Gallinas Watershed Council in 2011

Efforts by the Gallinas Watershed Council to promote watershed planning for the zip code 94903 area (North San Rafael) finally paid off as Marin County launched a serious effort to begin this process in 2011.

Other watersheds in Marin have had their cities such as Ross, Fairfax, Corte Madera, Larkspur and Novato stepping up as major partners.

We hope San Rafael will do the same. Upstream impervious development and creek channelization leads to downstream flooding; a whole watershed approach will create systemic improvements so that those at the end of the line are not shouldering the burden alone.

GWC highlights from 2011:

Jan: Participated at the Bay Area Environmental Education Resource Fair

Feb: Held our 1st community watershed workshop at Northgate Mall
Gave tours of the creek with local politicians and journalists to draw
attention to the significant value of the wetlands
Attended a LOT of meetings around the bay dealing with Sea Level Rise,
Climate Change and Watershed planning

May: Began developing our watershed plan vision
Became an official creek group within North Bay Watershed Association
Promoted Marin County’s Watershed plan to local agencies
Made watershed presentations with Liz Lewis to Santa Margarita,
Contempo Marin and Mont Marin Homeowners’ Associations

Sept: Held our first Watershed Education Bike Tour and BBQ
Presented Gallinas Creek info at the Santa Venetia Labor Day Picnic

Nov: Presented watershed appropriate planning information at the SMART Civic Station Area Design Committee community meeting. With Diana Connolly developed the Gallinas Creek Watershed Survey www.surveymonkey.com/s/ gallinascreekwatershed. Submitted a letter and spoke out to SR Planning Commission addressing the serious flaws in the FEIR for the airport soccer development GWC will continue to monitor proposed developments and speak out against inappropriate development.

We will be watching as the Phase 2 Stormwater Pollution regulations come into effect and help support city and county efforts to keep our waterways free of trash and toxic chemicals.

We will also keep reminding everyone of the effects of Climate Change and Sea Level Rise on our area and promote ways that work with, not
against, nature.

As always we can use your help, personally and financially, as we work to protect our local natural environment. Join our email list at www.gallinaswatershed.org to stay in touch with important issues or join us for a kayak tour, bike ride or headlands hike that celebrate this beautiful landscape we are so fortunate to live in. We usually meet on the third Monday of the month and would love to have you join us!

To volunteer for Gallinas Watershed Council call  415 578 2580.

Rogers Remodel Promotes Green Projects!

When every last detail of bath or kitchen remodel is wrapped up, Northern California plumber and building contractor Jamie Rogers hopes his clients are happy with the way the room looks and works. Most of the time, the project also makes the home a whole lot greener.

Rogers brings a passion for both green plumbing and green building to every project. In construction for 18 years and plumbing for 15, he started Rogers Remodel, Inc. in 2003 in Novato in the San Francisco Bay Area. He studied civil engineering and worked as a journeyman carpenter in Washington State before moving to California.

Rogers Remodel primarily serves affluent Marin and Sonoma counties, San Francisco and the East Bay. The full-service plumber handles residential and light commercial work, from basic plumbing to full-on, ripped-down-to-the-studs renovations. The company does repairs, inspections, sewer and drain work, water audits, gas line and water heater installation, and bath and kitchen installation and remodeling.

Rogers is not shy about admitting he's a bit of an evangelist on the subject of conservation, saying that he's frankly touched when his efforts to educate homeowners and business clients hit home. Sometimes he's preaching to the choir. Customers do come to him with an eye to reducing immediate water and energy use and slicing utility costs for the long run.

He estimates that 75 percent of his remodels are green and 80- to 90 percent of his plumbing projects have a green component. Rogers has been able to reduce clients' water bills as much as 47 percent.

The company has benefited from the remodeling surge in recent years, Rogers said, as owners of older homes take on updating a single bath or knocking down walls to create expansive master suites or create double bathrooms. He cited projects where a total "remodel" budget has surpassed the value of the original space and his part of the job was significant. Most of his larger remodeling jobs have been in Sonoma and Marin Counties, where clients have had the funds to renovate.

