Too often, forests are clear cut and optimal forest management is not a worldwide reality. In fact, our generation is witnessing radical deforestation of tropical rain forests around the equator, occurring at an alarming rate, often for cattle grazing and fuel with the wood being an afterthought.  For example, in Oceania , wood production has increased over 300% for industry and 60% for fuel in the last 40 years.  This is unsustainable and this massive cutting has disastrous and potentially irreversible implications - not only for the equatorial ecology, but also for the entire planet.

Ramin, a common wood used for framing due it is excellent ability to take a stain and not warp, has been largely discontinued and banned in Malaysia and other areas amidst a political maelstrom.  Most manufacturers have discontinued involvement with this wood, and even substitutes have been problematic, often impossible to certify in any reasonable capacity.  As much of the low-cost frame moulding is imported from Asia or South America , understanding the source of the wood is critical. 

Further, the worst victims of this extensive cutting are some of our most elegant and rare hardwoods: Honduras Mahogany, Teak, Paduak, Purpleheart, Wenge, Bubinga, Ebony and Koa. While logging these woods is not the only reason the tropical rainforests are disappearing, it is a significant factor. We have discontinued using tropical woods for our mouldings, unless it can be verified from a sustainable source that practices responsible forestry and manufacturing, or is from old stock. Another trend is to the use of finger-jointed pine from renewable sources.  After the application of gesso, this wood can be colored and formed in innumerable ways from matte black to gold.  However, this is does not enable you to create a frame with a natural wood appear due to the joint lines that are required in its engineering.  This is a step in the right direction.

Fortunately, the great hardwood forests of North America , with a few notable exceptions, are well managed and in many cases, they are more plentiful today than they were a century ago. Therefore, using maple, cherry, and walnut grown in the US is a suitable solution, whether or not it is FSC certified.

Our love of natural woods for picture frame mouldings has led us to rediscover some truly beautiful domestic hardwoods. We are now utilizing mouldings from Maple, Cherry, Walnut, White Oak, and Ash, and many mouldings with beautiful finishes that rival the rich look of the exotic woods.  New lines feature the natural look of maple, walnut and cherry, and 'ebonized' finishes that resemble the exotic hardwoods.

 As you can see, this is subject of great debate and varying points of view. It would take volumes to cover this topic completely. One resource we recommend if you would like to learn more is Lester Brown’s Earth Policy Institute: http://www.earth-policy.org/ . Their exceptional and detailed work is available on the web, publications can be downloaded, and print copies are available.  If you can, donate to their organization – they are very worth of your support in our opinion.