Redwood millwork rcflects the past

OMES built in San Francisco, Ca.. 100 years ago were considered outstanding examples of Victorian architecture and the use of a local wood: redwood. Today a company located just north of San Francisco continues the tradition by producing standard and custom turnings in redwood.

Pagliacco Tirrning & Milling and its related custom operation, Architectural Wood Tirrning Service, are located in Woodacre. Ca.. a small town surrounded by redwood forepts. Robert Miller, the owner, and his employees perpetuate the milling of beautiful redwood products for homes and buildings.

It is appropriate that they are surrounded by redwood forests, because the company obviously has a great appreciation for the special properties of this wood. Here's a quote from the fourth page of the Pagliacco Tirrning & Milling catalog: "Our experience has shown that the majority of redwood turnings made at the turn of the century for exterior use in San Francisco (an area of high exposure to moisture and decay) are still sound and have not deteriorated appreciably. Not so with turnings from nonand less-resistant species; signs of deterioration have developed after only a few years in use."

Redwood is the primary material for the balusters, newel post and caps, railings, porch posts and columns manufactured by the company. Miller is in a unique position. Since much of the work they do is reconstruction and renovation, they often see the old posts, balusters and columns as they are removed from buildings 50, 70 and over 100 years old. This experience has left Miller a staunch supporter of redwood.

The primary customers are architects. Miller estimates that there is a 50/50 split between commercial and residential uses of their products. The residential jobs are almost entirely for custom homes.

Miller explained that they aren't in competition with the mass producers of generic railings and balusters commonly stocked in home improvement centers.

The lumber retailers who work with Miller are primarily ones who deal closely with their own clients. "The dealers who appreciate our product are generally ones who feel bad if they can't find just the right thing for a loyal client." Miller commented.

Story at a Glance

Authentic Victorlan millwork designs, some dating from the 1870s, used in reconstruction and renovation redwood often used due to its remarkable durability in damp climates .$g catalog of historic, obsofete milfwork free to Merchant Magazine readers.

After several years doing custom woodworking, Miller spent over six years researching and studying traditional Vctorian millwork. This included hunting down manufacturer's catalogs from 1870 to the early 1900s. He compiled these profiles, drawings and specifications into a massive private catalog which sits in the corner of his office. The result of this labor is a well planned and historically authentic product line which is documented in the new company catalog.

The 24-page catalog for Pagliacco

(Please turn to page 73 )