Rogers is on a mission to convince more clients that a green remodel is within their budget. "If there's one thing consumers need to know, it's that green projects and products don't have to be any more expensive than traditional options. "They can get the look they want with products that do the job while saving water and energy," Rogers said.

As a plumber/building contractor, Rogers is hands-on during the design and specification stages of many projects, offering his input on sourcing green products.

He uses many of the same sources repeatedly because field experience has demonstrated what products best fit project needs, while being on constant lookout for new products and ways to improve on installation.

For example, when possible, he configures piping in shorter runs to get water where it needs to go more quickly and efficiently.

One extensive remodeling project was the 4,500 square foot Courtney residence in Marin County's slightly posh Mill Valley. "The initial plan was to add a guest suite to the '70s era home, and push out to give the son a larger room and private bath," Rogers said.

The Mill Valley project's "in-law" suite included a kitchen, bath and laundry room. Rogers did the plumbing on those areas as well as remodeling three existing baths, five baths in all. The job stretched over eight months, with possibly the biggest challenge having to haul cast iron up about 90 steps, he said.

The plumbing work included interior re-piping in PEX and copper and exterior in Aquatherm, a very durable green pipe that uses heat to fuse pipes together, and installation of a whole-house circulation system with Metlund pumps. Hot water was provided via two A.O. Smith hybrids, a large one of the main house and a smaller one for the guest house. The advantage of the hybrids, Rogers explained was that they heat up water quickly like a tankless but also store water, and that an upgrade of the gas line wasn't required.

In the baths, Rogers put in Toto high efficiency 1.28 gpf toilets, lower flow Grohe valves and showerheads and low-flow Hansgrohe faucets. While they were at it, the homeowners added PV solar. Rogers' pride in the project is obvious when he talks about how cool the baths look with features selected from Restoration Hardware that give the baths a retro, yet modern feel.

For another large green project, the Kramer residence in Novato, the company remodeled a full kitchen and two baths. Rogers and his full-time crew of three not only did the plumbing but framing, electrical, cabinetry and lighting as well.

"What I liked about this kitchen is the use of recycled materials and natural light," Rogers said. The countertops are fabricated of recycled marble and granite and the backsplash of recycled glass. Natural light is brought in by a skylight and the space boasts energy-saving under-cabinet LED lighting. A non-demand circulation system feeds hot water to remodeled kitchen and two bathrooms.

An example of going green without sacrificing the "wow factor" is a bath from another Rogers Remodel project in Novato which included a full kitchen and two baths.

Green materials were used when possible. The master bath was plumbed with low-flow faucets and showerheads in the large shower and soaking tub with waterfall faucet, and the builder used recycled materials for the floor, and added a skylight and LED lighting. "In the master bath, we retained the tank heater. On a lot of projects we'll upgrade the tank or go tankless, depending on what they need what their peak flow is."

The large shower guest bath had both a rain-type showerhead and a handheld shower. The installer used a diverter so that only one low-flow showerhead or the other could be used at one time.

Green features in the kitchen included a recirculation pump, aerators on faucet, a low water use dishwasher, skylights, and LED under-cabinet lights. On projects like this, Rogers said, it's important to insulate everything well.

Rogers' efforts on the green plumbing front earned him the GreenPlumber of Year award or the Western states from GreenPlumbers USA and IAPMO. He was cited for "going above and beyond by collaborating with community partners to install water catchment systems in two local schools. Jamie has calculated that he has saved 2.4 million gallons of water this year [2011] in the Bay Area and has also promoted water conservation by serving on local job-building boards and green employment councils."

"We teamed up with local water districts for toilet change outs and did a lot of water audits the past year for clients in commercial buildings and we were able to calculate how much water was saved with the change outs and the other projects that I did," Rogers explained.

On the school projects, "we teamed up with RainwaterHog, a rainwater harvesting company out of Australia, to install rainwater capture systems in a couple of different schools," Rogers said. "We met them (RainwaterHog) at a trade show and signed on as distributor and installer of their products in the Bay Area."

