FAQ
Why should I buy from Union Church Millworks?
Union Church Millworks is a family owned and operated business located in the High Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. We are in a truly unique position that controls the process from “tree to finished product.” We select the right Appalachian Forest Trees, conduct our own logging and sawmill process, supervise the slow dry (air and then kiln) and then hand pick through the lumber to select the most desirable hardwoods. This is all before we even begin to carefully custom mill your order.
Why is wood grown in the Appalachian Mountains so special?
The Appalachian Mountain region provides optimal growth opportunity for hardwood species; unique to our world. This ideal environment produces consistent grain patterns, color and durability provided by a sustainable forest and made in the United States of America.
Does Union Church Millworks attempt to protect our forests?
The majority of raw products are harvested from the owner’s personal land holdings which are a part of the Certified American Tree Farm Systems under the oversight of the American Forest Foundation. More than 98% of the raw material is harvested by SFI (Sustained Forest Initiative) trained loggers. In addition, the owner plays a significant role in agricultural government. He has contributed in numerous ways such as serving on the Virginia Environmental and Agriculture Steering Committee, the Virginia State Open-Space Advisory Board and on the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation.
What hardwood products does Union Church Millworks manufacture?
We specialize in Plank Hardwood Flooring, full-length paneling and wainscoting (V-Groove and Bead Board), a wide variety of moldings and stair parts. We produce all of the above in Appalachian Hardwoods and some in Appalachian Softwoods.
What is Plank Flooring?
Plank Flooring is solid, ¾” thick, tongue and grooved on two sides and comes in widths of 3”, 4” 5” 6” etc. Union Church Millworks offers widths of 3” up to 10” and is most popular for its warmth and classic appeal dating back to Colonial American times.
Are the products from Union Church Millworks finished or unfinished?
All products are unfinished in order to provide you the unlimited flexibility in deciding your final color and finish. We do offer a Micro-Beveled floor that is pre-sanded but it still has have finish applied after installation.
What is Micro-Beveled Flooring?
Micro-Beveled, sometimes called Eased Edge or Beveled Edge, is a slight groove (1/8th inch) on the outside edge of floor boards.
Micro-Beveled is pre-sanded to (120 Grit) and ready to be installed.
Does not have to be drum sanded (professionally) but does need to be lightly sanded and finished.
Do I have to have a beveled edge on my floor?
No. We offer the more common Straight Edged flooring as well.
Straight Edge offers a flush fit between boards.
Most commonly installed professionally, drum sanded and finished.
What are the average lengths of your flooring?
Our lengths far exceed industry standards. For example, our Natural Red Oak Flooring averages 6’ to 8’ in length as opposed the industry average for strip floor of 3’ to 4’.
If I use your flooring, will I be able to get stair parts and molding to match?
Yes. Union Church Millworks is one of the few hardwood flooring manufacturers to offer matching Stair Parts, Molding, Trim and Paneling, in the grade of your choice, to complete your custom look.
Does Union Church Millworks provide specialty trim in matching woods?
We can provide numerous “finishing touches” such as flush mount Wooden Register Vents. All you need to do is request it, and we will provide it.
What do you mean by “grades” of wood?
Our grading terms include…
Clear …….. the wood will be practically free of defects (the natural varying color of wood is not considered a defect)
Natural…… shows natural character of the wood. May contain sound knots, burls, checks and sapwood. Averages to a #1 Common grade or Better.
Worm Wood……. heavy worm presence with natural mineral flame streaks resulting. Wood still averages to #1 Common or better.
Distressed……. naturally distressed with heavy character producing antique appeal
What is the hardest wood that you sell as flooring?
They are ranked below with the hardest listed first.
Hard Maple
White Oak
Heritage Oak
Chestnut Oak
Red Oak
American Walnut
American Cherry
Wormy Maple
Virginia Mountain Pine
What is the most stable flooring hardwood available from Union Church Millworks?
They are ranked as shown below.
Excellent — American Walnut
Above Average — American Cherry, Appalachian Yellow Pine
Average — Heritage Oak, Red Oak, White Oak, Chestnut Oak, Wormy Maple
Less than Average — Hard Maple
If I am building a new house, do you have recommendation for the timing of the hardwood installation?
Union Church Millworks provides wood that has been dried with the utmost care and consideration to promote the stability of the product. It is then stored in a state-of-the-art, climate controlled warehouse and carefully prepared to be transported to your job site.
It is critical that you do not expose hardwoods into an environment that doesn’t provide a stable climate. Wood is a hygroscopic material. When exposed to air, it will pick up moisture or dry until it is in equilibrium with the humidity and temperature of the air. Every precaution should be taken to ensure the product remain stable.
We encourage you to work with your General Contractor and your Flooring Contractor to ensure all necessary moisture precautions have been taken and your site is ready for delivery and installation.
Is is necessary to allow the wood to adjust to the job site environment prior to actual installation?
Assuming that your environment is relatively climate controlled, the wood should be allowed to acclimate for three to seven days. We will be more than happy to discuss your specific requirements and provide advice based on conditions.
What if I want a particular width or grade of flooring that you don’t list as standard product, Are you able to make what I want?
We are a Custom Millworks Organization and if it is possible, we will gladly mill to your specific requests!
For example, we can mill flooring in 1” as opposed to ¾”. We can adhere to a specific minimum length that has been designated by our customer. We can even mill to specific widths to match an existing floor. We have extreme flexibility as lone as we have the time needed to produce a specialty item.
What areas of a new home should have hardwoods?
Virtually all above ground areas of a home are potential candidates for hardwoods. Industry advancements in finishing products have made wood able to withstand more high traffic areas. This allows for successful hardwood installations in kitchens, bathrooms and other high-stress areas.
Does having wood flooring help homeowners that suffer from allergies?
Research from leading allergists has shown that wood floors promote a healthy indoor environment. Wood doesn’t harbor irritating dust and microorganisms and simple regular cleaning keep wood floors sanitary.
What is the proper way to clean hardwood floors?
It is important to follow the finish manufacturer’s recommendations, if known, but most require simple vacuuming, sweeping or use of a dust mop. If further cleaning is required, a slightly damp mop may be used with plain water or with a very small amount of white vinegar mixed with water.
Will hardwoods help the re-sale value of a hours?
According to a recent survey, commissioned by the National Wood Flooring Association, real estate agents say that homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster and fetch higher prices than those with carpeted floors.
How far in advance should I place my order?
Although we are able to ship very quickly, compared to other Custom Millwork Companies, it is still wise to place your order as far in advance as possible. We are happy to schedule accordingly and store your wood in our climate controlled environment until you are ready to receive shipment.
How will my order be delivered and what are yoru average shipping charges?
Union Church Millworks makes every effort to complementary deliver your product using our own trucking company and highly dependable drivers and assistants. However, we do have certain limitations and will advise based on individual circumstances.
If a common carrier freight company must be used, we will choose the best suited for you location and delivery needs. Union Church Millworks has an excellent freight discount program with many carriers and is more than happy to pass those discounts directly to you.