Abstract: A panel for use in an architectural installation includes a poplar bark slab having a top face, bottom face and two opposed sides. The bottom face is laminated to a backing to make a composite, the top face has lands and crevasses. A filler on the top face fills the crevasses and a coating covers the filler and presenting a smooth, flat outer surface. The resulting composite panel with filler and coating is machined to obtain a shape selected from the group consisting of flooring, wall panel, ceiling panel, chair rail, door or window frame or crown molding.