The Merchant July 2022 by 526 Media Group

MERCHANT

Digital Edition Sponsored by

The

THE VOICE OF THE WEST’S LBM SUPPLY CHAIN — SINCE 1922

JULY 2022

Magazine

APA – ENGINEERED WOOD SPECIAL ISSUE • TREATED WOOD TECH • POWER TOOL TRENDS

The

MERCHANT

Magazine

President/Publisher Patrick Adams padams@526mediagroup.com Vice President Shelly Smith Adams sadams@526mediagroup.com Publishers Emeritus David Cutler, Alan Oakes Managing Editor David Koenig dkoenig@526mediagroup.com Senior Editor Sara Graves • sgraves@526mediagroup.com Columnists James Olsen, Claudia St. John Contributors Joe K. Elling, Paige McAllister, Kevin Stanton, Robin West, Borjen Yeh

Advertising Sales

(714) 486-2735 Chuck Casey ccasey@526mediagroup.com

HIND!

LEFT BE T E G T ’ N O D ICKLY—SO U Q S E V O M T ARKE

E B I R C S B SU OUR M

Y A D O T TTER ENEWSLE , L A IT IG ,D IVE PRINT

& MORE!

E TO RECE

SUBSCRIB

Nick Kosan nkosan@526mediagroup.com

Graphics

Mitch Tanis • mtanis@526mediagroup.com

Digital/Marketing

Alek Olson • aolson@526mediagroup.com

Circulation/Support Jody Bays jbays@526mediagroup.com

The LBM supply chain’s leading publication for qualified industry decision makers! • Update your subscription • Sign up key colleagues • Enroll multiple locations

A publication of 526 Media Group, Inc.

151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Phone (714) 486-2735

CHANGE OF ADDRESS Send address label from recent issue, new address, and 9-digit zip to address below. POSTMASTER Send address changes to The Merchant Magazine, 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The Merchant Magazine (ISSN 7399723) (USPS 796-560) is published monthly at 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 by 526 Media Group, Inc. Periodicals Postage paid at Newport Beach, CA, and additional post offices. It is an independently-owned publication for the retail, wholesale and distribution levels of the lumber and building products markets in 13 western states. Copyright®2022 by 526 Media Group, Inc. Cover and entire contents are fully protected and must not be reproduced in any manner without written permission. All Rights Reserved. We reserve the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter, and assumes no liability for materials furnished to it. Opinions expressed are those of the authors or persons quoted and not necessarily those of 526 Media Group, Inc. Articles are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, fina cial or business management advice. Volume 101 • Number 7

THE MERCHANT MAGAZINE The Merchant is available on a qualified requester basis to senior management of U.S.-based dealers and distributors specializing in lumber and building materials, and to others at the rate of $22 per year. Subscribe now at www.building-products.com/subscribe.

SUBSCRIBE NOW AT WWW.BUILDING-PRODUCTS.COM/SUBSCRIBE

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Building-Products.com

CONTENTS July 2022

Volume 101 n Number 7

Stay connected between issues with www.building-products.com

facebook bpdmerch

Special Focus

Features

APA on EWP

APA – The Engineered Wood Association shares the latest trends, tips and sales tools in engineered wood products.

The

MERCHANT THE VOICE OF THE WEST’S LBM SUPPLY CHAIN — SINCE 1922

JULY 2022

Magazine

APA – ENGINEERED WOOD SPECIAL ISSUE • TREATED WOOD TECH • POWER TOOL TRENDS

twitter @bpdmerch

Departments

Industry Trends

New Battery Technology Fuels Power Tool Market

Business Operations

Product Spotlight

Transforming Teams

Event Recap

Photo Wrap-Up

5 Ways Technology Can Benefit Wood Treaters—and Their Customers Siding Buyers Opting for Bold Hues

WWPA Honors Master Lumbermen

6/23/22 8:45 AM

The Merchant Magazine Digital Edition at www.building-products.com

8 Across the Board

16 Olsen on Sales 24 Movers & Shakers 40 New Products 45 In Memoriam 53 DateBook 54 Centennial FlashBack 58 Advertisers Index

PCBC Summer Showcase

The Official Publication of

pinterest bpdmerch

Celebrate Summer While Keeping Employees Focused and Productive

Merchant 7-22_Layout.indd 1

instagram @bpdmerch

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Proud Supporters of

Building-Products.com

Scan to view our product info.

Build more memories with the #1 brand in outdoor living.

Trex® offers more than just decking. Choose from our selection of furniture and accessories that’ll help bring your outdoor space, and everyone in it, together. From lighting to pergolas to outdoor kitchens, Trex offers a range of products that can turn any outdoor space into a thoughtfully designed extension of the indoors. Complementing every deck with the right details – we see it too. See our full portfolio of products at trex.com.

