When the Rex Lumber Company opened our third operation in Englishtown, New Jersey in 1971, the newly constructed office featured diagonal Cedar lap siding – a hallmark of 1970s commercial architecture. Fast forward to 2025, and we’ve given the building a complete exterior makeover that showcases some of our leading architectural materials. The transformation balances modern style with functional performance, and gave our team firsthand experience on the installation process.
The renovation included new windows, siding, light fixtures, gutters, gardens, and a new roof. The siding design, envisioned by our NJ Managers, presents a look that incorporates rustic warmth and natural elements with clean, minimalist lines that feel timeless yet contemporary.
“Perhaps most importantly,” notes Greg Hall, NJ Mill Manager, “is that we don’t have to worry about applying a finish, scheduling regular maintenance, or replacing boards any time soon”.
Rex Lumber worked with Dave Paulson and his team at Paulson Brothers Construction to complete the project. The material takeoff prepared by Anthony Montedoro, Inside Sales, guided Dave’s crew on product usage, while Francis Silkowski, Assistant Yard Foreman, led the landscape and garden revitalization – adding a balance of color to the finished design.
Spotlight: Grad Rainscreen and Mini Rail System
To achieve seamless exterior support, we turned to Grad Rainscreen and Mini Rail system, which secures the cladding fastener-free while delivering structural integrity. It was Dave’s crew’s first time working with Grad, but the installation proved to be a “piece of cake.” What stood out most was the simplicity – once the Mini Rail was secured to the building, the siding boards snapped neatly into place with just a rubber mallet.
Since adding Grad to our catalog earlier this year, it has quickly gained traction among builders and architects who value both installation efficiency and mechanical reliability. That confidence is backed by Grad’s 20-year warranty, making it an ideal choice for projects where longevity matters.
The renovation also let our New Jersey office and yard staff see the installation firsthand, providing a deeper understanding of Grad’s technical aspects. Dave’s team chose to run the siding boards vertically, which meant installing the Grad Mini Rails horizontally – a design choice that complemented the modern aesthetic while showcasing the system’s versatility. Vertical linearity provides additional water management since rainwater flows through the open space between the rail and back of the outer cladding.
Grad Mini Rail is ideal for:
- Statement exteriors and contemporary spaces
- Coastal homes and shore applications
- Commercial features and refined residential elevations
- Projects requiring clean, fastener-free appearances
Spotlight: Accoya Grey
For the siding material, we selected 4/4 x 6” Accoya Grey, which we ran in a custom shiplap profile through our moulder. Known for exceptional dimensional stability and durability, Accoya offered the consistent performance needed to achieve long-term peace of mind.
“The installation process was smooth from start to finish”, Dave remarked. Each board was “abnormally straight”, with cutting and routing workability similar to that of Eastern White Pine.
Accoya Grey undergoes a proprietary acetylation process that changes the wood at a molecular level, reducing the ability of the cell walls to absorb water. This feature was key for New Jersey’s fluctuating weather, and Dave was surprised when Greg told him he could leave the boards outside on a rainy night. The boards were soaked, then baked in the sun, and still maintained their shape with no visible movement or cupping.
Lightweight and easy to handle, Accoya mitred corners blended cleanly when sanded and performed with predictability. Because the grey dye runs through the entire board, sanding and blending were simple, and penetrations disappeared easily with a quick mix of Gorilla Glue, sawdust, and a pass with 100-150 grit sandpaper. The consistency reminded Dave of working with MDF – “super stable”. The result speaks for itself, and Jim Curley, NJ Yard Manager, says the exterior has “dramatically transformed our building with a fresh, modern look.”
Contractor
We were proud to partner with Dave Paulson, co-owner of Paulson Brothers Construction in Freehold, NJ, for this project. Since opening in 1996, Paulson Brothers has built a reputation as a full-scope remodeler and general contractor, taking on everything from siding and windows to kitchens, baths, additions, and full-home renovations. Most of Dave’s recent work has been residential, with select commercial projects across Monmouth County. Paulson Brothers adapt to building trends, and are open to using new building materials. If you’re in the area and are looking for a detail-oriented contractor, we’d definitely recommend reaching out.
What’s Next?
The exterior remodel is just the beginning for our New Jersey operation. Plans are already underway for a full interior redesign that will create a space that better supports our team and highlights the quality behind our hardwood mouldings and building materials. At Rex Lumber, we take pride in supplying products trusted by general contractors and architects across the Eastern seaboard. Projects like this renovation don’t just improve our facilities – they give us invaluable hands-on experience with the products we sell, helping us better serve our customers with real-world insights.
Ready to explore Grad Rainscreen and Mini Rail System or Accoya Grey Siding for your next project? Contact your Rex Lumber representative or visit one of our locations to see samples and discuss applications.