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dards for forest management have now been applied in over 57 countries around the world."

SFI is headquartered in Arlington, Va., and was founded by the American Forest & Paper Association in 1995-the same year that FSC opened an office in Washington, D.C. However, SFI became an independent nonprofit in 2OO7 and now has 226 program participants in North America.

"In addition, we have 37 SFI implementation committees across North America that operate at the regional, state and provincial level to help promote the SFI standard," said president and c.e.o. Kathy Abusow. "Consumers see the SFI label as a visual cue-just like the recycling symbol."

Despite the growth of green building, most of the wood certified at the forest level is not sold with a label. "A lot of wood could be certified and you just don't know it," said MgDermott. "In order for it to be sold with a label, it has to have chain of custody all the way through. That's only going to happen if everyone in the chain sees the need or wants to go through the process."

Certification of wood products will become even more important as consumers demand verifiable proof that the products they buy-such as new decking or a new home-are really environmentally friendly. "Green building is exploding, even in the middle of a severe housing market slump," said FSC's Brinkema.

Although most green building programs will award points for the use of certified wood products, those seeking LEED status from the USGBC must use FSC-certified wood. Green guidelines devised by NAHB will give points for wood products from all "credible third-party-certified sources," including FSC and SFI.

FSC-cenified products also play an important part in meeting the "environmentally preferable materials" objectives of the new LEED for Homes program. "Also, if tropical woods are specified by a LEED for Homes registrant, they must be FSCcertified," said Brinkema.

What's ahead for the top two contenders in the certification race? "Only lj7o of the world's forests are certified so it can be a challenge to buy certified products," said Abusow. "SFI created a fiber sourcing label that requires SFI companies sourcing wood from uncertified wood to reach out and promote best management practices, awareness and training."

FSC also offers a "mixed sources" label. which allows manufacturers to mix FSC-certified materials with noncertified materials that meet FSC's wood-harvesting standards.

Both sides agree that more certification is good for everyone. "We believe that as people see more SFI labels and understand the message behind them-it's good for the forests, it's good for the buyer-there's no doubt that the demand for independent, third-party certified products will grow," said Abusow.

[tOnCeo iron stairwaYs have I-' added elesance and charm to building interiors for generations. With its hint of nostalgia that harkens back to the Victorian era and its application in well-known architecture such as that of the French Quarter of New Orleans, the look of forged iron is a popular way to blend Old World style into today's modern homes.

Increasingly. builders are incorporating decorative forged iron stairways as a showcase interior design element in new homes. Interior stairways help define a room's look and serve as more than just a connecting point between two levels. With so many options, builders can create their own unique forged iron designs. Today's forged iron stairway offerings include a wide selection of styles and accessories, lending handcrafted artistry for stately looks that are easily incorporated into any home.

Even in light of recent price increases in the forged iron market due to almost exclusive sourcins from

China, forged iron products remain a viable option. Dealers who are interested in differentiating their stair offerings for their customers can offer a variety of products that create a modern twist to this classic look.

Forged Iron Products

There are a number of forged iron stair products that dealers can offer to builders to add an uncommon touch to homes. Contemporary forged iron selections offer unbounded versatility. Styles range from simple to ornate, with handcrafted hammered detailing offering a warm, engaging look.

Balusters and newels are key considerations for creating a distinctive forged iron stairway. Balusters provide the greatest variety in design. They are available with patterns such as globes, spoon designs, classic twists, graceful baskets, intricate scrolls, and twisted ribbons.

Newels, the structural component of a stair, are typically located at the bottom of a staircase and at all rail transition points. Iron newels can be used instead of the traditional wood newels if a more contemporary look is desired.

Base collars for each forged baluster in the stairway are essential to creating a finished look at the tread ofthe stair. Forged rake collars-collars that replace base collars on knee wall stairs and underneath the handrail on the angled portion of the stair-are available for a balanced look. Adjustable collars are also offered to create a custom pattern within any forged system.

Finishing Touches

To help customers select a visually appealing look that complements the overall room design, it is important for dealers to become familiar with the finishing options and accessories available with forged iron products.

Forged iron finishing options include matte black, antique bronze, powder coat and satin black. Oilrubbed copper and antique nickel finishes lend a subtler, lighter look.

Black adds a touch of drama, and antique nickel provides a more contemporary feel, blending with many of today's home hardware looks.

Additionally, visual interest can be enhanced with decorative forged iron accessories. Medallions for use in medallion balusters can also be incorporated and are available in simple or ornate round styles. Modern medallions consist of two halves that screw together and are set permanently on the baluster with epoxy, so there is no welding required. Brass baskets incorporated into balusters are a differentiating alternative and add an unexpected look to rooms with soohisticated or luxurious decor.

Customization

With the growing popularity of personalized home decor and design, builders are increasingly focusing on custom interior stairway designs.

Forged iron styles can be mixed and matched with traditional materials to create a one-of-a-kind stairway. For example, contrasting forged iron balusters and medallions with the natural warmth of wood railings and newels can enhance visual interest. For great rooms, forged iron is also well suited for showcasing grand staircases. Builders are also creating design consistency with forged iron finishing colors that complement furniture. cabinet and window hardware. And for a truly customized look, special forged balusters can be combined to incorporate designs with feathered, round, scrolled, hammered, butterfly and basket profiles. The possibilities for customization are nearly endless.

Neq Lighter Options

Dealers can also offer customers newer, "Lite Iron" balusters that still retain the high-quality look of forged iron and allow for faster cutting and quicker installation. These balusters have a hollow core that reduces weight while maintaining strength, and are available in both ll2" and 314" sizes.

Builders are looking to forged iron balustrades as a fresh way to differentiate and personalize homes. Dealers can gain an advantage by offering a variety of profiles and finishes to fit any style of home.

- David Wynne is vice president of market development for Coffman Stairs. He has served two terms as president of the Stairway Manufacturers Association and managed the development of the "Stair Building Guide," the first comprehensive visual book on stair building, which is stiLl utilized throughout the industry today. Reach him at (276) 783-7251 or via www.coffmanstai rs.com.

FORGED iron balusters can be with wood for a warm, custom look.

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