26 minute read
MARGIN BUILDERS The importance of market diversification for forest products suppliers
from BPD January 2023
THE IMPORTANCE OF MARKET DIVERSIFICATION FOR U.S. FOREST PRODUCTS SUPPLIERS
IN DECEMBER 2019, I presented an update on the U.S. lumber market at a Japan Lumber Importers Association meeting as part of Softwood Export Council’s annual exchange to connect U.S. softwood lumber suppliers and Japanese importers. The changes in the U.S. market in just three years are striking, and they underscore the importance of international market diversity for U.S. softwood lumber suppliers.
Market fluctuations are a constant in the U.S. housing market. Over the past several decades, the U.S. has experienced a recession almost every eight years, while housing starts have plunged every six and a half years. In 2019, U.S. housing starts were still recovering from the 2009 global recession, repair and remodeling expenditures were down, and the Western SPF 2x4 composite price was $379 per thousand—far below a May 2019 peak of $582.
At the mill level, U.S. production was flat and mills in B.C. were curtailing production. The positive news at the time was that the Western SPF 2x4 composite price was projected to reach $407 per thousand during first quarter 2020. Due to a housing shortage, home equity levels were high and unemployment was low, which bode well for projected growth in spending on repair and remodel projects.
Who could have imagined that six months later, lumber prices would surpass $1,400 per thousand and
------------ BY ROSE BRADEN
homeowners, armed with time on their hands and equity in their homes would cause a repair and remodeling surge at a level never been seen before? After a very short drop in lumber production in keeping with COVID restrictions, U.S. producers focused on increasing production
With 95% of the world’s consumers located outside of the U.S., exporting provides a way to lessen the impacts of domestic market downturns, and increase sales. According to EXIM bank, companies who export are 17% more profitable than those who don’t export.
Total US Housing Starts, 1958-2022
and supplying surging U.S. demand. Although international demand was also high, record high container rates and U.S. lumber prices, coupled with port slowdowns affected U.S. suppliers’ ability to compete in international markets—nor were most interested.
Fast forward to December 2022 and the U.S. market is again slowing as the lending rate reaches 7%, 2022 inflation is at 7.7% over this time last year, and housing affordability is at the lowest level since 1989. Most economists agree that the U.S. will enter a recession during first quarter 2023.
While U.S. demand during the COVID years was unprecedented and unexpected, international diversification is vital to long-term stability for U.S. lumber manufacturers.
Market fluctuations are a constant in the U.S. housing market. Over the past several decades, the U.S. has experienced a recession almost every eight years while housing starts have plunged every six and a half years. These highs and lows in the U.S. market are commonplace and the importance of international markets was clearly evident when the 2007 global recession hit, bringing with it a collapse in the U.S. housing market.
In 2007, U.S. forest products exports reached $5.2 billion—$698 million of which was softwood lumber. U.S. softwood lumber exports continued to increase in subsequent years while domestic lumber consumption declined 33%. While exports account for a small share of U.S. lumber production, for the hundreds of small, often family-owned lumber mills and wholesalers across the country, exports meant they could continue to operate in the black, retain employees, and outlast the downturn.
Exports are also important for large corporate lumber producers who must find new markets for large volumes of lumber coming online. This means creating new international markets—both geographically, and in terms of developing new innovative ways to expand consumption.
To grow international demand for U.S. softwood lumber, the Softwood Export Council (SEC) with support from its membership of U.S. lumber grading agencies and wood products associations, addresses trade barriers and educates international users about the benefits of, and methods for using U.S. products. Opportunities for U.S. softwood lumber run the gamut—from opportunities for low-grade lumber for Mexico’s pallet, furniture, and construction (formwork) industries; clears in Pakistan; high-grade appearance and shop grades in North Africa and the Middle East; high-grade structural Douglas fir in Japan; and clears and shop grade for remanufacturing in Southeast Asia. The SEC also works to grow demand for structural grades and in non-residential and limited residential projects in select markets.
