Art and Style, Artists and Makers / 04 Dec 2019

5 Reasons to Choose PVC Over Wood for Custom Exterior Millwork

For some, a drive up the coast from Boston to Portland offers stunning views of rocky Atlantic cliffs, ocean vistas, and fiery fall foliage in autumn. For others, like Josh Cilley, the historic architecture along quiet New England roads is the main attraction. Here, he helps clients, including those building new homes and others restoring classic Colonials or vibrant Victorians, put on the finishing touches with custom exterior millwork made of PVC materials. Cilley, owner of Whitewood Millwork, has specialized in millwork fabrication for more than 15 years. He started honing his craft using traditional wood, but as modern products that closely mimic the look and feel of wood became more widely available, he transitioned his business to focus on high-performance, custom PVC millwork. “We strive to preserve the style and high level of craftsmanship found in traditional New England architecture, but chose to do so with modern materials instead of wood because they last much longer,” Cilley notes. We talked to him in depth about why he’s a convert and why homeowners should avoid wood in favor of durable PVC for a home’s exterior railings, pergolas, brackets, moldings, or other exterior trim applications. Longevity “I loved working with wood, but it’s extremely problematic for exterior surfaces, especially in coastal New England,” Cilley says. He explains that while 100 years ago homes were built with more durable, old-growth forest lumber that could withstand 200 years of hot, humid summers and snowy winters, today’s stock of wood just doesn’t last as long. Instead, PVC “lumber” is a lifetime investment that will likely outlast the rest of the house, as it won’t split, crack, or rot like traditional wood. While pricier woods such as cedar or mahogany may be less likely to succumb to rot, they will still split and crack when…

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Art and Style, Artists and Makers / 09 Nov 2019

Cynthia MacCollum: Only Natural

A New Canaan printmaker doesn’t have to go far to find the local flora that inspires her art.

Art and Style, Artists and Makers / 24 Sep 2019

M. Benjamin Herndon: Fade to Black

Don’t be misled by the absence of color. M. Benjamin Herndon’s art is complex, expressive, and deserving of its critical acclaim.