Railing

ACROSS the Board By Patrick Adams

Lessons from highs and lows

he past many weeks have been an emotionally exhausting roller coaster. It’s one of those times where you suffer a couple of hits, take a deep breath, feel thankful that the fight is over, and then get gut punched. After taking numerous hits, I usually begin considering why I’m getting hit, what I could have done to prevent them, and what I’m supposed to learn from it all. What seems like months and months ago (last August), I shared news of our house “demolition” as a result of a $3 leaking supply line. Well, construction is underway and with a family, a business, and travel, combined with delays, cost over-runs and trying to make good decisions that we’ll have to live with, it is taking my family to the breaking point. I am cursed with being a “problem solver” and I’ve learned that there are some problems that I simply can’t solve and taking some punches are unavoidable. However, as they say, the show must go on. As I prepared for a trip I was excited about (part business, but mostly a great opportunity to visit with an industry leader, who’s both a good man and someone I call a friend), I received news that another friend lost his daughter to a long fight with cancer. I unfortunately have seen many fights for life, but none that have been a gut punch like this. She was just 14 and although she passed far too young, she is the one story that I will say “won” her fight. After countless surgeries, treatments, highs and lows, she never gave up and never stopped smiling. This also gave her family the blessing of being able to fight along with her in the most inspiring and graceful way that I know I would never be capable of. Until now, my many fights have only been about winning. She has taught me that there is far more importance in how you fight than whether or not you “win.” This is how legacies are defined and hers will stay with me forever. In the midst of this, I watched (from farther away than my heart would prefer) what is happening in eastern Europe. I watched again as yet another terrorist played out his wishes at the expense of innocent people and their families. This is personal for me and should be for everyone, yet the world responds as if it’s some reality show that they can easily shut off before going to bed in the comfort of their homes. I ask myself how these same people would feel if it was their husband fighting thousands to drop off their family at a foreign border, with only a handful of their life’s possessions, and then turn around to fight for their home and life? It is easy to think that we are “past this” and that things like this only happen with savages in third world countries, but it doesn’t. While these actions are hard for me to watch unfold, the silence by the rest of the world allowing it to

happen is what is most unbelievable and should serve as an eye opener for everyone. But as I returned from one of the first industry events I have attended since the pandemic, I am again conflicted in my emotions. This event was different for me for some reason. For years these industry leaders have been kind to me and welcomed me as I took the helm of these publications. But this time, more than usual, I shared my highs and lows with them as if they were the friends they had promised for years to be. I was unusually vulnerable with things I was struggling with within my business and shared the things I was scared about as a parent of young kids these days. These are things I have never done with anyone other than those whom I have been through countless battles with. I should not have been surprised that baring my soul to these fine people was rewarded a hundredfold. People who have already made their summit in life took time to listen, and give kind, thoughtful advice. Men and women who I’ve known, but have not even shared a meal with, extended offers to visit them, stay in their homes, and have an “escape” from the things that may be stretching my family. It was a lesson to me that I will never forget that sometimes, simply trusting people is rewarded. More than anything, I look at these “lows” and it simply makes me grateful. Thankful my family is healthy and that we are together. Grateful to those who put themselves in harm’s way so we can live our peaceful, safe lives. Humbled that the miracle that brought me to this industry has had the additional gifts of making true friends who help to bring out my better side. While our lives may not be perfect, remember that there are countless millions who pray every night for the life of “problems” that we may have. More than ever, I am humbled and grateful for this industry and its people whom we have the privilege of serving.

Patrick S. Adams Publisher/President padams@526mediagroup.com

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Building-Products.com

DON’T TRUCK AROUND

WORK WITH THE BRAND WHO’S GOT YOUR BACK. With millions of bags delivered every week and on-the-ground support you can count on, partnering with Sakrete means you spend less time waiting — and more time racking up sales.

Become a Dealer at Sakrete.com/Dealer

INDUSTRY Trends

PowerStack photo by DeWalt

By David Koenig

New battery technology fuels power tool market

he global power tools market size—estimated to be $34.3 billion in 2021—is projected to grow 5.7% annually, reaching $45.2 billion by 2026, according to a recent forecast by MarketsandMarkets. The hottest products? Cordless electric tools, drilling and fastening tools, and those intended for pro users.

Tops by Power: Electric Tools

Based on mode of operation, the electric segment held the largest share of the power tools market in 2020 and is expected to continue making gains through 2026. The growth of electric tools will be fueled by innovations in battery technology and the growing adoption of cordless tools among industrial and residential users. Currently, most manufacturers are focusing on producing cordless tools powered by lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. Stanley Black & Decker, for example, recently introduced the DeWalt PowerStack 20V MAX—stacked Li-Ion pouch cell batteries for the construction industry. They are said to provide 50% more power from a battery that’s 25% more compact and 15% lighter. “Our groundbreaking dependable lithium-ion battery pack represents a new threshold of cordless power tool performance, helping to further realize the full potential of the cordless jobsite of the future,” said Jaime Ramirez, executive vice president and president of Global Tools & Storage for Stanley Black & Decker. Soon after, Flex Power Tools unveiled its own stacked battery technology, which had been in the works for five years. A common thread has been manufacturers rolling out comprehensive cordless platforms—entire suites of tools that can be powered by the same batteries and chargers. DeWalt has its MAX and FlexVolt systems, Makita the XGT, Hilti the new Nuron platform, Bosch Profactor, Metabo MultiVolt,

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Milwaukee RedLithium. Their promotions and marketing slogans (Makita, “One System;” Bosch, “High Power, One Battery;” Milwaukee, “Everything Fits”) stress the idea of “one system fits all.”

