




Custom Hickory Panels for LSU's Patrick F. Taylor Hall
The Challenge
As part of the construction of Patrick F. Taylor Hall, the project team envisioned a warm, modern interior featuring custom wood veneer panels throughout the building’s common areas.
While the team had established the overall design direction and desired color palette, the final wood species had not yet been selected. The project called for a random-plank appearance, meaning the panels were intentionally designed to avoid a repetitive pattern while still maintaining a cohesive look throughout the space.
In addition, every panel required exact sizing and edgebanding to support efficient installation and achieve the clean, finished appearance expected in a prominent academic facility.
The Solution
FormWood worked closely with the architects, general contractor, and project stakeholders throughout the material selection process. To help identify the right veneer for the project, FormWood participated in visits to veneer mills where the team evaluated options and selected Plain Sliced Hickory to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Once the material was selected, FormWood manufactured custom cut-to-size, edge-banded panels based on the project’s drawings and specifications. The panels were designed to support the project’s unique random-plank appearance while maintaining consistency across the installation.
By combining veneer expertise, collaborative project support, and custom manufacturing capabilities, FormWood helped transform an initial design concept into a finished architectural solution.
The Outcome
The completed installation delivered the warm, contemporary appearance envisioned for one of LSU’s most recognizable academic buildings. Custom wood veneer panels were incorporated throughout the common areas, creating a distinctive architectural feature across both the walls and ceiling.
Because the panels were manufactured to exact project dimensions, installation was streamlined while maintaining the design flexibility the project required. The finished space reflects the value of thoughtful material selection, early collaboration, and precision manufacturing.
The finished installation reflects the value of thoughtful material selection, early collaboration, and precision manufacturing in bringing complex architectural projects to life.

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Our team regularly helps manufacturers, millwork shops, furniture builders, and OEMs solve complex veneer challenges involving matching, sequencing, custom edgebanding, and specialty applications.
