The American Hardwood Information Center is offering the American Hardwoods Collection as a free resource for architects and interior designers. The sample kit and brochure offer a wealth of information on one of nature’s most abundant, renewable, and sustainable building materials: American hardwoods.

Tucked inside the kit are 20 samples of the most popular domestic hardwood species. The solid wood samples offer a realistic view of each species’ grain pattern, measuring in at six inches long, three inches wide, and a quarter inch thick. One side of each sample is planed to feel the smoothness of wood in its finished state, while the reverse side is left rough sawn to highlight the natural texture of the wood.

A handy stain simulator enables design professionals to visualize a side-by-side comparison of clear, light, medium, and dark stain combinations for a variety of applications, including flooring, cabinetry, moulding, millwork, and furniture.

The enclosed booklet contains detailed information about the sustainability of American hardwoods; their use in eco-friendly design and building; and an in-depth species guide, profiling the characteristics and uses of each species—including strength and mechanical properties.

The free resource is available to qualified architects and designers at www.HardwoodInfo.com. For more information or to place an order, contact The American Hardwood Information Center at info@hardwood.org.