Tops by Type: Drilling and Fastening Tools

By type, drilling and fastening power tools currently hold the largest share of the market and are estimated to retain that lead during the 2020-2026 forecast period, primarily due to their adoption in specific industries. Electric drilling and fastening tools are used by professionals and DIYers, while most pneumatic drilling and fastening tools are used in industrial environments, such as automotive and aerospace manufacturing plants.

Tops by Market: Pro Applications

According to the study, power tools are more often used in industrial/professional applications, and are rising extensively in prominent industries such as construction and automotive. The construction industry accounts for the vast majority of power tool demand, due to professionals heavily relying upon them for all manner of projects and uses. The resumption of construction activities across the world following the outbreak of the pandemic has led to a surge in demand for power tools. Additionally, the growing industrial expansion, as well as rising repair and maintenance operations, have contributed to the growth of the market.

Tops by Region: Asia Pacific

APAC is expected to hold the largest growth rate of the global market during the forecast period, in great measure due to rising road construction and infrastructure activities, especially in emerging economies such as India, Singapore, China and Japan. Building-Products.com

Building-Products.com

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

BUSINESS Operations By Kevin Stanton

5 ways technology can benefit wood treaters— and their customers

echnology has made complex operations “easy” for decades. Software solutions afford us the luxury of digitized communications in nanoseconds, the storage of massive amounts of data available at one’s fingertips, and even a trusted way to manage our daily financial transactions and life savings. All of this to say, foolproof systems that once required endless equipment, paperwork, and time are no more. The wood treating process is a complex one, no doubt. Tracking every step from fresh cut lumber to final delivery to satisfied customers must be carefully managed. The more streamlined the treaters’ operations, the more time and money they save, and just as importantly—the better experience their customers will have with a quality end product. Having the right data at your fingertips at the right time is key.

Make complex operations easy.

Integrated software solutions that track your full-functioning operations base enable you to connect steps that were once disconnected. Manual processes and disparate systems slow things down, not to mention important details could be missed without all essential data in one place. For instance, processing inbound trucks is a standard part of the business; receiving trucks as efficiently as possible, and making way for the next truck, must be managed swiftly and accurately so as not to disrupt operations. Production scheduling is the key to make it all work, and comes with many variables. Meeting multiple customer demands and deadlines, paired with navigating transportation schedules, such as barges and vessels, can be challenging. A system you can rely on for real-time accuracy is imperative for your success and for your customers’ success. Another component to tech-simplification is the ability to track bundles through various treatment processes by utilizing barcode scanning applications that provide instant up-

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

dates for immediate status of services on any given bundle. Managers are immediately notified when all services for an order are completed and ready to ship—no delays.

Make fewer mistakes.

Use fewer business tools.

Gain greater accuracy.

Fewer systems to manage equals fewer errors. We’re all human, we all make mistakes. Using an endto-end solution reduces the likelihood of mismanaged data as it moves from one step in the process to the next. When there is a glitch, identifying the issue becomes much easier if your operations are managed on one integrated system. More often than not, you can resolve issues in a matter of minutes that might otherwise have taken days to troubleshoot. Let’s face it, nobody wants to take the time to learn multiple different business processes and software programs— especially programs that don’t integrate. In addition, terminology varies across multiple platforms, and there could be various algorithms to track and queries to wrangle for the information you need, not to mention the added expense of multiple subscription fees and service agreements to muddle through. Training costs go up considerably with learning multiple software tools that may or may not effectively communicate with one another. Adopting one integrated solution that makes sense for your wood treating business can shorten onboarding time and decrease the learning curve, setting your team up for success and keeping employees happy. Manage your own inventory and your customers’ inventory with confidence. Easily track units through various processes, from treating to cutting and ripping, to drying, to molding. With just a couple of clicks of the mouse, you can know immediately what you have in inventory. This means Building-Products.com

better business management and more credibility with your customers. A critical component of every business is accurate bookkeeping. With an integrated software solution, you can auto-generate invoices based on activity within the wood treatment lifecycle to keep the cash flowing and payments on schedule.

Gain happier customers.

Ensure your customers have the data they need, precisely when they need it. If there are pitfalls in your current tracking process, you will be dealing with unhappy customers, while losing time and money as you work to rectify the situation. It can be overwhelming to consider replacing your existing management system and starting fresh, but it can also mean more productive employees, a better customer experience, and ultimately a better bottom line. A well-managed business is a credible business, which builds trust and confidence in your customers. Satisfied customers tend to become repeat business and oftentimes refer new business leads. Data shows that prospects are more likely to do business with a company that has been recommended by an existing customer. And that’s a win-win for everyone. Make time to analyze your current operations. Where are you spending most of your time? What are your challenge areas? Where do mistakes happen? Using the right technology will enable you to manage your business better with real-time accuracy, and effectively provide your customers with the information they need on demand. – Kevin Stanton is founder and software architect for RDB Solutions (www.rdb-solutions.com).