Through GreenPlumbers, Rogers and the manufacturer put in seven rainwater tanks and a hand pump at McKinley Elementary School in San Francisco for the students to use to water their plants. They installed three tanks at Hall Middle School in Larkspur which were rigged to flush a toilet. "We donated most of our services for those first two projects. It's a great hands-on demonstration about conservation for the kids. We want to do more like them."

Rogers plans to keeping delivering the green message, whether with individual homeowners or business clients, working with local water districts in programs such as water audits and toilet change outs and through GreenPlumbers to help educate other plumbing and building professionals.

Even though he started on the construction side, Rogers said he loves plumbing. And, there's no greater compliment to plumber or builder than having a client say, "I love the work you did and I want you for my next project."

Check out the article written about Rogers Remodel in Reeves Journal, the oldest publication in the plumbing industry.

Arbor Works Tree Service, Arborists and Tree care experts serving San Francisco and the North Bay.

Arbor Works Tree Services specializes in the latest arboricultural techniques, expertise, knowledge, and practices, when caring for your trees.

The arborists and Tree care experts at Arbor Works Tree Service serve San Francisco and the North Bay.

Arbor Works Tree Services specializes in the latest arboricultural techniques, expertise, knowledge, and practices, when caring for your trees.

With over 33 years of experience, Arbor Works is dedicated to the proper inspection, preservation, and when necessary, the safe removal of your trees.

They know how trees are important to the clients, and that beautifully maintained specimens evoke a sense of serenity and sanctuary to the immediate surroundings of the home and property. Trees can influence the microclimate by providing shade, wind shelter, and the oxygen we breathe.

Trees are delicate bio-systems with specific horticultural needs that can be disrupted through the stresses that the urban environment may impose upon them.

At Arbor Works Tree Service primary concern is the safety of their client.  Proper abatement of dangerous or unwanted trees will be performed with the utmost concern for safety in a quality professional manner in accordance to American National Standards Institute protocol.

Arbor Works Tree Services Includes:

•          Tree Pruning

•          Cabling

•          Tree Removal

•          Consulting

•          Treatments

Cabling

Every tree situation is different, and species vary in wood hardness and decay resistance. Different hardware is tailored for each specific application. Some hardwood trees can be braced with lag bolts, some softer or decayed woods require through bolt installation.

Cable bracing should always be a last resort option. However, where safety and scaffold limb preservation are priorities for our clients, cabling can, in many cases aid in bracing the tree when pruning options alone are inadequate. Cabling must always be done in conjunction with pruning to reduce weight first.

Arbor Works Tree Service uses standard extra high strength cable with tree grip connectors and thimbles to guard the “eye”. Cable size varies with the estimated load stresses that we determine.

At Arborworks we gauge the height of the tree, the wood girth of the branch, limb length, and mechanical dynamics to properly engineer the positioning of the cable bracing system.

All cable bracing systems require periodic follow up maintenance inspections.

Consulting

Consulting at Arbor Works Tree Service is done with an analytical approach to diagnosing tough tree problems.

A good diagnostician knows how to observe the subtle differences in a tree exhibiting abnormal appearance based upon familiarity with what is normal vigor for that species. This comes from years of observing trees in their environment both from the ground and up in the canopy.

Practical Arboricultural consulting starts with sound knowledge of the different characteristics that different tree species have, and their individual horticultural needs.

Arbor Works look at the site and its soil, climate, horticultural practices, construction impact, pests, diseases, plant competition and all the interactions of these influential factors upon your tree.

They recommend the appropriate and approved treatments to correct plant maladies.

Tree hazard evaluation is an important part of the job.

Knowledge of dangerous decay organisms and the conditions they thrive in is critical to the diagnostician.

Spotting internal defects in trees is a skill they possessed based upon arboricultural education and experience that comes with years of observing actual tree failures in the field and dissecting the wood during the course of removing them.

Arbor Works use diagnostic tools such as the resist graph decay detection device to assure accuracy in diagnosing internal defects.

Treatments

Arbor Works Tree Service recommends the proper treatments and care that your tree needs.

To correct tree problems they may recommend implementing improvements such as:

irrigation,

soil fertility,

pest control,

pruning

Whatever the situation, proper tree care starts with knowing what the problem is and the corrective solution.