Exports Return as U.S. Prices and Shipping Rates Decline
U.S. export volume has almost returned to pre-COVID levels, a trend that is expected as U.S. lumber prices continue to soften, and distribution normalizes. Exports to China fell sharply following the U.S.-China trade
QUALITY WOOD PRODUCTS, GROWN RESPONSIBLY
PRODUCTS
Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem Fir, SPF – 2x4 and 2x6 framing lumber
Spruce, Pine, Fir (SPF) 2x4 and 2x6 studs and 6- to 9-ft. trims
Southern Yellow Pine – 2x4 and 2x12 framing lumber
Machine Stress Rated (MSR) Southern Yellow
Pine - 4x4 and 4x6 timbers
Douglas Fir Plywood – AC, BBOES, CCPTS,
CCX, Industrial Panels
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
ST. MARIES BEMIDJI
GWINN
WALDO OLA
WARREN
EL DORADO
LANDHOLDINGS | Alabama | Arkansas | Idaho | Louisiana | Minnesota | Mississippi
CONTACT US WITH SUPPLIER INQUIRES!
PotlatchDeltic | 601 West First Avenue Suite 1600 Spokane, WA 99201 | Tel (509) 328-0930 | Fax (509) 327-9409 | www.potlatchdeltic.com
Source for above charts: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Dec. 2022
war and U.S. shipments are down 88% from 2017 levels. Mexico has replaced China as the leading market for U.S. softwood lumber with almost 900,000 cubic meters valued at $286 million projected for 2022.
U.S. suppliers have benefited from increased nearshoring from international manufacturers, the U.S.-Mexico Free Trade Agreement, a shared border, and U.S. phytosanitary regulations which require that pallets entering the U.S. from Mexico be heat treated. Much of the lumber shipped from the U.S. to Mexico is used in pallets, and while pallet producers in Mexico prefer the dimensions of lumber supplied by producers in South America, the U.S. has benefitted from lower rail costs compared to ocean freight from South America, and a preference for U.S. softwood lumber quality and species characteristics.
U.S. species are also used in concrete formwork and interior millwork and furniture. As shown in the figure below, on a volume basis, western species make up over 50% of the softwood lumber shipped from the U.S. to Mexico.
Japan remains an important market for high-grade Douglas fir lumber. Despite a loss in market share to European lam-stock producers and domestic sugi, Japan is the leading international market for U.S. Douglas fir. As shown in the figure above, products shipped to Japan garner the highest unit prices of any international buyer, aside from the Philippines.
Although most of the U.S. lumber shipped to Japan is used in post and beam and 2x4 construction, a central challenge to U.S. suppliers is a reluctance to produce Japanese dimensions. The Philippines, however, emerged as a new high-value market for U.S. species when a large Japanese pre-cutter located operations in the country and began importing lumber from the U.S. The Philippines is now the sixth leading international market for U.S. softwood lumber with Douglas fir, hemlock, and southern yellow pine the leading U.S. species used.
Asia is the leading region to watch with the world’s fastest growing population and the fastest growing number of middle class and wealthy consumers in the world. In 2022, 60% of the world’s population, or 4.5 billion people, resided in Asia. By 2050, analysts project that this number will grow to 5.6 billion.
Analysts also project that by 2030, 65% of the world’s middle class will reside in Asia, up from 54% in
2020. In response to this trend, as well as the importance of Southeast Asia as a manufacturing center, SEC participates in several trade shows throughout the region and holds trade missions, educational seminars, and U.S. supplier and buyer exchanges in Vietnam and Thailand. The association is also investigating new opportunities for U.S. suppliers in Cambodia and northern Vietnam, both emerging manufacturing hubs.
Pakistan/the Middle East is also an important region for U.S. suppliers. The SEC hosted its first inbound buyers’ mission from Pakistan in 2016 where it introduced importers and manufacturers to Douglas fir, hemlock, and eastern white pine. The country is now the leading international market for eastern white pine. The SEC has hosted two additional buyers’ mission since then and regularly helps buyers from Pakistan meet suppliers in the Western and the Northeastern U.S. 2022 was an incredibly busy year as COVID travel restrictions have fallen away and international buyers and suppliers were eager to meet in person. SEC organized booths at 15 international trade events, hosted inbound buyers’ missions from Pakistan and Mexico, and led a trade mission to Thailand. All resulted in short term sales for the U.S. participants and new partnerships for the international buyers. In 2023, the association will
Source: Trade Data Monitor
Source: US Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, December 2022 participate and lead outbound trade missions in Europe, the Middle East, Mexico, China, Japan and Southeast Asia, all of which are available to U.S. softwood lumber suppliers.
To learn more about these events and the SEC, visit www.softwood.org.
