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alternatives to pine and cedar posts. Available in 8-, 10- and 72-foot lenpphs, our 4 x 4s are produced by skilled, dedicated people during a single shift for maximum consistency.

Our commitmeot to the 6nest il!€n& beyond the mill. Mills are consistently upgraded with state-of-the-art Were prcud to bc certified to ISO 14&)1 srmdrds and by the EPA for cnvironment-friendly practices, 3-D scanning systcms, mechaniud lumber-handling systcms, and morc.

including thc use of non-polluting rcurccs ofelcctricity. Emplopc-friendly workplacc means our pcoplc takc Columbia Vista ensurcs quality in mmy ways... pride in their work and products.

Posts arc carefully kiln-dried for immcdiate u*. ^/\.

drving'lo caus'rwis'ling

To get the 6nest in Douglas 61 4 x 4s, just call

Structural framing sizes in Australia and New Zealand use 35mm and 45mm by 90mm and 100mm sizes. U.S. softwood producers successful in these markets are providing metric sized lumber to compete with other imported products mainly from Europe and Canada.

lnternational Uses

Most of the U.S. softwood exported is for non-structural uses. Interior applications, such a doors, windows, frames, mouldings, flooring, paneling, and other millwork is a prime destination for both pine and fir species. Furniture parts and glued panels are also a destination for softwood lumber.

Western species, such as Douglas fir and hemlock in the clear and other upper grades, are pized in Europe for wooden window and door parts and frames. Ponderosa and other western pines are used in rustic pine furniture and for upholstery frames in Mexico, China and Vietnam. U.S. producers are selling both metric and imperial sizes into these markets because much of the stock is ripped and resawn to provide "finished" metric sizes for the local markets.

A large portion of exported lower grades in softwoods are used in concrete forming for forms, wailers and support posts. Much of the worldwide structural construction is based on the use of concrete, so there are a large demand for formwork materials at all levels. Some world markets require structurally graded materials, some cultures use the material repeatedly, but some see wood as a single-use material and aim for a cost-competitive disposable supply, and use the remains for fuel or local d-i-y projects.

Markets for western species

Western softwood species have found distinct foreign markets based on species and size. For strength, long lengths, and large sections of solid lumber. or for tight close grain materials, the U.S. West is the place to go.

The Pacific Rim is the leading market for western species. China was the top destination in 20 ll, but dropped behind Japan in 2012. China has grown by a factor of 10. In 2005, exports to China were $23 million (33 million bd. ft.), rising to $245 million in 2Ol1. In 2012, however, China decreased 50Vo to $125 million.

Hemlock was the leading U.S. species imported in 201 l, at $105 million and took the biggest hit in 2O12, down to $29 million. Douglas fir was $37 million in 201 l, but fell to $24 million in2012.

Japan is the major export market for U.S.-produced Douglas fir, importing $137 million,which represented 50Vo of all Doug fir exported in 2Ol1 . The vast majority of the product is in metric sizes and lengths for post and beam construction. Western hemlock and hem-fir were second at $4 million.

Other notable species include redwood, western red and yellow cedars, and ponderosa pine. For 2012, exports were on track to increase by more than 8Vo over 201 I

Mexico was the third largest market for western species in 2012. A market value of $126 million was exported to Mexico in 201 I , and 2Ol2 should top out at $144 million. Mexico is a low-grade pine market, with ponderosa pine the leading known species imported, behind "other softwoods." Uses include furniture components, concrete forming, pallets, crating and millwork. Douglas fir is also imported for some structural applications along the border. The major competition is radiata pine from Chile.

The Softwood Export Council is the U.S. western softwood link to international markets and marketing activities. The SEC and its member organizations, grading agencies, trade associations, and state agencies pro- vide marketing programs, including trade shows, trade missions, market sourcing, design and usage information in native languages. A special SEC program helps put U.S. companies in direct contact with foreign buyers by helping with travel expenses to shows and on trade missions. Whether you're a producer, wholesaler or retailer, you probably have a link to the SEC and its activities through an SEC member.

- Craig Larsen is president of the Softwood Export Council, Portland, Or. Reach him at (503) 620-5916 or clar sen@ softwood.or g.

Brandt Mitchell. ex-Fortress Wood Products, has been named general mgr.-residential group at Cox Industries, Orangeburg, S.C.

Frank Renner has retired from TriState Forest Products, Perrysburg, Oh., after 4l years in the industry.

Michael Zins, ex-Gillman Home Center, is back in contractor sales at Carter Lumber, Shelbyville,In.

Brian Rasich rejoined Weyerhaeuser, Bethlehem. Pa.. as a dealer sales rep for eastern Pennsylvania.

Joshua Foster, ex-K3 Lumber & Supply, has joined West Orange Lumber, Groveland, Fl., as outside sales account mgr.

Dan Klobedans, ex-Builders FirstSource, is new to sales at Stock Building Supply, Schertz, Tx.

Brad Hembree, ex-Marvin's, has been named general mgr. of NFL Home Center, Daphne, Al.