Tree Pruning

Fine ornamental tree pruning is an art that has taken Craig Peterson many years to perfect.

Every tree species is different in its tolerance to pruning, and every individual tree is different in its landscape setting.

Craig and his team at Arbor Works Tree Service take into account all the environmental factors, health, vigor, and horticultural conditions when setting the parameters of tree surgery.

Tree Removal

Tree removal at Arbor Works Tree Service is always performed in the safest manner possible with your home, security, and property in mind.

They are fully equipped to handle most tree situations with the best tools and occasionally the assistance of a crane (please see video footage).

With over 33 years of experience, they have become experts in the field. From sophisticated rigging techniques, and fast efficient machinery, to fine cleanup, they get the job done!

From their workers, your property, the property others and the public at large are fully insured with workers compensation, public liability, and property damage liability to give you the peace of mind you deserve as an 

Arbor Works Tree Service costumer.

Arbor Works Tree Service serves Marin County, Sonoma County, San Francisco. San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Larkspur,  Tiburon, Ross, Kentfield, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Richmond, Berkeley, Oakland.

About Arbor Works

Arbor Works Tree Service is a sole propriety owned and operated by Craig Peterson, an ISA Certified Arborist #1169 WC.

Craig and his team of tree experts run Arbor Works Tree Service, a small company based in San Rafael CA. Since 1989 they have been performing tree care services in Marin County, San Francisco, and Alameda County.

As a certified arborist they are fully insured with tree service liability insurance, and workmans’ compensation.

Arbor Works Tree Service has a perfect safety record with State Fund Workman’s’ Compensation Insurance Company.

Craig Peterson knows Marin County as he has been living in Marin since the seventies.

For inquiry about Tree Service, Ornamental Tree Specialist and Tree Pruning and other tree service, contact Arbor Works at Tel 415-457-7119

Murals, Faux Painting, Tiles, Color Consulting in Sonoma by Artist Linda Shea Design

Healdsburg, Sonoma artist Linda Shea works directly with you or your designer to create custom murals, borders and theme rooms.

 

Her repertoire of architectural finishes includes: faux stone, wood graining, textures and metallic patinas.

She creates new finishes for cabinetry and furniture including glazing, antiquing/distressing and decorative painting.

She and her craft experts guide your interior or exterior project from color selection through all phases of prep and painting to the finish itself. She is also available for design and color consultations exclusively.

Her palette of decorative motifs includes:

•             architectural finishing design

•             faux wood grain, stone and patinas

•             reinterpretation of fabric, wallpaper, photos, paintings, or historical motifs

•             color consulting 

Linda offers:

•             color consulting

•             interior / exterior paint treatments

•             cabinetry and furniture

•             faux painting

•             custom draperies

•             on site color mixing

 

To see samples of Linda Shea’s designs visit http://lindashea.com/index.html. Call 707-838-2523 for free one hour consultation.

 

Country Homes Campers Your Camper Van Connection

We’re your camper van experts with over 30 years of experience.

We offer great deals on selected camper accessories.

Our bestseller: ShadyBoy Camper Awnings – inexpensive, practical, durable awnings!

Replacement Parts

For your convenience, we also carry

• Pop Top Replacement Bearings

• Pop Top Replacement Canvas

• Freeway Flier Automatic Transmission

Buy Vehicles

Camper Vehicles for Sale!

We feature quality Volkswagen, Ford and other models.

Our specialty: Vehicles converted to a fully self-contained Camper.

Minivan Conversions Info

Campers – we market them, repair them, and consult customers.

Our associates (like Personalized Vans and Trucks) customize them.

Together we equip your camper vehicle with the best:

· ergonomic engineering

· craftsmanship

· pleasing aesthetics

Company Info

Country Homes Campers campers were custom built until 1997. Country Homes Campers no longer builds campers.

We now maintain our website for informational purposes, to sell accessories and parts, and to assist old customers with finding parts and helping them to sell or buy their campers.

Camper Van Conversions

So you’re interested in a minivan conversion?