The Softwood Export Council is a non-profit trade organization that works to increase exports of American-made softwood products. We represent U.S. softwood grading agencies, industry trade associations, state export promotion agencies, and others with a stake in the global trade of softwood lumber and wood-based building materials. With assistance from the Foreign Agricultural Service, we identify international opportunities, educate buyers, and develop collaborative relationships with international industry representatives and buyers.
The Softwood Export Council and its members are actively involved in maintaining market access for U.S. wood products, which includes participating in a range of codes and standards activities and working with international governments to address codes that may limit the use of wood. BP
– Rose Braden is president of the Softwood Export Council (www.softwood.org).
LOOKING FOR WESTERN LUMBER?
Lumber wholesalers, retailers and distributors have a great online tool to help them locate the western lumber they need for their customers. The WWPA Online Buyers Guide was designed exclusively for them. It’s a searchable, interactive directory of WWPA member mills and the products and services they offer.
Users can search by a number of specific products they are looking for. Select filtering categories to locate WWPA Member companies by species, product type, services, or shipment methods. Once filtering categories are selected, a list of western lumber mills is displayed. From there users can view the company profiles that have the products they need. Profiles include mill locations and sales contacts.
There are 80+ categories users can choose from in the Buyers Guide to narrow their search for western lumber. The detailed filtering system allows users to focus only on the products and services they need, such as nonHRA fingerjointed lumber or SFI and FSC certified mills.
The WWPA member mills listed in the Buyers Guide support a variety of services designed specifically for lumber buyers. Visit www.wwpa.org/buyers-guide.
MEMORABLE CELEBRATION was hosted by (left to right) Jim Bischel, Pat Bischel, and Steve Bischel.
NORTHERN CROSSARM THROWS CENTENNIAL BASH
Northern Crossarm Co., Inc. celebrated its 100th anniversary on Oct. 29 in Eau Claire, Wi. With over 200 guests from around the country, the celebration began with facility tours early in the day. A gala evening event featured a historical presentation and elegant dinner with live music and dancing.
Northern Crossarm began operations in 1922 manufacturing wood crossarms in Chippewa Falls, Wi. Ownership passed from founder Joseph Bischel to son Don and later to Don’s sons, Pat and Jim, with third brother Steve serving as the company CPA.
Its focus changed over the years as it moved into treating. It no longer manufactures crossarms, but now is completely geared to producing pressure treated wood.
The celebration was an opportunity for the Bischel family to recognize the hundreds of employees, suppliers and service providers responsible for its success.
This summer, Arbor Wood Co. hopes to begin manufacturing thermally modified wood siding and decking at the former Ainsworth OSB mill in Grand Rapids, Mi.
The company purchased a portion of the 138-acre complex in 2020 and anticipates it will be ready to start production by mid-summer.
Ainsworth mothballed the plant in 2006 and deemed the closure permanent in 2008.
NELMA GRADING RULES NOW IN SPANISH
Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association announces that the grading rules and associated sections from the 2021 Standard Grading Rules for Northeastern Lumber has been translated into Spanish and can be accessed at www.nelma.org.
“Our goal at NELMA is to provide the most up-todate lumber grading information to as many people throughout the industry as possible,” said Jeff Easterling, president of NELMA. “This translation furthers our goal of providing the exact assistance needed to our members to help them be successful.”
LUMBERMEN’S JOINS ABMDA
Lumbermen’s, Inc. , Grand Rapid, Mi., has joined co-op Associated Building Material Distributors of America and moved all of its supplier rebate programs to ABMDA.
“The products and brands offered through ABMDA, combined with the exchange of best practices, peerto-peer site visits, and group buying power made for a compelling reason to join,” said Shawn Montague.
Durable Design
Timber Products’ KodiakPly™ siding is the answer to your exterior needs. Made from Douglas fir, KodiakPly holds a timeless look with durable properties to meet the demands of the environment.
Contact us today to learn more!
1-800-547-9520| timberproducts.com
KodiakPly Siding Panels
4' x 8' with 18 patch only Thicknesses: 11/32" and 19/32" Applications: sheds, apartments, townhomes, condominiums
STRUCTURAL FASTENERS
CAMO is moving beyond deck-top solutions to offer a new line of structural screws that are engineered to start fast, drive smooth, and hold strong, with no pre-drilling required.
Rigorously tested and approved for use with pressure-treated lumber, the fasteners are IRC and IBC code-compliant and great for trusses, rafters, multi-ply beams, deck posts, beams, railings and general multi- purpose construction.