Building-Products.com

ProWood Simplifies Product Designations

ProWood, a leading national brand of pressure-treated lumber, has introduced new product designations as well as new lumber end tags and unit placards to help consumers select the best lumber for their project. “We have a passion for educating consumers and want them to understand the reason why lumber has different designations,” said Ryan Kemp, executive vice president of ProWood, a UFP brand. “The new designations and end tags will help them select the right lumber for their project, so they can be confident in its beauty, longevity and safety. This protects both the end user and the dealer.” ProWood has multiple product lines, each with its own intended use. The new end tags clearly list the end-use designation for each line (Light Duty, Ground Contact, Above Ground, Critical Structure). Dealers often stock ground-contact treated wood to eliminate confusion and ensure customers are covered regardless of the application. With the new tags, dealers can stock a wider variety of lumber, giving customers more choice and value, as well as the assurance they haven’t selected the wrong lumber for their project.

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

Siding buyers boldly go where others haven’t gone before

ith today’s virtually maintenance-free exterior siding products lasting several decades and not requiring painting, choosing the best color for one’s home is an important decision—and likely why neutrals such as white and gray continue to lead in popularity. But will this trend remain? Alside, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products, utilized both online and sales data to gain insights into the most popular color trends.

Vision Statements

With dozens of colors to choose from—and nearly limitless combinations of accents—homeowners can luckily turn to tools such as the Alside Exterior Design Visualizer, which uses a real photo of the home’s exterior to better select color combinations. And what are the top selections? Based on recent data through the early 2022, the most prevalent siding colors (in order) include a mix of darker grays and blues, with lighter colors (Glacier White, Platinum Gray) in the middle of the popularity mix. 1. Cape Cod Gray 2. Sterling Gray 3. Midnight Blue 4. Ageless Slate 5. Glacier White 6. Platinum Gray 7. Harbor Blue 8. Storm 9. Coastal Sage 10. Charcoal Smoke “According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Poll, 36% of Americans replaced their siding to increase their home’s curb appeal,” said Shawn Hardy, senior vice president, Alside. “Adding bolder neutrals is an easy way to make

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

a design statement. And our engineered composite products will ensure that beautiful aesthetic remains for years to come with minimal maintenance.”

Creating the Color Palette

No matter if you dare to be bold, or stay a bit more subtle, experts at Alside developed color palettes featuring both monochromatic (using colors from the same families and tones) and dramatic (creating bold contrasts in colors) to help guide homeowners based on the style of their house and neighborhood. 1. Suburban Traditional For homeowners living in a traditional suburban setting, monochromatic colors in soft, warm, earthy tones can complement one another, with the subtle differences creating an effortless style. Alternatively, for a dramatic effect, mix white windows, a darker cladding, such as Riviera Dusk, with a soft Natural Linen-toned soffit. For a splash of color, mix things up with a bright front door painted aqua or teal. 2. Modern Chic Make your property stand out from the crowd with dark and sophisticated modern chic exterior color palettes. Pair black windows with black soffit and Charcoal Smoke siding for a monochromatic effect. Alternatively, create dramatic impact with silver windows, Cast Iron siding and Platinum Gray soffit. Both palettes will pop against the lush green foliage and colorful flower arrangements of your landscaping. 3. Farmhouse Country Alside’s farmhouse country color palettes pay tribute to farmhouse style. Make black windows the focal point for an eye-catching contrast against Glacier White siding or soffit. For a warmer color palette, pair Classic Clay windows with Fired Brick siding and Monterey Sand soffit. Building-Products.com

Photo by Alside

PRODUCT Spotlight

exteriorwood.com

NATURE MADE IT FIRST, WE MAKE IT LAST.

Part of Taiga Building Products

OLSEN on Sales By James Olsen

“Yes” or “No” vs. “I’ll let you know” your first question, put a smile on your face and ask it in a different way.” She kills it.

The 8 Questions of Full Disclosure

fear of most salespeople is of being too pushy. This leads many salespeople to bend over backwards reducing their “sales calls” (if I could find bigger quotation marks, I’d use them) to a presentation of product while waiting for their potential customers to grant them something, whether it be an answer to a question, a returned phone call or maybe just maybe an order. This demeanor of timidness and self-loathing invites and receives poor treatment. This “I’m sorry to bother, but” approach sends the message to the customer that they have all the power. These salespeople make themselves second-class citizens there to serve while the Master Seller’s approach is of equal partnership where we give great service of course, but we also provide value and therefore are treated as a partner, not a servant. This subservient approach is laced through the entire sales process. Example: When prospecting, there are certain things we need to find out about our potential customers so we can better help them. We need to know which items they buy, which species, which lengths, the grades they buy and the nuances of all these and how much volume they use. Most potential customers will give up this information with little problem until we come to the volume question. They don’t lie, but they obfuscate or give vague answers. “Oh we use a fair amount,” “It varies,” “I really couldn’t tell you, it changes all the time” are a few examples of the kind of answers we will get when we ask volume questions. This is a side-step to our question and most sellers will let it go (because of the “pushy” fear factor). The sellers that let this go send the message that it is OK to dodge their questions—and it is not OK—but now that customers know there will be no push back on “non-answer answers” they will continue to dodge questions right up to the moment of closing—because these sellers have trained them to do it. A successful student of mine says, “When they dodge he number one