Let us help you!

First some handy tips:

1. Old vans are often NOT worth converting due to costs involved .

2. A NEW conversion from a dealer usually costs over $10,000

3. Often BUYING A USED VAN with a conversion is your best choice.

Conversion costs are independent of vehicles age.

4. We are your only source for our classic camper designs (a Canadian company offers a different type of conversion).

5. Look at our classic camper designs first!

Next, we recommend that you select from these conversion options:

Option A:

Basic Pop-top installation

Option B:

Interior Conversion with Standard options:

• Cabinet – Curtains – Screens

• Porta- Potty

• Carpet for center of Van

• Dual Battery charging system

• Sink

• 8 gal water tank

• 110V outlet

• Table – Drawer – Closet

• Fire extinguisher

• Propane and CO detector

• Rear Light

Optional Equipment:

• Built-in stove (3 gal tank)

• Awning

• Sunroof

• Luggage rack

• Swivel Seat

At Country Homes, we make your camping trips a pleasurable experience. Because we are camping enthusiasts!

SERVICES

Buy Vehicles

We feature quality Volkswagen, Ford and other models.

Our specialty: Vehicles converted to a fully self-contained Camper.

Sell Vehicles

Sell your Preowned Vehicle

We will advertise it for you!

Our loyal customers and visitors are always looking for deals on preowned vehicles!

Advertising package includes:

1. Targeted marketing to our preferred client base (thousands of potential customers)

2. Complete full page listing on our site until vehicle is sold (example)

Visit http://countryhomescampers.com/to see our camper information and accessories.

Email us or leave short message on our voice mail (509) 472-8666 and we’ll get back to you soon.

Professional Electrical Services for Residence and Commercial- AMPLEX Electrical and Solar serves Bay Area

Amplex Electrical, Inc. has provided Bay Area residential and commercial customers with professional electrical services since 1989. With more than 20 years of industry experience, we offer solutions for any project, from residential homes to large commercial buildings and multi-story dwellings. We know what it takes to complete your project on time and on budget.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve customized our services to include:

• New construction, residential and commercial

• Extensions & remodels

• Fire alarm life safety systems

• Voice and data installation and terminations

• Close circuit television and intrusion systems

• Design-build services

• Access control and intercom systems

• Building management systems

• Electrical service upgrades of all sizes

• Building power analysis

• Emergency back-up power generators systems

• Solar photovoltaic systems (residential and commercial)

• Single- to three-phase power converters

AMPLEX SERVICES

SOLAR SERVICES

Amplex Electrical, Inc. can help you harness the sun’s unlimited power to supply energy to your home or business. Solar photovoltaic systems efficiently produce electricity, and can reduce or eliminate your electric bill, saving you thousands of dollars.

Trust Amplex with your next electrical or solar project. You’ll benefit from our decades of experience and cost-effective approach.

A solar PV system is a great investment, it:

• Increases property value by thousands of dollars

• Earns up to 15% return on your investment

• Harnesses the sun’s power 365 days per year

• Qualifies you for local, state, and federal rebates (where available)

• Substantially reduces your carbon footprint

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Amplex Electrical, Inc. has provided Bay Area residential and commercial customers with electrical services since 1989. Our recent addition of a solar photovoltaic division provides our customers with additional eco-friendly services.

Amplex Electrical, Inc. provides homeowners with the following residential services:

• New and remodel homes

• Electrical main service upgrades

• Hot tubs and pools

• Outdoor landscape lighting

• Grounding and surge protection

• Arc fault and GFI protection

• Home safety inspections

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector upgrades

• Nob and tube wiring-repair and replacement

• Home power analysis

• Timers, dimmer switches, occupancy sensors and other energy saving devices

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Amplex Electrical, Inc. provides a variety of electrical services specifically tailored to the commercial industry, including:

• Office dwellings/work stations

• Retail Spaces (restaurants, showrooms, hair salons, coffee shops, among others)

• New electrical three-phase services

• Back-up, three-phase emergency generators

• Single- to three-phase converters (rotary and static)

• Three-phase power analysis

SPECIALIZED SERVICES

At Amplex Electrical, Inc., we pride ourselves on offering all of the expert services a residential or commercial structure would demand. In doing so, we’ve positioned ourselves to be the electrical company that fits all of your project needs.

