modehas maintained a firm commitment to sound environmentallyprotectivepolicies and practices in the manufacture of its customcabinet products.The company has taken pride in producing the industry’s highestquality cabinetry in a manner that demonstrates its genuineconcern and care for the environment.Wood-Mode Cares About…ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITYWood-Mode has been certified by the Kitchen CabinetManufacturers Association (KCMA) as meeting the standardsfor its “Environmental Stewardship Program” (ESP).This program was created to recognize industry manufacturerswho use environmentally friendly materials and productionprocesses. To qualify for and maintain certification,manufacturers are evaluated annually on compliance in fivecategories, including air quality, product resource management,process resource management, environmentalstewardship and community relations, as well as energyconservation and recycling programs.

Wood-Mode Cares About…

AIR POLLUTION CONTROL

As far back as 1989, Wood-Mode installed and began its Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) for the destruction of emissions generated in the cabinetry finishing process.

Operating at a combustion chamber temperature of 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit, the RTO destroys 99.4% of captured Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). In addition, under optimal

conditions, the RTO operates in a self-sustaining mode and does not need any fuel (natural gas) input, a significant savings in energy.

Wood-Mode Cares About…

PROTECTING AND CONSERVING

OURWATER RESOURCE

Wood-Mode complies with all local and state regulations for the discharge of any waste water, as regulated by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System and the

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Steam condensate is recovered and re-circulated back to the boiler systems to reduce the amount of un-treated water

necessary to produce more steam.

Wood-Mode Cares About…

PROTECTING OUR LANDTHROUGH

EFFICIENTWASTE MANAGEMENT

Sawdust and wood scrap are ground into particles which are then used as fuel to heat the factory and provide steam to operate the dry kilns, as well as heat, air condition and humidify the Wood-Mode office and factory. Particle collectors remove wood fly ash from any air emissions. Scrap recycling also eliminates having to deposit wood waste into landfills and reduces Wood-Mode’s reliance on domestic or foreign fossil fuels to operate the boilers. This self-produced fuel, recycled from scrap, is a renewable natural resource, and the most environmentally responsible fuel possible.

As part of its community outreach efforts, Wood-Mode donates excess sawdust to local dairy and poultry farmers for use as bedding material.

REDUCING, RE-USING, AND RECYCLING VALUABLE RESOURCES

Every Wood-Mode employee considers every raw material as a valuable asset until it is 100% utilized, and is encouraged to take an active lead in finding ways to improve our environmentally protective policies and practices. These include such steps as using recycled product packaging materials, wrapping paper and packing foam, re-using in-coming packaging fill for out-going shipments, monitoring water consumption for maximum conservation, installing energy-efficient light fixtures and high-pressure humidification equipment to reduce compressed air and electricity usage. To increase the efficiency of its hardwood lumber utilization, Wood-Mode recently installed a state of- the-art Rough Mill to insure that each board processed can be utilized to the maximum extent possible.

Wood-Mode’s longstanding history of investing in the equipment and technology necessary to produce the finest custom cabinetry in the industry has been accomplished with a deep commitment to minimizing any harmful environmental impact from its manufacturing processes. Few, if any, other cabinet companies have been as consistently caring for the environment as has been Wood-Mode. Our pledge to our customers is to strengthen that commitment and to continuously strive to meet the following goals:

To promote the protection and sustainability of forests and other natural resources through our suppliers.

To pursue the inclusion of environmentally-friendly products and materials into our manufacturing processes whenever feasible.

To protect air quality by complying with all environmental permits and regulations.

To employ energy-efficient technologies in our manufacturing processes wherever practical.

To promote our environmental policies and practices to our employees and the public.

When you choose Wood-Mode and Brookhaven Cabinetry products, you’re getting not only beautiful, long-lasting cabinetry, but also the peace of mind that they were built with the environment in mind.

