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      The Field Guide

      5

      Bidding, Submitting, and Installing

      4

      Detailing and Documenting Design

      3

      Specifying – Making Design Decisions

      2

      Specifying – Meeting Performance Requirements

      1

      Researching Wood Finishes To Meet Design Objectives
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    • Specifying – Meeting Performance Requirements
    • Specifying – Making Design Decisions
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  1. Home
  2. The Field Guide
  3. Specifying – Making Design Decisions

Specifying – Making Design Decisions

Welcome to the third stop in the 9Wood Field Guide.

You now understand what your design and product selection must do to meet project requirements. With that foundation in place, you can move forward with confidence into design decisions.

This is where the work becomes more deliberate. The focus shifts from defining requirements to selecting the specific system, configuration, and finish that bring the design to life. This is your opportunity to lead with creativity, using what you know to craft a space that is both purposeful and visually compelling.

Before moving forward, take a moment to orient yourself.

Why You’re Here

At this stage, your role is to shape a design that fulfills your aesthetic vision, guided by the foundation of functional requirements already in place:

  • What system style best aligns with the design vision and performance needs? 
  • Within that system, what sizing and reveals support both aesthetics and coordination? 
  • Which species and finish combination achieves the desired look? 
  • How does the system respond to the geometry of the space? 
  • How should perimeters and transitions be addressed? 
  • What decisions can improve environmental impact and material efficiency?

This stop helps you move from a range of viable options to a clear and intentional design direction that is ready to be communicated.

5

Bidding, Submitting,

and Installing

4

Detailing and
Documenting Design

3

Specifying – Making
Design Decisions

2

Specifying – Meeting
Performance Requirements

1

Researching Wood Finishes To
Meet Design Objectives

Search results

Found search results for

4 min read

Natural Variation in Wood

Wood ceilings impart a warm, natural, and visually pleasing aesthetic to a space. Wood’s natural grain, texture, and color variations add richness and depth to interior environments, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity. Wood has a unique ability to establish a connection with nature within man-made interior spaces. Studies have shown that the use …

Read moreNatural Variation in Wood

6 min read

Custom Wood Walls in Commercial Architecture

Walls are a separate surface and there are unique factors. In today’s video we’re talking with Nathan Pfieffer, a project engineer, about those factors and things you should be aware of in your design.

Read moreCustom Wood Walls in Commercial Architecture

6 min read

The Hemlock Advantage: It Might Land You Your Next Job

Acoustical subcontractors are trying to stay competitive during a time when the cost of building materials is skyrocketing. Hemlock might be the key.

Read moreThe Hemlock Advantage: It Might Land You Your Next Job

4 min read

The Hemlock Advantage: 3 Reasons Hemlock Is Ideal for Wood Ceilings Right Now

The Hemlock Advantage for wood ceilings boils down to three benefits. Western hemlock is versatile, prices are stable, and supply is available.

Read moreThe Hemlock Advantage: 3 Reasons Hemlock Is Ideal for Wood Ceilings Right Now

4 min read

What is the Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood?

Hardwood vs Softwood. Both are going to bring warmth and beauty to your space, but sometimes the terms are tossed around and it’s not clear.

Read moreWhat is the Difference Between Hardwood and Softwood?

4 min read

The 9Wood Finishing Process

The beauty of wood is widely known with the unique character that gives it an unmatched look. The 9Wood Finishing Process is how we keep it protected.

Read moreThe 9Wood Finishing Process

6 min read

Wood Tiles – The Most Common Questions [VIDEO]

Introduction Michael Roemen: “Hey everybody, we’re excited for you joining us in today’s video. Kat and Derek will be talking about wood ceiling Tiles and Perforated Tiles. It’s a great way to utilize large-format modules and introduce acoustics into your space. Let’s jump into it.” Tiles – The Basics Katrina Shidaker: “A tile is a …

Read moreWood Tiles – The Most Common Questions [VIDEO]

4 min read

Wood Wave Ceilings – The Most Common Questions [VIDEO]

Michael Roemen: “Hey everybody, in today’s video we’re talking with Bret and Denise, two of our Design Assist Specialists about wood waves. There are lots of options and ways to introduce curved ceilings into your space. So let’s dive right into it and see what they have to say.” Waves – The Basics Denise Sprenglemeyer: …

Read moreWood Wave Ceilings – The Most Common Questions [VIDEO]

10 min read

Wood Cube and Coffered Ceilings – The Most Common Questions [VIDEO]

Cubes – The Basics Derek O’Connell: “We often hear cubes referred to as open cell or egg-crate ceiling. Essentially when you look up, you are going to see a bunch of squares. You’re going to have wood running both ways that will intersect each other, creating that shape.” — For Example Check our NYU Ster …

Read moreWood Cube and Coffered Ceilings – The Most Common Questions [VIDEO]

4 min read

Lighting Integration in Wood Ceilings

Light fixture selection and integration is a key feature in any space. But how is it accomplished? Can I put lights in any ceiling? How are they installed? Where should I hang the fixtures from? All these questions and more require thoughtful planning and coordination. It’s no secret that lighting can make or break a …

Read moreLighting Integration in Wood Ceilings

6 min read

Acoustic Wood Ceilings – The Most Common Questions [VIDEO]

Michael Roemen: “In today’s video we’re talking with Denise, one of our design assist specialists, about acoustic wood. As a premium finish, your ceiling should not only provide improved aesthetics and natural warmth and beauty but also enhance acoustics. So, let’s jump in.” The Basics Denise Sprengelmeyer: “Acoustic planks and acoustic tiles are both constructed …

Read moreAcoustic Wood Ceilings – The Most Common Questions [VIDEO]

8 min read

Linear Wood Ceilings – The Most Common Questions

A linear wood ceiling is when you look up from the floor and see a nice, wide piece of wood. We often hear it referred to as a slat or a plank.

Read moreLinear Wood Ceilings – The Most Common Questions

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