Building with ACRE™: A Guide for Builders & Architects

Finding building materials that are both sustainable and easy to work with on the job site are key to delivering high-quality projects. New evolutions can deliver environmental qualities without challenges to install or customize. One example of this is ACRE by Modern Mill, a tree-free and recyclable alternative to wood made from upcycled rice hulls. ACRE defies all prenotions about the way that sustainable materials look, perform, and can be worked with. 

Below is a guide for builders and architects when choosing wood alternatives including how they perform compared to traditional materials:

Matching Easy Workability 

Traditional wood is one of the most used building materials because of its natural beauty and easy workability, although it has its drawbacks. Wood is susceptible to water damage, rotting, pests, molding, cracking, and more. Modern materials have an advantage over wood for their performance benefits but many are unable to match the aesthetic and warmth of wood by being visually fake or plastic-like. 

One material that delivers the best features of wood and composites is ACRE, which is virtually indistinguishable from wood and is a fan favorite by builders for its easy workability. ACRE can be easily cut, routed, sanded, and customized with regular woodworking tools. The material is also easy on blades and has minimal melting or static. 

Color and Customization

ACRE is not only easy to cut and sand, but it can also be thermoformed, which allows it to be molded into unique shapes and curves. This feature makes it incredibly versatile for applications where a custom look is desired, such as intricate trim work or specialty siding projects. Woodworkers can craft everything from complex moldings to smooth, rounded edges with ACRE, offering clients a truly customizable solution.

Unlike many other materials, ACRE accepts water-based paints and stains beautifully without needing a primer. Carpenters and woodworkers can achieve a high-quality finish that matches their clients’ specifications. 

Durability for Long-Lasting Projects

ACRE combines the aesthetics of wood with the durability of modern composites, making it highly resistant to common issues like rot, mold, splintering, and insect damage. This resilience makes it perfect for projects that require materials to withstand the elements, such as decking, trim, and siding. ACRE also has strong screw and nail retention, with no pre-drilling required, so woodworkers can quickly secure pieces without worrying about splitting or mushrooming.

ACRE Versus Traditional Materials

If you aren’t sure whether or not it’s worth investing in new and innovative materials like ACRE, the advantages against alternatives are clear: 

• Versus Wood: While wood offers warmth and beauty, it demands regular maintenance and is prone to moisture, rot, and insect damage. ACRE provides the same warmth and natural look without harming a single tree. The material is also resistant to water, weather, pests, rot, mold, splintering, and is suited for ground contact. 
• Versus PVC: PVC can crack and break easily, produces harmful dust and static cling, has limited customization, and may lack the authentic appearance that clients desire. ACRE on the other hand is strong and durable and can be easily cut and customized for delivering beauty in nearly all non-structural projects. ACRE is also able to be stained and painted without primer. 
• Versus Fiber Cement: Fiber cement is very heavy to handle on job sites, often requiring 2 people to carry a 16’ board. The material is also extremely dusty when cut, difficult to customize, and has a soft and easily marred surface. ACRE is lightweight but strong and straight. It gives off no harmful dust or residue and has more customization flexibility.

Conclusion

ACRE offers a reliable, versatile, and eco-friendly solution for building materials. With its workability, durability, and sustainable attributes, ACRE is an exceptional material for creating high-quality, long-lasting projects that satisfy the needs of eco-conscious clients. Whether crafting trim, siding, decking, or custom millwork, ACRE offers benefits that outperform industry alternatives.

When working with ACRE, it is essential to follow Modern Mill’s installation guides and coatings resources for optimal performance. Ready to transform your outdoor living space? Order samples today or fill out the contact form below, we’d be happy to start the conversation!