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Why Local Eastern White Pine Belongs in Your Next DIY Project Welcome to The Local Wood Revolution When you pick up a board of Eastern White Pine (EWP), you’re holding a piece of New England’s legacy — and a smarter, more sustainable building choice. For today’s DIYers, “green building” isn’t only about recycled materials or […] The post Building Smarter, Not Farther appeared first on NELMA.

Why “grain popping” is emerging as a must-do step in wood finishing A design trend is quietly gaining momentum among architects, finishers, and DIYers alike: applying a prefinish water “pop” to open up wood grain and let the stain truly sing. The technique—often called water popping or grain raising—is becoming a go-to for richer, deeper, […] The post Grain Popping Emerges as Design Trend To Watch in 2026 appeared first on NELMA.

A Golden Opportunity for Appearance-Grade Lumber HGTV designer Mika Kleinschmidt, star of 100 Day Dream Home, has declared it: wood paneling is making a comeback. In a recent interview with Country Living, Kleinschmidt noted that while shiplap has dominated design trends for years, homeowners are now embracing the beauty of natural wood in its raw […] The post Don’t call it a comeback. appeared first on NELMA.

Dolly Varden Siding — A Classic Profile The name Dolly Varden carries history, craftsmanship, and color—appearing both in the world of architecture and in the streams of the North Pacific. In New England, Dolly Varden refers to a beloved lumber profile in eastern white pine. Across the continent, it’s also the name of a brilliantly […] The post Dolly Varden: From Siding to Salmon appeared first on NELMA.

David Baker Architects’ conversion of a 1900s masonry building in Birmingham, Alabama, into the new Wyatt Builds headquarters demonstrates how adaptive reuse can be both resourceful and deeply human in character. The 5,530-square-foot office, completed in 2024, embodies the firm’s ethos of “doing more with less” through selective demolition, material preservation, and strategic new insertions. […] The post Commercial Rehab: A study in Brick and Pine. appeared first on NELMA.

As children we dreamed of building tree houses. Then why as adults when we actually have the means and wherewithal do we settle for anything less than wood?  If your house is made out of wood, congratulations: You Live In A Treehouse! In Portland Oregon’s verdant landscape, a deep-rooted affinity for wood runs through the […] The post Wood as Echoes of Childhood appeared first on NELMA.

Look at this serene lakeside retreat by Disbrow Iannuzzi that not only looks stunning but feels deeply human—rooted in nature, storytelling, and the timeless beauty of wood.  It’s also a masterclass in how wood and biophilia can be woven together: Warm, tactile ash interiors imbue every room with comfort and calm. Expansive glass and timber […] The post A Masterclass in Biophilic Resonance appeared first on NELMA.

Visual storytelling has become an essential tool in the lumber and building materials industry, and NELMA leads the way with its immersive virtual tours,  practical how-to videos, and inspirational industry stories. These resources not only showcase the beauty of Eastern White Pine but also enhance customer engagement by providing interactive and educational experiences. NELMA’s Virtual […] The post The Power of Story. appeared first on NELMA.

When it comes to siding materials, few can match the timeless appeal and performance of real Eastern White Pine. While composite options offer convenience, real wood stands out across five critical dimensions. 1. Natural Beauty and Character Eastern White Pine boasts a warm, rich grain that composite materials can only attempt to mimic. Its organic […] The post Why Real Wood Siding Beats Composite: 5 Key Benefits of Eastern White Pine appeared first on NELMA.

When building or renovating your home, one detail that deserves more attention is lumber grading. Knowing how lumber is graded — and why it matters — can help you avoid costly surprises and ensure your project stands the test of time. What is Lumber Grading?Lumber grading is the process of inspecting and classifying wood based […] The post Lumber Grades — Why Homeowners Should Care appeared first on NELMA.