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

There may be some nuance depending on your segment of the market but the questions we need to know the answers to so we have a partnership relationship with our customers are the following: 1. Where are we in our buy cycle? 2. How much do we have on order? 3. How much do we have on the ground/in the plant? 4. Of those two, how much is already spoken for? 5. What’s our monthly usage? (We should already know this if we prospected them correctly). 6. What’s our buy-back point? How low do we let it go before we have to buy? 7. What’s our average cost? 8. What are we paying out of distribution? Most sellers are too intimidated to ask these questions, so the information flow is a one-way street. These sellers are throwing darts in the dark and hope they stick. The Master Seller will ask these questions in a curious and caring way and if dodged will ask again.

Closing

“I’ll let you know” is how most sales calls finish up— mostly because sellers aren’t asking clearly and directly for the business. I can’t tell you how many students over the years have said, “So you want me to push right here.” I say, “No. There is no push at all.” Not in tone or attitude. The Master Seller asks for the order in a relaxed, positively assumptive tone (because they’ve convinced themselves the customer will say yes before they make the call). Master Sellers aren’t afraid of no. They embrace it. The only way to Yesville is through Noville. A Master Seller gets more no’s in a month than the struggling seller gets in four because they ask for the order.

Overcoming Objections

“The sales call doesn’t start till the customer says no” is an old piece of wisdom. Master Sellers anticipate objections and try to overcome them. They’re in the “yes/no” vs. the “I’ll let you know” business. James Olsen Reality Sales Training (503) 544-3572 james@realitysalestraining.com Building-Products.com

+ + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + +

BUILD BETTER.

PACKED WITH ALL YOU NEED TO

AS OF 2022, THERE ARE NEARLY 80 MILLION PROPERTIES IN THE U.S. AT ‘SIGNIFICANT WILDFIRE RISK.’ At Western Woods, we offer the lumber products you need to meet the challenge of building better. From decking to fencing to framing and more. In our 2022 WUI-Certified Products Brochure, we introduce you to our range of versatile, premium WUIcertified products, provide product certification docs, and other tools and information to make your future builds a success. » Scan the QR Code to get your copy today.

To learn more about the WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE (‘WUI’), please visit the CAL FIRE website. SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Building-Products.com

Let’s get social

July 2022 The Merchant n 17 Call us at n 800-822-8157 VisitMagazine us at westernwoodsinc.com

TRANSFORMING Teams By Paige McAllister

Summer in the workplace W

arm weather! Vacation! Baseball! Cookouts! Pools and beaches! Camping! While summer evokes different thoughts for everyone, it stands out as a unique and anticipated time of year. Summer also means different things from workplace to workplace. Some companies allow a relaxed pace during the summer months while others are full-steam-ahead since it’s their peak season. Whatever the summer looks like to you and your employees, there are ways to celebrate the season while keeping employees focused and productive.

Weather: Summer brings warmer—sometimes extremely hot—temperatures which create opportunities, some requirements, and may require some planning: • Implement a relaxed dress code – Consider allowing employees to wear more casual and lighter-weight attire as their job duties permit. While T-shirts, athletic shorts, and flip-flops may never be appropriate, allowing Polo-style shirts, capris, dress shorts, and dress sneakers or sandals may make employees more comfortable throughout the day. For employees who work outside, lightening their attire may be required to accommodate the heat while maintaining safety standards. • Plan for extreme weather – Unfortunately, summer also brings extreme weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. Companies need to plan for all situations, continually update the plan, and, equally important, communicate this plan to their employees. While federal and state regulations may impact some actions, most should be determined by the company before they are needed. Consider: Under what circumstances will the worksite be closed? Who decides? Will employees be paid and, if so, for how long? How will employees be notified? How will operations continue? What network and other backup plans are in place? How can employees notify the company if they need help?

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

• Comply with heat standards – The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has issued a recommended standard for certain occupations with a high risk of heat stress and illness. While OSHA has several recommendations and is in the process of implementing a federal standard for certain work conditions, several states have their own laws protecting employee safety in indoor and outdoor work environments. Vacations: School breaks and family vacations may mean employees will be absent and/or distracted more than other times of year. Strategies such as planning ahead and offering flexibility may help to keep employees more engaged while meeting performance expectations. • Allow a temporary reduced schedule – If possible, allow employees to reduce their work schedule, perhaps shortening their workday or workweek so they can spend more time with their families or start a weekend trip a little early. Require employees to give advanced notice of their time off or perhaps make it a set schedule until Labor Day. Communicate that employees must continue to meet operational and client demands, even if schedules may periodically need to be adjusted to do so. • Offer temporary flexible work arrangements – Similarly, allow employees to work from home if their duties and performance permits. This could include the occasional day or be a regularly-scheduled arrangement. Employees can be closer to their homes and families and, by eliminating commute times, can work the same amount of time. • Encourage employees to use available paid time off/ vacation – Some employees may have been holding on to paid time off until they could travel freely or in case they need it to quarantine for COVID-19. Others may (unsuccessfully) try to balance family time with work time. Remind employees that you offer paid time off so they can get away from work and recharge. If you have Building-Products.com