Wood-Mode – Care & Use Instructions

Humidity Control is Important with Wood Products
The wood products in Wood-Mode and Brookhaven cabinets, based on fine furniture industry standards, are conditioned to 5%-8% moisture content at the factory. The wood working industry recommends that room environments in the comfort zone of
70 F be maintained at a relative humidity range of 25%-55% for wood products.
As the relative humidity in a room increases wood will gain moisture and expand. Wood loses moisture and contracts as relative humidity goes down in a home environment. This natural expansion and contraction of hardwoods can at times become visible at the joints of doors and frame components. Finish stress lines at joints are more visible on painted finishes. This natural characteristic of wood can be expected in a normal home conditioned through out the year between the 25-55% relative humidity range and is not considered a defect.
The more a home’s relative humidity is allowed to exceed 55% the more its wood products will expand to the point of wood failure at extreme moisture levels. Wood failure possibilities include splits, cracks and wood joint expansion and separation. Inset door expansion becomes noticeable with high humidity conditions. If significant expansion occurs, the doors will rub against the cabinet frame as they are opened and closed. Low relative humidity environments can cause wood to shrink and create cracks and related noticeable characteristics. Moisture content expansion and contraction of wood is a natural occurrence and is not a defect and therefore is not warranted. Moisture related problems can be minimized by maintaining relative humidity in the 25%-55% range for the home’s comfort zone of 70 F.
Sunlight’s Effect on Wood & Wood Finishes
Wood and wood finishes tend to gradually mellow when exposed to light. Excessive direct sunlight can have a more dramatic effect.
Wear and Tear Around Knobs and Handles
Frequent use of cabinet doors and drawers can cause wear around knobs and handles. Chemicals from our skin can break down the finish over time around knobs and handles. Repetitive fingernail and ring impact will damage the finish over time. This is normal “wear & tear” and is not considered a finish defect. Using the care and cleaning instructions outlined below on a routine basis will help to minimize finish wear and will help keep the cabinet finish beautiful.
CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION!!
DO NOT use abrasive cleansers or pads on cabinet surfaces! They can cause scratches. On laminate cabinetry, scratches may be irreparable!
Keep cabinet surfaces dry and free from standing liquids.
STAINED FINISHES:
Use a soft cloth and a mild soapy water solution to remove the dirt & grease. Rinse immediately with a clean cloth and dry with a clean soft cloth, using light pressure. Avoid vigorous rubbing, as this tends to raise glossy spots, marring the original effect.
Never use strong soaps, detergents or liquid wax cleaners with dirt cutting agents on wood finishes.
If the need arises, wax with a quality paste wax. Try the wax on the back of a door first to be sure you are pleased with the outcome.
OPAQUE PAINTED AND MATTE FINISHES:
NEVER use waxes on opaque or matte finishes!
Simply wipe clean using a soft cloth with a mild soapy water solution. Rinse immediately after with a clean damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth.
CAUTION: Avoid vigorous rubbing as this tends to raise glossy spots, marring the original effect.
STAINLESS STEEL:
Use a stainless steel cleaner. Follow the directions that accompany the cleaner.
Never use acids, solvents or abrasive cleaners that would damage the surface and overall appearance.
PLASTIC LAMINATE CABINETS:
Clean with a mild soapy water solution, rinse and wipe dry using a soft cloth. If necessary, remove stubborn stains with a grease-cutting agent. Clean afterward with a mild soapy water solution, rinse and wipe dry.
METALLIC LAMINATES or INSERT PANELS:
Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, powders, sandpaper or steel wool. These will permanently damage the surface and appearance!
Acids, solvents, alkaline or ammonia-based cleaners or other liquids (other than mild soap and water) may etch, oxidize or otherwise damage the surface and appearance.
TO REMOVE FINGERPRINTS, OIL or SUGAR-BASED STAINS:
Use a mild (diluted) liquid dish detergent and a soft damp cotton cloth. Clean in the direction of the metal grain, pattern or texture; avoid harsh rubbing.
Rinse and remove any residual moisture with a clean, dry cotton cloth.
HINGES:
Lubricate hinges annually for extended life and optimum performance with white lithium spray grease.
If hinges loosen over time tighten screws to restore hinges to their original operating condition. Remove the hinge cap on frameless cabinets to access the hinge screws.
REMEMBER:
This booklet is a basic guide only. If questions or problems arise and you’re not sure how to proceed, contact your Wood-Mode or Brookhaven dealer for advice. Should you receive any damaged cabinetry, or have any problems with installation, contact your Wood-Mode or Brookhaven dealer for assistance.
COMPLETION:
For your protection, please fill out your warranty card and return it to the factory.

