Bark Siding

How long has bark siding been around?

How are bark shingles made?

How long do bark shingles last?

Should a sealer be applied to bark shingles?

What about bugs in a bark shingle?

Is it ok to let the bark siding sit in the weather prior to being installed?

Does the seller provide any support services?

How expensive is poplar bark siding?

How is poplar tree bark siding shipped?

North American Indians used the bark siding more than 500 years ago. Modern use of bark dates to the 1800s in several areas but was noticeably very popular in the early 1900s in the Banner Elk and Linville areas of North Carolina. Interest in this product greatly increased after it was featured on the HGTV's Dream Home 2006 as a natural exterior siding.

How are bark shingles made?

The making of the bark shingles starts in the woods with the cutting of the poplar tree. As soon as a tree falls, the bark is loosened from the trunk and brought to the lumber company to process. The bark is flattened and carefully stacked to prevent curling. The stacks are kiln dried to the proper moisture content and then properly stored until they are ready for use by our customers.

How long do bark shingles last?

When properly installed, bark siding can last over 75 years without significant deterioration. We have noticed that building structures from the 1930s in the Banner Elk and Linville areas still have most of their original bark siding on, with a few areas weathered but still functional.

Should a sealer be applied to bark shingles?

Bark siding needs no painting or weather proofing sealer, as is commonly required by other types of house sidings.

What about bugs in a bark shingle?

The heat from the kiln process kills any bugs that may be on the bark. When bugs attack a tree, they are looking for nutrients found in the inner bark wood. When the bark is peeled from the tree and kiln dried, the inner layer dies, and the bugs are no longer interested in it as a food product.

Is it ok to let the bark siding sit in the weather prior to being installed?

The bark shingles should remain in an appropriate selected environment after coming out of the kiln and before being used. Bark that sits in the weather for extended periods prior to being installed can pick up moisture from the surrounding environment. Bark will swell or expand, and, when drier conditions exist, the bark can shrink on your home, exposing cracks. So over time some of the benefits that were gained from the kiln drying would be lost.

Does the seller provide any support services?

By providing technical support, wood product specialists from the company help architects, builders, and homeowners make the best choices about bark siding options, design applications and installation. The owners of Everhart Lumber Company have made a point of becoming very well informed about the use and care of bark siding to enable them to better address the questions of the customers. This includes consultation with wood product specialists from the University of Tennessee and others as needed. Questions about bark siding use and care are encouraged by the owners of the company.

How expensive is poplar bark siding?

Long term Poplar Bark siding can save you money due to its maintenance free and highly resilient nature. Please call us toll-free, 1-877-857-8062 or send us an email at info5@everhart-lumber.com for a price quote.

How is poplar tree bark siding shipped?

Usually our out-of-state bark orders are shipped via national carriers and our instate bark orders are usually delivered through local carriers at a very reasonable price, all in a timely manner.