Hardwood millwork meets Universal Design

dently. And to satisfy their desire for a warm, beautiful space, incorporating American hardwoods into the homes makes them attractive and inviting places in which to live.

According to Gil Thurm, executive v.p. of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, "When it comes to Universal Design, American hardwoods are the all-natural choice for sturdy, attractive and healthy design materials. The wide range of species-oak, cherry, walnut, poplar, maple and more-provide a spectrum of colors and grain patterns to satisfy any decorating scheme."

Kitchens: More than Food accommodate wheelchair users. Lower cabinet doors and drawers will require reinforced hardware in case they are leaned on for support.

. D-shaped or lever-style handles and magnetic touch-and-release cabinet doors are perfect for hands of any size or strength.

. Swing-away hinges allow full use of the cabinet door frame.

. Under-the-counter refrigerator drawers and other flexible appliances make a kitchen more accessible for someone wheelchair bound.

More Accessible Bathrooms

PULL-OUT COUNTERS at different heights allow food preparers to sit or stand in this universally designed kitchen, while maple cabinets provide warmlh and durability.

ll fiANUFACTURERS of hardwood IYlmillwork and cabinetry are capitalizing on the in-vogue design trend Universal Design, which aims to make homes more accessible and barrierfree, yet comfortable and beautiful.

A term coined in the 1980s by architect Ron Mace, Universal Design is defined as "the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or spectalized design." And for the nowaging Baby Boomer generation, which comprises about one-third of the U.S. population, Universal Design is just what the doctor ordered.

Whether remodeling or buying, older adults want to remain in their homes and continue to live indepen-

Modern kitchens have evolved into being more than a place for food preparation. Because they are now family gathering places, even centers to entertain guests, they need to be comfortable, convenient and safe for everyone, whether standing or seated, young or old, tall or not-so-tall. Universal Design makes that possible.

A key component to making a home barrier-free is the use of adjustable-height work areas and unique cabinetry. Wall-mounted cabinets, for example, leave floor spaces clear and easy to clean. Add an allnatural material like American hardwoods, and you have a healthy, beautiful kitchen as well.

Here are some design features your pro customers should consider when tackling a kitchen project:

. Varied-height cabinets and countertops will accommodate multi-cook families, so that parent and child may prepare a meal together.

. Make components accessible whether standing or seated.

. Sliding drawers, rollout shelves, and Lazy Susans make items easier to reach.

At the base of floor cabinets, keep the toe/kick space deep enough to

Similar

Universal Design ideas can apply when remodeling a bathroom:

. Vary vanities' height to lessen the need to crouch while shaving.

. Provide seated users with adequate under-the-sink knee space.

. For additional storage, consider a cabinet on wheels, easily stored under the sink and movable.

Incorporate solid hardwood cabinets, vanities and flooring into the design and add a degree ofelegance to a very important room. Don't worry about water damage. Today's water resistant finishes form a watertight seal protecting the wood yet allowing it to expand and contract normally.

A LOVE of fine hardwoods and lA.more than 30 years in the business are behind Nevada County Hardwoods, which opened last fall in Grass Valley, Ca.

Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills. the company is owned by brothers Gene and Terry Williams. They both worked many years for a large western hardwoods wholesaler before each opened his own wholesale company.

Today, Terry and his wife, Lalaine, own and operate T.W. Sales, Seal Beach, Ca., and Gene and his wife, Sheryl, started G.W.S. Wholesale Lumber, Westminster, Ca.

Gene and Sheryl moved their business to Grass Valley in 2004, after Terry and his wife bought a second home in nearby Nevada City and raved about the area's natural beauty. Last September, the Willams opened a retail location, Nevada County Hardwoods, which is managed by Gene and Sheryl. For now, Terry continues to run his own business in Seal Beach and oversees the warehouse in Rancho Dominguez, Ca., which supplies all three businesses.

"What we try to do is offer something different that isn't available locally, in one convenient location," said Sheryl. "We buy direct from sawmills across the country, so we can pass the savings on to the customer."

A variety of high-quality hardwoods can be found in the 2,500-sq. ft. warehouse, including alder, hickory, poplar, walnut, and ash. Other hardwoods can be custom-ordered, along with custom milling and floor-