Mike Smith, ex-Sherwood Lumber, joined Kleer Lumber, Westfield, Ma., as regional sales mgr. for the Southeast, overseeing Fl., Ga., Al., and Ms. He is based in Jacksonville. Fl.

Ron Neary has been named general mgr.-exteriors business at Home Acres Building Supply, Grand Rapids, Mi.

Earl Stephens, distribution center mgr., Boise Cascade, Memphis, Tn., has retired after 40 years in the industry. John Maley, ex-F.P. Supply, has joined BC, Marion, In., as EWP department mgr.

Joe Ryglicki is now in sales at the Specialty Windows & Doors division of Wehrung's Lumber, Ottsville. Pa.

Alan Bettis, ex-Bettis Hardware, has been named general mgr. of Whit Davis Lumber Plus, Greenbrier, Ar. He succeeds Bob Robinson, now a corporate buyer in Jacksonville, Ar. Larry Marrs, ex-ProBuild, is now general mgr.-millwork & windows for Mill Creek Lumber, Broken Arrow, Ok.

Skylar Anderson, ex-Kruse Enterprises, is a new structural product specialist at Bluelinx, Fort Worth, Tx.

Lucas Reiners is new to sales at Timber Wholesalers, Burnsville, Mn.

Phil Lauer, ex-Precision Framing Systems, is the new product mgr.EWP for ProBuild Holdings, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

John Diehl, ex-Marjam Supply, is now a technical sales rep for RedBuilt, N. Salem, N.Y.

Matt Holloway, ex-Georgia Pacific, is a new supervisor at Weyerhaeuser, Dodson, La.

Marcie Quian, ex-RSG, has joined the sales team at Allied Building Products, Largo, Fl.

Karen M. Gravelin has been promoted to v.p.-corporate administration at Rocky's Ace Hardware, Springfield, Ma.

Marise Kumar has been appointed senior v.p.-strategy & modeling for Lowe's, Mooresville, N.C.

Rick Wheeler, ex-Midwest Hardwood, has been named sales director for Turn Bu11 Lumber Co., Elizabethtown. N.C.

Tim Norum is now paint & hardware buyer for Blain Supply, Janesville, wi.

Frank Foster, ex-Symmons, has been named director of marketing for Arrow Fastener, Saddle Brook, N.J.

Valerie Misa is new to marketing at NyloBoard, Covington, Ga.

Ron Beal, president, Orgill, Memphis, Tn., added the title of chairman, with the retirement of Bill Fondren, who remains a director. Brett Hammers succeeds retiring Ken Post as chief merchandise officer, and Jeff Curler replaces retiring Steve East as v.p.-advertising.

Jamie Kutzer has been named chief administrative officer for AIlied Building Products Corp., East Rutherford. N.J.

Mike Kauchak is new to US LBM Holdings, Batavia, Il., as marketing mgr.

Mike Finn has joined Uniboard, as regional sales mgr. for the Indianapolis, In., area.

Christopher Salvador, ex-Max USA, is new to Fasco America, Muscle Shoals, Al., as Boca Raton, Fl .based Southeast regional sales mgr.

Kevin Mount is now with Kobrin Builders Supply, Orlando, Fl., as regional sales mgr. for Palm Coast to Melbourne, Fl.

Danielle Bentley is new to Magbee Contractors Supply, Winder, Ga., in inside sales-EWP/trusses and installed sales.

Angela Nelson joined the marketing team at Versatex, Aliquippa, Pa.

Greg Ciampa, ex-Coastal Forest Products, is new to outside sales at ABC Supply, Manchester, N.H.

Marise Kumar has joined Lowe's Cos., Mooresville, N.C., as senior v.p. of strategy & modeling.

Brent Nichols, ex-McElroy Metal, is new to sales at Building Products Inc.. Waterloo.Ia.

Kristy Rivera has joined CalStar Products, Racine, Wi., as Chicago area-based Midwest market msr.

Brion Gallop, ex-Square Deal Building Supply, has jonied GAF, as Steep Slope territory mgr. for the Detroit/Saginaw, Mi., market.

Don Randolph has been promoted to retail performance mgr. for Do it Best Corp., Fort Wayne, In.

Cindy Kloskin, ex-Donlin Co., has joined the customer service team al Ferche Millwork, Rice, Mn.

Michelle Kam-Biron, ex-WoodWorks, is now director of education for the American Wood Council.

Lori Koch is now project engineer; Bryan Knight, web development coordinator, and Marcie Weeber, part-time program assistant.

Ella Vader has a new second-story office at Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., according to co-owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

You deserue better.

You deserve top-notch software, service and technology from a fiercely independent, owner-operated, All-American partner. DMSi is the gold standard for customer satisfaction. Our software, Agility, will make you strong. Are you ready for better? lf so, call DMSi Software at 800.347.6720 or visit dmsi.com.

High-Speed Grinding

The GE950G-Plus grinder by Metabo has a spindle lock and wide-speed range, to handle a wide variety of construction applications.

The tool has a Longlife motor, 950 watts of power, a rated load of 7,200 rpm, and 2'7" lbs. of torque. Other features are thermal overload protection, electronic speed stabilization, and an electronic soft start to extend tool life.