Q. Do I have to pay non-exempt employees for a holiday if we are closed? Or a special rate If they work? A. Probably not. There is no federal law to pay non-exempt employees for holidays if they do not work or to pay a premium rate if they do work. Massachusetts and Rhode Island are the only states to have holiday pay laws. However, you must follow your established company policy or, in the absence of one, your past precedent. Many companies have a policy to pay employees their regular wages if the company is closed for a holiday. It is also common to pay employees above their regular wages if they work on a holiday, which has the added benefit of helping to find employees willing to staff operations on a holiday. This “extra” could be time-and-a-half their regular hourly wage or their regular wages for time worked plus the regular holiday pay. While the above applies to non-exempt employees, salaried, exempt employees will probably need to be paid for a holiday on which the company is closed due to Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules for when an exempt employee’s salary can and cannot be reduced. However, if a salaried, exempt employee needs to work, no extra pay is required, although some companies allow them to take another paid day off in the same pay period. One other point: Often, companies can choose which holidays they observe. While some companies only observe the most common, other companies offer benefits for additional holidays such as the day before or after, depending on how it falls on the calendar. Others may observe other important religious holidays besides or in addition to the more common Christian holidays of Easter and Christmas. Regardless of what your practice, it is critical to communicate to all employees what holidays you observe, the ones you will close, and the ones where you will be open and expect employees to work. You also need to communicate if they will receive pay for those holidays and, if some will be required to work, how scheduling will be decided for fairness. allowed employees to carry over time due to COVID, consider reversing your policy and, as allowed under state law, require employees to take some time off or lose it. Celebrations: Summer offers several opportunities to relax with co-workers, whether celebrating a holiday or just a Friday. • Host an employee event – Give employees the chance to interact with each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Celebrate the 4th of July or Labor Day. While previous years have obligated limited people and everyone bringing their own meal, you can now host a larger event with a potluck, catered food, or a food truck (although precautions such as single servers and distancing may still be necessary depending on factors). Or plan an employee outing to go to lunch or see the latest blockbuster movie. Making the effort to give them a small break will help build team cohesiveness while rewarding them for their hard work and dedication. • Plan a family event – Since for many summer means more family time, consider an event that includes friends and family. This could be a day at the zoo, a sporting event, or a picnic with food, games and prizes. Time it with a holBuilding-Products.com

iday, slow period, or back-to-school. Have several employees help with the planning to avoid burdening one person while also increasing the chances of meeting employees’ expectations. • Coordinate community service – Give employees paid time off to volunteer for a local non-profit. They can serve meals, mentor high-risk kids, or help build a house or rejuvenate a neighborhood park. Or sponsor a team to do a fundraiser walk, giving them shirts to advertise the group (and the company). • Extend discounts to employees – If employees could benefit from your products or services, consider offering them complimentary or at a discount. If not, perhaps find a way to pass along vendor discounts; for example, allow employees to order $25 worth of back-to-school supplies through your company, either for their needs or to donate. Real life: Summer does not negate obligations or realties of current times: • Soften impacts of inflation and rising costs – Employees may need to make choices between wants and needs or luxuries and bills. Consider some little ways to show your employees you understand. Offer benefits to ease the crunch everyone is feeling such as gift cards for gas, groceries, movies or restaurants. Or perhaps allow some limited overtime to permit non-exempt employees to earn more money while increasing their productivity for the company. Or temporarily modify your policies to allow certain employees to cash out some of their paid time off in lieu of taking the time. • Comply with new regulations – While new laws usually take effect around January 1, several take effect during the summer. These summer laws, such as those impacting paid leave, marijuana legalization, employee privacy, workplace speech, and pay rules, will go into effect in different states across the country. Take time to update your policies and, when needed, post updated notices and posters. • COVID-19 – Sorry to say this but COVID-19 is still around. While hospitalizations and deaths are down, vaccination rates are up, treatments are more effective, and quarantine and isolation times are shorter, we still need to be aware of the impacts of a COVID infection since rates are expected to increase again with summer and holiday travel. Even in the best circumstances, one employee getting COVID impacts productivity and could expose a group of people to it, getting a whole department or workplace sick or needing to quarantine. Stay vigilant about PPE, social distancing, ventilation, etc. to reduce the potential rippling effects. If you and your employees are going to take advantage of the summer months, try to take action that your employees will appreciate and value. Also, before you change a policy or give a benefit, ask your HR consultant, accountant or employment attorney to help you review the pros and cons while helping you mitigate the risks that might result from even an innocent act.

