Quick Facts

• Richlite first started business in 1943.
• The first patent was obtained in 1943.
• Richlite has also been called Cellulose Products, Tacoma Plywood Co., American Plywood Co, Rainier Plywood Co, Rainier Richlite.
• Richlite first introduced panels in the aerospace industry, later moving onto commercial cutting boards and food prep surfaces, marine industry, skate ramps and extreme sports industry, and finally the architectural market.
• Richlite's unique manufacturing system, WE Technology, reduced our carbon foot print by 32%.
• Richlite patinas over time, growing warmer and deeper in color as a result of sunlight and oxygen.
• Richlite doesn't degrade nor does it off gas.
• Richlite is commonly specified in countertops, wall clading, wainscoting, window sils, stair treads, bathroom partitions, guard rails, partition doors, cabinet doors, furniture, menus, signage, exterior cladding, rainscreen, siding, kick plates, and more.
• Richlite can be milled easily, like wood, but is much more dense, durable and long lasting.In fact, richlite has been milled into a smooth round sphere.
• Richlite manufactures with both Rapidly Renewable FSC Certified paper and recycled paper fibers.
• Richlite has an inherently natural feel with a mottled pattern. The finish out of the mill is similar to leather, when sanded it can be incredibly smooth and silky.
• Stain, water, scratch and heat resistent.
• Manufactured in Tacoma, WA and distributed world wide.
• The color of Richlite surfaces is determined by the paper color used in the manufacturing process. Black Diamond comes from black paper while Chocolate Glacier comes from dark brown material. The resin used in the manufacturing process darkens the color giving it deep, rich tones that run through the thickness of each sheet. Designers enjoy working with the material because the color is consistent when they machine edges and features directly in the surface.
• Richlite surfaces come in a variety of colors offered through the NW, Cascade and RainShadow collections to suit a breadth of design tastes.