T METABOUSA.COM

(800\ 638-2264

Start Those Shingles

ShingleStarter waterproofing membrane by MFM Building Products is now available in tri-lingual packing: English, Spanish, and French.

The product eliminates the need to cut shingle tabs, bonds to the roofing substrate, and has a sealing strip to prevent wind uplift at the roof edge. It also selfseals around nails, fasteners, and punctures, to prevent water penetration.

Packaged eight to a carton, each roll measures 7.2" wide by 33.5" long.

T MFMBP.COM

(800) 882-7663

Pro Wall Texture

Homax Pro Grade Wall

Texture combines the control of a hopper gun with the convenience of an aerosol.

The self-priming, low odor spray can be controlled with a pressure-adjustment toggle and pattern control dial, to match orange-peel wall patterns.

Each can covers up to 125 sq. ft., while a slight tint improves visibility during application.

I HOMAXGROUP,COM

(800\ 129-9029

Doors With Heritage

ProVia Heritage entry doors are constructed of fiberglass with hardwood stiles and square-edge construction.

High-definition embossed panels look like real wood, but resist denting, splitting, cracking, and warping.

I PROVIAPRODUCTS.COM

(877) 389-0835

Always on Patrol

The Patrol GFCI receptacle from Cooper Wiring Devices also provides an LED nightlight.

A lockout feature renders the receptacle inoperable if improperly wired or tripped.

A sensor automatically controls the nightlight, which has a warm, incandescent-like glow.

T COOPERINDUSTRIES.COM

013\ 209-8400

Window Geometry

Geometrics Windows from Precise Plastics come in four different shapes that can be installed as stand-alone picture windows or mulled together to create a variety of window shapes and styles.

An interlocking nailing flange locates each window in the correct position when mulling. Both interior and exterior trim frames have locating ribs for a professional mitered look.

T GEOMETRICSWINDOWS,COM

(855) 809-7179

Gottage Windows

Marvin's Integrity Windows & Doors division produces cottage-style windows in all styles.

Made of pultruded fiberglass, the windows have a 40/60 sash split and a 6O/40 reverse split. Equal sash configurations are also available in a ranse of designs.

T INTEGRITYWINDOWS.COM

(888) 419-0076

Flooring Adhesive

DriTac 5000 is a hard-set, pressure-sensitive adhesive for installing vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring.

Available in I - and 4-gallon plastic pails, the product can be used over moisture-free concrete, plywood, hardboard, terrazzo, steel, and well-bonded, wax-free floor coverings.

T DRITAC.COM

(800) 394-9310

peck GonnectorRail.to.Framing

Simpson Strong-Tie's DTT2Z connector attaches deck-railing posts to deck framing.

Protected by a Zmax coating, the fastener ties posts into deck joists-rather than the rim joist alone-for a stronger connector.

It is also load-rated as a holddown for light-duty shearwalls and braced wall-panel uses.

I STRONGTIE.COM

(800) 999-5099

Devilish Blade

Diablo's Demo Demon blade delivers durability in the most extreme construction situations: demolition, renovation, and remodeling.

EachT-114" x 24 tooth blade is laser-cut of high-strength steel, then protected with a permanent non-stick coating to resist heat, rust. gumming, and conosion.

I DIABLOTOOLS.COM

(800) 334-4r07

Majestic Flooring

South Mountain's Palazzo hardwood flooring offers the strength and durability of Asian teak. Four colors are available in solid hardwood, three in an engineered, wire-cut option. Both are protected with six coats of UV-cured Treffert aluminum oxide.

I SOUTHMOUNTAINFLOORING.COM

(516) 487-3510

Ultra-Smooth Rolling

Purdy's Ultra Finish roller cover deliver an ultrasmooth finish for all interior painting projects. Its microfiber covers resist paint buildup to provide an even release of paint, whether satin, semi-gloss, or gloss. It comes 9" long in varying nap thicknesses.

T PURDY.COM

(800) 547-0780

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Hardrvood Oil Ilnd Grain Sealet

Hardwood Deck Tile System lrs,,#!| #

Look of River Rock

Mediterranea's River Rock tile collection offer the look of stone in four natural colors.

Sizes include 12"x24", l8xl8, l2xl2, and 6x6, afong with 2x2 mosaic pieces and 3x12 bullnose.

I MEDITERRANEA-USA.COM

(305) 718-5091

Handy Ladders

Werner's three-piece, fiberglass extension ladders work in tight spaces.

In the closed position, the three-piece design makes them 20-25Vo shorter than standard two-piece extension ladders.

Their compact design also makes them easier to transport, especially for urban contractors who need to secure equipment and materials inside their vehicles.

IWERNERCO.CoM

(888) 523-3371

Hidden Deck Fastener

Through a partnership with EBTY, Deceuninck North America has developed a hidden fastener biscuit for its Clubhouse PVC decking.

With two packaging options and a longer screw for enhanced installation, the biscuit spaces the deck boards and holds them down.

It will not rust, shrink, crack, or soften in high temperatures, and drainage problems are eliminated because boards are evenly spaced.

I DECEUNINCK-AMERICAS.CoM

(8',71) s63-425r

By Wayne Rivers