All structural screws feature CAMO’s Protech Ultra 4 coating for corrosion resistance.
The CAMO Structural Screw line includes 6” Truss Screws, Multi-Ply Screws are available in specific lengths for both sawn and structural composite lumber beams, Ledger Screws, 2” and 3” Framing Screws, and Multi-Purpose Screws in Flat and Hex heads.
CAMOFASTENERS.COM (800) 968-6245
GLOW PATHS
Glow Path Pavers are a great way to light any paved, recreational area, adding a modern feel while maintaining the appearance of classic brick pavers.
Sun-powered aggregates are integrated into the surface of each paver, providing a subtle, continuous glow for six to eight hours after dark.
The pavers deliver low-level illumination and visual accents to pedestrian walkways, pool decks and backyards while improving safety in unlit areas.
GLOWPATHPAVERS.COM (833) 456-7284 SELF-DRILLING PILOT POINT
Simpson Strong-Tie has introduced the Strong-Drive PPHD Sheathing-to-CFS screw, a multipurpose, self-drilling, pilot point screw suitable for attaching sheathing, drywall, or subflooring to cold-formed steel framing.
Designed as an update to the existing PPSD Sheathing-to-CFS screw, the PPHD features a larger #5 pilot point with a longer flute and comes in popular #8 sizes. In addition, the fastener has buttress threads and a new dog-eared point for improved drilling performance through sheathing and metal.
PPHD screws can be purchased in bulk quantities for hand-drive applications or collated for auto-feed driving with the Simpson Strong-Tie Quik Drive PRO300SG2, PRO250G2, and PRO200SG2 auto-feed screw-driving systems. The fasteners are also available in two levels of corrosion resistance—the Quik Guard coating is suitable for a wide variety of exterior applications and the yellow-zinc coating is for dry-service and low-corrosion environments.
STRONGTIE.COM/PPHD (866) 252-8606
STEELY INTERMEDIATE PICKETS
Feeney’s new Stainless Steel Intermediate Pickets for DesignRail offer a sleek alternative to square, powder-coated pickets, providing an even lower profile alternative for DesignRail with CableRail infill where posts are spaced more than 3 ft. apart.
Available in three configurations (36” Level, 42” Level, Universal Stair), the 5/8” diameter 316 stainless steel tubes are pre-drilled for 1/8” diameter cable at 3” spacing, and are field trimmable.
FEENEYINC.COM (800) 888-2418
DECK STEP LIGHT
The new DekPro EFFEX Louvered Step Light provides the classic louvered light design with three tiers of lights cascading down onto the stair tread.
Measuring 4-1/4”x3-1/2”, the light mounts flat against the riser and only requires a 1” diameter hole to run the wires. There is no bulky back box. Two quick-connect leads make wiring easy. Fixtures feature warm white LED lights with durable aluminum powder-coated housings.
It’s available in three colors (Absolute Black, Cocoa Bronze, Dream White) to match DekPro Prestige Aluminum Railing.
DEKPROMFG.COM (800) 335-5909
Silvermine Stone’s mortarless stone veneer Pillar System quickly and easily adds character to homefronts, porches, deck posts, mailbox posts, and more.
Pre-cut stones are available for 18”x18” and 24”x24” pillars, installing around a pillar base or frame with no masonry skills required. Stones come in five colors (Dover Cliff, Monument Valley, Marin Fog, Dakota Sunset, Evening Gray), with 22” flat or split caps in sand, slate and brownstone.
SILVERMINESTONE.COM (715) 835-7595
One. Stop. Shop.
AFRICAN BEAUTY
Nova USA Wood Products is now offering Rhino Wood decking and siding from South Africa.
A thermally-modified, plantation-grown radiata pine that’s wax impregnated, it offers high-density, low-maintenance and extremely stable characteristics that will age into a magnificent sliver-grey color over time if left unfinished. It performs exceptionally well in demanding climates that have extreme temperature and humidity swings, as well as close-to-theground, exterior applications.
NOVAUSAWOOD.COM (503) 419-6407
Scan for the full story and video
Storing millwork can be tough. Size variation, custom orders, temperature sensitivity—all can add to the challenges suppliers face as they seek efficient onsite storage solutions. That’s why Greg Zuern decided to try something completely different. Together with CT Darnell and Sunbelt Rack, Zuern Building Products consolidated all their millwork into one reimagined building for maximum efficiency. The results speak for themselves. Thanks to this change, they saw: 50% faster pick times $8MM more in deliveries with fewer trucks and drivers
Maximized inventory efficiency and increased SKU count by over 15%
CT-Darnell.com • Sunbelt-Rack.com 1-800-353-0892
COMPOSITE PORCH BOARDS
Modern Mill has added porch boards to its portfolio of ACRE composite products.