Fire Alarm Design & Installation – Amplex Electrical, Inc. expertly designs and installs conventional, addressable, and voice evacuation fire alarm systems for commercial projects of all sizes. Through close collaboration with elevator and mechanical contractors, we insure a seamless interface from design through final inspection. We use the following high-quality products: Silent Knight Addressable Control Panels,Silent Knight Modules and Devices, System Sensor Notification Devices, andEdwards Signaling Magnetic Hold Openers.

Voice & Data Systems – When it comes to the voice and data requirements for your new or remodel office project, let your IT person and Amplex Electrical, Inc. work together to simplify the process and reduce sub-contracts.

We install Cat-5 or Cat-6 wiring from the telecom room to the office work stations. At each work station, we install modular wall outlets to accommodate your needs, and then test and label. In the telecom room, we install wire management systems, racks, and patch panels. We punch down all Cat-5 and Cat-6 wires, in either A or B configurations, to accommodate your IT installer.

Amplex also installs telephone and DSL lines and terminate adjacent to patch panels. We take care of your power needs within the telecom room and even size and install your UPS systems. We plan ahead and accommodate your air conditioning needs to insure a stable, safe temperature within the telecom room for your valuable equipment.

We use the following high-quality products: Leviton electric and electronic products, including wall plates and housing network solutions.

Intercoms, Access Control and Close Circuit TV – Trust Amplex Electrical, Inc. to coordinate your intercom, access control, and close circuit TV applications. No project is too big or too small – from single family residences to large buildings with multiple elevators – we can control access to several entrances and floors using state-of-the-art elevator control.

Using proximity cards or fobs with computer-based software, combined with close circuit TV systems offer you limitless possibilities to easily monitor all entrances and unsecured areas. Leave your worries behind with a 24-hour security system.

We use the following high-quality products: DoorKing Access Control Solutions, Sony Broadcast & Production Cameras, ASSA ABLOY Door Opening Solutions, and HID Secure Identity Solutions.

ABOUT US

Amplex Electrical, Inc. has been providing Bay Area customers with electrical contracting services since 1989. Over the years, Amplexhas expanded its services from focusing primarily on new construction and remodel projects to include fire alarm life safety systems, voice and data, CCTV, access control, and intercoms. Most recently, Amplex added a solar photovoltaic division.

Over the past 20 years we have provided our clients’ money-saving design-built services in every aspect of the building industry. Those areas include: power distribution, emergency generation, and fire alarm life safety systems. When you work with Amplex the cost effectively design-build process saves you money and time. Our design-build services set us apart from the rest of the industry.

Our new solar division provides the same quality of service and workmanship and that important personal touch that we have provided for more than 20 years. That’s service you won’t get from the larger national solar companies.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide you with the best possible service, complete each project with pride and leave customers knowing they made the right decision in Amplex Electrical, Inc.

Founder

Patrick Whooley is the founder and president of Amplex Electrical, Inc. Patrick has spent more than 30 years in the electrical business and has run his own company for more than twenty of those years.

A native of Ireland, Patrick received his initial training there. He has also worked in England, Australia and New Zealand. A veteran in all aspects of the industry, Patrick attributes his success to his customer relationships and his steadfast attitude that the quality of the job should never be compromised. He often recites that if the customer isn’t 100% happy, neither is he.

Certifications

We only believe in professional, high-quality service. And we can back up that statement with facts. Amplex Electrical, Inc. is:

Registered California Contractor: C10 866386 Contractor Number

Fully Bonded: SC6079111

Fully Insured: General Liability & Workers Compensation

An Eaton Certified Contractor

Eaton is a nation-wide network of highly qualified certified electricians, incorporating cutting edge tools and technologies with advanced ideals to make your home as safe and functional as possible.

A Certified Solar Installer through Unitech College and the Boots on the Roof program.

A certified Better Business Bureau company with an A+ rating.