Paige McAllister, SPHR Affinity HR Group contact@affinityhrgroup.com July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

PWT Acquiring LP’s EWP

Pacific Woodtech Corp., Burlington, Wa., has acquired Louisiana-Pacific’s Engineered Wood Products division for $210 million. Set to close in early August, the deal includes LP’s laminated veneer lumber and I-joist manufacturing facilities in Wilmington, N.C.; Red Bluff, Ca.; and Golden, B.C.; associated timber license assets; and the SolidStart brand. The acquisition comes as PWT expands its North American engineered wood product offerings while maintaining its reputation as an industry leader in unrivaled customer service and dedication to innovation and quality. PWT looked to LP’s premier building solutions when identifying the ideal product mix—one that meets the evolving needs of the current building market and answers the call for more sustainable building products. “Adding Golden, Wilmington, and Red Bluff to PWT’s existing EWP business will propel the company into new growth,” said president and CEO Jim Enright. “PWT continues to drive positive change at the cutting edge of engineered wood products, and this acquisition will provide a more streamlined and focused resource for the industry.” PWT has experienced impressive growth since its inception in 1998, a result of its commitment to innovation and its sole focus on engineered wood products for over 20 years. Today, PWT is the only EWP supplier to offer indoor and outdoor whole home solutions. “We believe that Pacific Woodtech is well positioned to invest in and grow the SolidStart brand, and its acquisition

of LP’s EWP business marks another important step in LP’s ongoing strategic transformation,” said LP chair and CEO Brad Southern. “We will work with Pacific Woodtech to ensure a smooth transition for our EWP employees, customers and suppliers.”

Nation’s Best Acquires Central California Yards

Nation’s Best, Dallas, Tx., has entered the Golden State with its acquisition of longtime central California sister companies Calaveras Lumber, of Angels Camp, and Sonora Lumber, in Sonora. “This part of California is steeped in history—from the early days of the Gold Rush to the origins of a classic Mark Twain story,” said Chris Miller, president and CEO of Nation’s Best. “As we establish our presence in the state, it’s an appealing area to put down our roots. Calaveras and Sonora Lumber are wellrun building material and hardware stores that are positioned for growth as they serve their communities.” Second-generation owner Mike Fullaway will stay on with Nation’s Best, working alongside his daughter Jodie Brixey. “Our family has seen a lot of changes and growth in this business and community since my father, Wilbur Fullaway, started in 1976. We have valued the opportunity to serve our community, customers, and our employees,” said Fullaway and his wife, Diane, both of whom have been very involved in the business over the years. “Partnering with Nation’s Best is the next step in our journey. It will provide us the opportunity to grow, expand and serve the communities and people we know and love.”

As part of Nation’s Best’s strategy, Calaveras and Sonora will maintain operations under their existing names with its key leadership team overseeing company operations alongside Nation’s Best, which will provide the strategic and financial support necessary to drive optimal growth and profitability.

Westlake Ace Adding On in Northern, Southern California

Westlake Ace Hardware is in the process of adding two new branches—one in Santa Rosa and one further south in Porter Ranch, Ca. In Santa Rosa, Westlake is acquiring the 12,000-sq. ft. Guerneville Fulton Ace Hardware. When the sale is finalized on Aug. 29, Westlake will own and operate 152 stores nationally, including 13 in California. The store will retain its name, management, store personnel, and the current product mix. “We have been the go-to, neighborhood hardware store in northwest Santa Rosa for the last 22 years,” said Mike Bone, owner of Guerneville Fulton Ace Hardware. “We know that Guerneville Fulton Ace Hardware and our customers are in good hands.” Separately, Westlake signed a lease agreement to open a new store in Porter Ranch. The company will begin renovating a former Toys “R” Us site this fall, with a soft opening in early 2023. Ace Hardware of Porter Ranch will feature over 29,000 sq. ft. of retail space.

NEWS Briefs Ransom Brothers is converting its two locations in Ramona, Ca., from True Value affiliation to Ace Hardware . Related to the changeover, the hardware-only store will undergo an extensive remodeling beginning late this month. Outdoor Supply Hardware

held a grand reopening celebration June 11 at its 14 California locations.

ABC Supply has opened new locations in Missoula, Mt. (Donnie Black, branch manager), and Hayden, Id. (Andrew Carlsen, manager). American Wood Protection Association’s 2022 Book of Standards has been released as a 686-page softcover book, as well as part of a subscription-based, online AWPA Standards Library.

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Building-Products.com

US LBM Buys Arizona Truss Supplier

US LBM has acquired Truss Fab Companies, a manufacturer of structural roof and floor trusses, wall panels, and supplier of lumber to customers in Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico. Founded in 2005, Truss Fab serves framing and building contractors for residential, multi-family and commercial projects. In addition to manufacturing pre-assembled roof and floor wood trusses, it also provides lumber and built-to-order wall panels for tract and custom residential housing. Truss Fab operates two locations—a lumberyard and truss plant in Glendale, Az., and an additional truss plant in Apache Junction, Az. “We are delighted to be joining the US LBM family, one of the top companies in the building materials industry. Our fantastic team and use of innovative technology have been key to our success, and this partnership will take us to new heights, providing more value for both customers and employees,” said Truss Fab president and general manager Dean Rana, who will continue to lead day-to-day operations. “The Truss Fab team has strong and lasting relationships with its customers, based on honest communication, exceptional customer service, and dedication to delivering quality products,” said US LBM President and CEO L.T. Gibson. Other US LBM divisions in Arizona include R&K Building Materials, Rosen Materials and the recently acquired Crown Components.

