Radiata pine makes its mark in exterior trim

A I-rHouct-r cooD. oLD wooD conla.tinues to hold the lion's share of the exterior trim market, sturdier alternative materials have been making inroads.

There are fast-growing cellular PVC products, such as Azek Mouldings, Royal Mouldings' Quick Trim, Koma Trimboards, and CertainTeed Restoration Millwork. There are engineered products, including LP SmartSide, and hardboard trim, including Collins' TruWood. And fiber cement, such as from James Hardie and Plycem, also remains hot.

That doesn't mean wood has sat idly by. Stronger, more versatile wood products have arrived, particularly from the radiata pine fbrests of New Zealand and Chile.

To justify the long-distance shipping. the first radiata pine to arrive in the U.S. two decades back were highgrade, clear products. Due to their natural good looks, they initially targeted interior millwork applications. Over the last half-dozen years, however, radiata pine producers have attempted to expand and diversify by looking outdoors.

Since, once outdoors, it will inevitably end up primed and painted, radiata pine exterior trim is now touting selling points beyond appearance.

Among the advantages:

Whether grade marking, nail pattern marking or c0mpany logo marking, Matthews specializes in equipment and inks specific to the wood industry.0ur Drop-on Demand (D0D) ink-jet printers withstand even the toughest, harshest environments, keeping up with the demands of the wood industry. Matthews'systems run at faster line speeds than the competition. Many of [4atthews'inks are specific to wood products and are approved by the Engineered Wood Association. Water based, fast dry and V0C free inks are availablel oriented supplier, working with the mill to provide a turnkey installation with complete system integrati0n into existing networks.

Nail Patterns