For more information about Amplex Electrical & Solar services visit http://www.amplexelectrical.com/. Call (415) 892-6501 for free estimate.

English Country Pine & Design provides custom kitchen cabinets, tables & chairs, Traditional & Country Design Furniture, Remodeling and Woodworking in Marin County.

English Country Design was established in 1986 by John Varney, an English Craftsman and Designer with patience and an eye for detail.

In the well-equipped workshop everything from a coffee table to a large kitchen job flows with ease and confidence. A separate building for finishing offers a dust free environment for a variety of eco-friendly finishes.

The showroom is a perfect designing space loaded with samples of wood, hardware, moulding, colors, etc. and lots of pictures to aid in the designing process.

In the showroom you can also purchase:

• Fiddles furniture wax

• Rocky Mountain Hardware

• Sun Mountain Doors

• Michigan Maple Butcher Block tops

• Spekva Scandinavian countertops

• Raymond Enkeboll carvings

• Shaw farm house sinks

• Rohl taps and faucets

Wood Choices

Pine, cherry, oak, maple, alder, teak, mahogany... Don’t be overwhelmed. As you see what you don’t care for, it becomes clearer what you do like. You seek can advise on the pros and cons of different wood species and show you an array of color samples. The showroom is a wonderful and vital aid in assisting with the design process and our multitude of samples are available to be taken home so you can be sure of your selection.

Designing

Designing is John’s strong point. With over 25 years of experience, a trained eye, and a good ear, John first listens to your needs then puts pen to paper and starts to sketch for you. Combining this art with examples in the showroom and a myriad of wonderful photographs your idea becomes a reality. John has lectured for the A.S.I.D. on furniture design addressing how to incorporate modern technologies into a traditional design. He’s also a problem solver for those awkward spaces and can always find the perfect balance between function and aesthetic.

Reclaimed Lumber

Typically, reclaimed timber is obtained from the roof joist or flooring of old buildings which are scheduled to be torn down. Although reclaimed timber is usually more expensive than new wood, its rich character and proven quality make it an attractive choice for the discerning furniture buyer.

By the time it reaches your home, reclaimed timber will have endured decades, if not centuries, of seasoning. Its low moisture content and tight grain make reclaimed timber much more resistant to cupping, cracking, curling, splitting, or twisting than new wood.

Reclaimed timber is available in a wide variety of colors and grain patterns. Every piece is unique in its character, often bearing subtle signs of previous use, and can add instant atmosphere to any room in your home or office. At English Country Design, you can personally select the degree of distressing to best suit your taste.

Lastly, by choosing to have your furniture built with reclaimed timber, you will contribute to saving our old growth forests.

Pine Furniture

Antique pine furniture, as we know it today started in popularity in the late 1960's. Young homemakers not wanting the mass produced melamine cheap furniture turned to the auction rooms and secondhand furniture stores for the old pine furniture that had survived from the previous century. Often covered in many coats of paint, a chest of drawers was a bargain at $10.

First they would strip their newly acquired antique down to bare wood, then polish with Briwax, an inexpensive wax polish with a light brown color and this was the birth of STRIPPED PINE FURNITURE, later to be labeled country pine furniture. The antique trade at the time disowned it, considering it junk furniture and not a fine hardwood antique.

Little did they know because over the following 30 years it grew in popularity and prices rose dramatically and a new cottage industry was born. That $10 chest of drawers would sell for $500 in the 90's.

In England a dresser (or hutch as it's called in America) will differ in style depending on the region of its construction, and named after that region i.e. Cornish dresser, Irish dresser, Welsh dresser, Lincolnshire dresser, Scottish dresser.

Differences may at first appear subtle but once one knows what to look for it becomes obvious, much like seeing a Mercedes, BMW, or Jaguar without the emblem, one would still be able to identify it.

Throughout Britain people were stripping their interior room doors and adding a wax finish as most houses have interior wood work of pine. Still to this day watch and English movie and note the pine doors and pine kitchen furniture.

Visit http://www.englishcountrypine.com/ to see our sample designs. Hours is by appointment only please call first (415) 382 1952 to book for appointment.