ACRE Porch Boards are made with upcycled rice hulls in a zero-waste manufacturing facility in Mississippi. Providing the look and feel of real wood, it is comfortable underfoot and slip-resistant. Strong and resilient, the boards are water-, weather- and pest-resistant, and guaranteed not to rot or splinter.
Boards have an attractive grain surface profile and tight tongue-in-groove fit. They measure 15/16” by 3-5/16” (actual) and come in 10-, 12- and 16-inch lengths. They can be painted or stained.
MODERN-MILL.COM (601) 869-5050
ALL DECKED OUT
Deckorators will offer two colors—Saltwater, a warm smokey-taupe, and Sandbox, a classic medium-brown— with its coming Venture Decking product line, to debut in early 2023.
Backed by 25-year structural, stain and fade, removal and replacement limited warranties, Venture features a natural woodgrain look; scratch-resistant polyethylene cap with strong, dense composite core; and solid or grooved edges, in 5-1/2x15/16 with 12’, 16’ and 20’ lengths.
DECKORATORS.COM (800) 556-8449 3-WHEEL ELECTRIC FORKLIFT
Toyota Material Handling has added 30 advanced features to its 3,000-4,000-lb.-capacity 3-Wheel Electric Forklift, upgrading ergonomics, onboard programming, and diagnostics.
Upgrades include a 4.3” high-resolution display, EZ Fingertip Control option, 100% onboard programming and diagnostics for application-specific fine-tuning and faster service, wet disc brakes to seal out debris and keep brakes cool, auto parking brake that automatically applies anytime the truck is turned off or the operator leaves the seat, and Automatic Mast Control, which responds automatically to enhance the stability of loads.
Energy-efficient improvements offer 40% longer run time on a single charge. A slope-sensing auto power mode automatically switches power mode to maintain speed while traveling up a slope.
TOYOTAFORKLIFT.COM (800) 226-0009
WHITE OAK WINDOWS
Andersen Windows & Doors is expanding its E-Series product line to include white oak. The new species option allows consumers to choose from a variety of factory finishes including a clear coat option to achieve a neutral, natural interior.
E-Series windows are made to customers’ exact specifications for unmatched flexibility and design freedom, offering 50 standard exterior colors, custom colors and anodized finishes, plus a range of interior wood species and interior stains.
ANDERSENWINDOWS.COM (323) 426-4261
Rates: $1.20 per word (25 word minimum). Phone number counts as 1 word, address as 6. Centered copy/headline, $9 per line. Border, $9. Column inch rate: $65 per inch.
Deadline: 10th of the previous month. Questions? Call (714) 486-2735.
WANTED TO BUY WANTED TO BUY
NORTH CAROLINA RELOAD Shaver Reload,
Statesville, NC
• Norfolk Southern Mainline Served • Easy Access to I-85, I-77 & I-40 • Company Owned Truck Fleet • Outdoor and Indoor Storage • 12 Acres Fenced with Security Lighting • 25+ years Reload Experience
(704) 872-3148 • Fax (704) 872-3146 Email Tom Lakeman shavers.reload@gmail.com
------------| IN MEMORIAM
David Horton Cutler, founder of Building Products Digest, passed away Dec. 4, 2022, at the age of 88. A native of Boston, Ma., he served with the U.S. Army until 1955, then received a degree in journalism from the University of Nevada in 1959. He worked as an editor for Stars & Stripes in 1961, before joining the California Lumber Merchant in 1962. In time, he purchased the company from A.D. Bell. He launched sister publication BPD in 1982 and Building-Products.com in 1995. Early on, David recognized that the most important component of the industry was the people and their relationships with each other. So he strove to build community through his magazines, introducing exhaustive photo coverage of as many events as possible. He was also the inventor of everyone’s favorite mythical lumber company, Mungus-Fungus Forest Products. We are indebted to David for his leadership and friendship.