Humidity Control is Important with Wood ProductsThe wood products in Wood-Mode and Brookhaven cabinets, based on fine furniture industry standards, are conditioned to 5%-8% moisture content at the factory. The wood working industry recommends that room environments in the comfort zone of70 F be maintained at a relative humidity range of 25%-55% for wood products.As the relative humidity in a room increases wood will gain moisture and expand. Wood loses moisture and contracts as relative humidity goes down in a home environment. This natural expansion and contraction of hardwoods can at times become visible at the joints of doors and frame components. Finish stress lines at joints are more visible on painted finishes. This natural characteristic of wood can be expected in a normal home conditioned through out the year between the 25-55% relative humidity range and is not considered a defect.The more a home’s relative humidity is allowed to exceed 55% the more its wood products will expand to the point of wood failure at extreme moisture levels. Wood failure possibilities include splits, cracks and wood joint expansion and separation. Inset door expansion becomes noticeable with high humidity conditions. If significant expansion occurs, the doors will rub against the cabinet frame as they are opened and closed. Low relative humidity environments can cause wood to shrink and create cracks and related noticeable characteristics. Moisture content expansion and contraction of wood is a natural occurrence and is not a defect and therefore is not warranted. Moisture related problems can be minimized by maintaining relative humidity in the 25%-55% range for the home’s comfort zone of 70 F.Sunlight’s Effect on Wood & Wood FinishesWood and wood finishes tend to gradually mellow when exposed to light. Excessive direct sunlight can have a more dramatic effect.Wear and Tear Around Knobs and HandlesFrequent use of cabinet doors and drawers can cause wear around knobs and handles. Chemicals from our skin can break down the finish over time around knobs and handles. Repetitive fingernail and ring impact will damage the finish over time. This is normal “wear & tear” and is not considered a finish defect. Using the care and cleaning instructions outlined below on a routine basis will help to minimize finish wear and will help keep the cabinet finish beautiful.CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION!!DO NOT use abrasive cleansers or pads on cabinet surfaces! They can cause scratches. On laminate cabinetry, scratches may be irreparable!Keep cabinet surfaces dry and free from standing liquids.STAINED FINISHES:Use a soft cloth and a mild soapy water solution to remove the dirt & grease. Rinse immediately with a clean cloth and dry with a clean soft cloth, using light pressure. Avoid vigorous rubbing, as this tends to raise glossy spots, marring the original effect.Never use strong soaps, detergents or liquid wax cleaners with dirt cutting agents on wood finishes.If the need arises, wax with a quality paste wax. Try the wax on the back of a door first to be sure you are pleased with the outcome.OPAQUE PAINTED AND MATTE FINISHES:NEVER use waxes on opaque or matte finishes!Simply wipe clean using a soft cloth with a mild soapy water solution. Rinse immediately after with a clean damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth.CAUTION: Avoid vigorous rubbing as this tends to raise glossy spots, marring the original effect.STAINLESS STEEL:Use a stainless steel cleaner. Follow the directions that accompany the cleaner.Never use acids, solvents or abrasive cleaners that would damage the surface and overall appearance.PLASTIC LAMINATE CABINETS:Clean with a mild soapy water solution, rinse and wipe dry using a soft cloth. If necessary, remove stubborn stains with a grease-cutting agent. Clean afterward with a mild soapy water solution, rinse and wipe dry.METALLIC LAMINATES or INSERT PANELS:Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, powders, sandpaper or steel wool. These will permanently damage the surface and appearance!Acids, solvents, alkaline or ammonia-based cleaners or other liquids (other than mild soap and water) may etch, oxidize or otherwise damage the surface and appearance.TO REMOVE FINGERPRINTS, OIL or SUGAR-BASED STAINS:

Use a mild (diluted) liquid dish detergent and a soft damp cotton cloth. Clean in the direction of the metal grain, pattern or texture; avoid harsh rubbing.Rinse and remove any residual moisture with a clean, dry cotton cloth.HINGES:Lubricate hinges annually for extended life and optimum performance with white lithium spray grease.If hinges loosen over time tighten screws to restore hinges to their original operating condition. Remove the hinge cap on frameless cabinets to access the hinge screws.REMEMBER:This booklet is a basic guide only. If questions or problems arise and you’re not sure how to proceed, contact your Wood-Mode or Brookhaven dealer for advice. Should you receive any damaged cabinetry, or have any problems with installation, contact your Wood-Mode or Brookhaven dealer for assistance.COMPLETION:For your protection, please fill out your warranty card and return it to the factory.