Kenneth Charles “K.C.” Stock, 84, passed away on Nov. 28. He left St. Norbert College after two years to join his father’s Scanlan & Stock Lumber, Oconto, Wi. After launching his own pallet business in Oconto, he purchased Scanlan & Stock in 1971, renaming it Stock Lumber. As the years went by, he expanded to Green Bay, Appleton, Princeton, Fond Du Lac, Stevens Point, Sussex, Delavan, Windsor, La Crosse, Eagan, and Rochester, Wi. In 1998, he sold his yards to U.K.-based plumbing distributor Wolseley, which renamed all of its lumberyards Stock Building Supply. The Wisconsin properties would be resold in 2009 and become Wisconsin Building Supply.
Howard G. Vann, 81, former owner and manager of Eldon Hardware & Lumber Co., Mo., died Nov. 26 in Jefferson City, Mo. In addition to operating the lumberyard for 34 years, he served as president of the Mid-Missouri Lumber Association, president of the Mid-America Lumbermens Association, and a director for the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association.
James Allen Boswell, 73, outside salesman for Buck Lumber, Charleston, S.C., died Nov. 23. A graduate of Porter-Gaud and Furman University, Jim joined Buck Lumber in 1990.
Warren James Opperman, 96, former partner in Opperman Lumber Sales, Fargo, N.D., died Nov. 6 in Fargo, N.D. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he graduated from North Dakota Agricultural College. He then started in lumber sales, first in Bismarck, N.D., then with Masonite Corp. in Billings, Mt. He returned home to Fargo in 1959 to become a partner in his father’s lumber company.
Joseph Richard Niolon, Jr., 77, founder of Niolon Lumber Sales and Gwinnett Lumber Remanufacturing, Suwanee, Ga., died Nov. 27. A graduate of Young Harris College, Joe began his career with a wholesale lumber brokerage in 1966. He struck out on his own in 1982 and 20 years later started a companion reman facility with his children.
Richard L. “Dick” Hautekeete, 81, former co-owner of Marengo Lumber Co., Marengo, Oh., died on Dec. 2 from prostate cancer attributed to Agent Orange exposure. He worked as an electrician before serving in the Army from 1967 to 1969, during which he was awarded an Army Commendation for Heroism, two Purple Hearts, five Bronze Stars, and a Presidential Unit Citation. After spending several years managing Penrose Lumber, Grinnell, Ia., Dick and his wife Sherry owned and operated Marengo Lumber for 20 years.
Listings are often submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with sponsor before making plans to attend. Mid-America Lumbermens Association – Jan. 9-10, yard & delivery workshops, Little Rock, Ar.; Jan. 12-13, Wichita, Ks.; www.themla.com. Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club – Jan. 10, meeting, Embassy Suites Greensboro, N.C.; www.lumberclub.org. Missouri Forest Products Association – Jan. 10-11, winter meeting & legislative breakfast, Jefferson City, Mo.; www.moforest.org. Northwestern Lumber Association – Jan. 10-12, Estimating 1-2-3, Wisconsin Dells, Wi.; www.nlassn.org. House Hasson Hardware – Jan. 12-14, winter market, Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tn.; www.househasson.com. Northwestern Lumber Association – Jan. 17, Wisconsin Lumber Dealers Leadership Conference, Wisconsin Dells, Wi.; www.nlassn.org. Lake States Lumber Association – Jan. 18-20, annual winter meeting, Green Bay, Wi.; www.lsla.com. American Wood Protection Association – Jan. 19, winter executive committee meeting, Birmingham, Al.; www.awpa.com. Northwestern Lumber Association – Jan. 24-26, Estimating 1-2-3, Inver Grove Heights, Mn.; www.nlassn.org. Mid-America Lumbermens Association – Jan. 25, maximizing sales opportunities seminar, Residence Inn KC Airport, Kansas City, Mo.; www.themla.com. Mid-States Distributing – Jan. 25-26, Winter Rendezvous, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Az.; www.msdist.com.
International Builders Show/Kitchen & Bath Industry Show – Jan.
31-Feb. 2, Las Vegas, Nv.; www.buildersshow.com. National Hardware Show – Jan. 31-Feb. 2, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nv.; www.nationalhardwareshow.com. Northwestern Lumber Association – Feb. 6-7, Expo North, St. Cloud, Mn.; www.nlassn.org. Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Assn. – Feb. 6-8, annual convention & expo, Marriott Downtown, Indianapolis, In.; www.ihla.org. Mid-America Lumbermens Association – Feb. 9-10, Estimating 2 & 3, Kansas City, Ks.; www.themla.com. Orgill – Feb. 9-11, spring dealer market, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, La.; www.orgill.com. Monroe Hardware – Feb. 10-12, spring market, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; www.monroehardware.com. Lumbermen’s Association of Texas – Feb. 15, LAT Action Day, State Capitol, Austin, Tx.; www.lat.org. Building Material Suppliers Association – Feb. 15-16, annual Learning Exchange & LBM Expo, Hickory, N.C.; www.mybmsa.org. Illinois Lumber & Material Dealers Association – Feb. 16, Expo, DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington, Il.; www.ilmda.com. Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association – Feb. 16-17, annual meeting, Sheraton Flowood The Refuge Hotel & Conference Center, Flowood, Ms.; www.mlmalumber.com. United Hardware – Feb. 20-March 3, virtual spring buying market; www.unitedhardware.com. Cameron Ashley Building Products – Feb. 21-24, dealer show, Royal Pacific Universal, Orlando, Fl.; www.cameronashleybp.com. Frame Building Expo – Feb. 22-24, Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, Ky.; www.nfba.org. Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers – Feb. 22-26, annual meeting, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra, Fl.; appalachianhardwood.org. Builder’s Supply Association of West Virginia – Feb. 24-26, annual meeting, Hotel Morgan, Morgantown, W.V.; www.bsa-wv.com.
PAGE 30
11
45 American Wood Technology www.americanwoodtechnology.com
Crumpler Plastic Pipe www.cpp-pipe.com
CT Darnell www.sunbelt-rack.com
9
7 DMSi www.dmsi.com
Do it Best Corp. www.doitbestlbm.com
3
17
Cover II
37
27
21
39 Everwood Treatment Co. www.everwoodtreatment.com
Humboldt Sawmill www.mendoco.com
Maze Nails www.mazenails.com
National Hardware Show REGISTER TODAY! www.nationalhardwareshow.com Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2023
Las Vegas Convention Center
NAWLA www.nawla.org
NELMA www.nelma.org
PotlatchDeltic www.potlatchdeltic.com
34 New Products. Ray White Lumber Co. www.raywhitelumber.comNew Connections. New Experiences.
25, Cov. IV Redwood Empire Our ongoing efforts to reimagine NHS are intended to deliver you more value. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with customers, peers and colleagues, discover www.buyredwood.comthe latest trends in the home improvement & DIY industry or explore new products and innovations – your experience at NHS will provide you the tools to grow your business. NHS is focused on continuing to celebrate innovation, deepening industry connections and growing our global footprint.
13 Silvermine Stone Co. www.silverminestone.comRegister Today For NHS at nhs23.com/526MediaGroup-Free
Cover I
29
USE CODE 526MED FOR A FREE EXPO PASS! Simpson Strong-Tie www.strongtie.com
Snider Industries www.sniderindustries.com
35
36
19
43
5
33 Southern Forest Products Assn. www.sfpa.org
Southern Pine Inspection Bureau www.spib.org
Swanson Group Sales Co. www.swansongroup.biz
Timber Products Co. www.timberproducts.com
West Fraser www.westfraser.com/osb
Westervelt Co. www.westervelt.com
FLASHBACK: 1984 NO PLACE LIKE DOME
THIRTY-NINE YEARS ago this month, BPD’s pages were filled with ads from industry stalwarts such as Boise Cascade, American International Forest Products, Weyerhaeuser... and from a brand new company pitching not lumber nor hardware nor any traditional item you might find in a dealer’s yard. They were pushing geodesic domes.
In January of 1984, Weyerhaeuser used the front cover of BPD to promote its “First Choice Service.”
Berkeley, Ca.-based Timberline Geodesics had developed kits to construct prefabricated domes, complete with detailed plans and heavy-duty steel connectors. The company saw BPD’s audience of LBM dealers as perfect partners, since dome-builders had to purchase the lumber, panels, roofing and other materials there anyway.
While the structures looked unconventional, they reportedly were easy to build, conserved heating and cooling, saved on materials, and stood up to storms and earthquakes.
Although Timberline apparently never built up its hoped-for national network of retailers, the company still sells the hardware and the plans (now up to 24 different layouts), but direct from its website.
151 Kalmus Dr. Ste. E200 Costa Mesa, CA 92626-5959
Change Service Requested
REDWOOD DECKING