Hardwood Dealer Expands in Arizona

Woodworkers Source, a division of the MacBeath Hardwood Co., has expanded into a new warehouse facility located west of Phoenix’s downtown district.

The 22,300-sq. ft. warehouse sits on 1.2 acres, with three dock doors as well as one grade level door. The building is suited to handle the full-service mill, which is equipped with brand new Northtech machinery and a state-of-the-art dust collection system. A 5,000-sq. ft. office will provide administration space for the division. The expansion will also serve as the distribution hub for its three retail stores, located in North Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson, Az. It will also be designated as their online fulfillment center. “This expansion gives us the bandwidth to create a fresh, new and superior experience for our customers,” said Mark Stephens, VP and Southwest regional manager. “We’ve been successful with our ambition to help regular people build incredible projects out of wood for their home, friends and family. Now we’re set to provide more options and services faster than ever. And our employees enjoy the thrill of being part of a success story in the making.” Woodworkers Source’s new facility went live the week of June 13. Parent company MacBeath Hardwood is headquartered in Edinburgh, In.

Kodiak Buying Oregon’s Miller Lumber

Kodiak Building Partners has agreed to purchase The Miller Lumber Co., Bend and Redmond, Or. Established in 1911, Miller Lumber is one of the oldest businesses in central Oregon. As third-generation owners, Charley Miller will remain president of Miller Lumber, his brother Harry Miller will continue as VP, and his sister Connie Marshall will remain the CFO. The men have also elected to become a part of the Kodiak Building Partners ownership group. Kodiak operates 94 locations in 21 states.

Serving the Pacific Northwest for over 50 years.

253-863-8191 • 800-472-7714 westernwoodpreserving.com NatureWood®, Advance Guard®, and FlamePro® treated wood products are registered trademarks of Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc. and are produced by independently owned and operated wood treating facilities. © 4/2022

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Building-Products.com

THE POSSIBILITIES KEEP GROWING:

REDWOOD Nature’s majestic pillars. dwood iis so on ne o off tth he s sttrongest a an nd ffa astest g grrowing s so oftwood spe spec cies. It thrives in Re Red some of the most productive timberlands in the world. Redwood is known for its timeless durability without the use of chemicals. Due to its flawless formation, there has never been a Redwood recall. There is a grade of Redwood for every application, every budget, and every customer.

“Growing beyond measure.” Call or visit us today. Our family of Redwood timberland owners will continue to be your reputable and reliable source of Redwood.

Call us at 707.894.4241 Visit us at buyRedwood.com

MOVERS & Shakers Mark Avery has been promoted to CEO of Timber Products, Springfield, Or., succeeding Steve Killgore, who moves to the board of directors. Aaron George, ex-James Hardie, is joining International Wood Products, Clackamas, Or., effective Aug. 1, as senior vice president of sales, West Division. He will succeed Bob Berwick, who will be retiring. Mark Kleps, ex-Disdero, is new to IWP as vice president of specialty products. Shane Hardin has been promoted to general mgr. of Builders FirstSource, Shelton, Wa. John Dolan, ex-Capital Lumber, is a new account mgr. with Boise Cascade, Riverside, Ca. Steve Therrien, ex-FoxworthGalbraith, is now senior truss designer mgr. for Copperstate Truss, Buckeye, Az. Matt Pontes has been named director of wildfire & fuels management for Sierra Pacific Industries, Anderson, Ca.

John Dadderio and Blayne Patrick were promoted to co-presidents of Kodiak Building Partner’s Specialty Appliance division, Denver, Co. Joey Yardley has been promoted to branch mgr. of L&W Supply, Golden, Co., succeeding Fernando Sanchez, who is now branch mgr. in Colorado Springs, Co. Jeremy Caddell is new to FoxworthGalbraith Lumber Co., Yuma, Az., as operations mgr. Carl Schmidt, ex-Boise Cascade, has joined Fox-Gal in Phoenix, Az., as a management trainee. Dr. Kevin Archer, Viance, was elected president of the American Wood Protection Association, succeeding Patrick Stark. Andy Kudick is now 1st VP; Jay Hilsenbeck, 2nd VP; Paul Merrick, 3rd VP; and Ken Laughlin, treasurer. Jeff Keller was named executive director of Western Wood Preservers Institute. He replaces Dallin Brooks, who is now executive director of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, Memphis, Tn.

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Erin Slater joined Capital Lumber, Portland, Or., as business mgr. Jean Fahy was promoted to LBM division mgr. of business development for Do it Best Corp., and will split her time between its Fort Wayne, In., headquarters and Woodburn, Or., regional office. Also in Fort Wayne, Korrey Short is now associate forest products trader; Maggie Radyn, merchandise mgr. for safety & general merchandise; Jason Hanegan, national sales mgr.; and Jake Longardner, associate merchandise mgr. for paint & paint supplies. Philip Line is the new VP of codes & regulations for the American Wood Council, following the retirement of Kenneth Bland. Steve Swinney, Kodiak Building Partners, Highlands Ranch, Co., was honored by Ernst & Young LLP with the Entrepreneur of the Year Mountain West Award. Russell Leeves is new to the lawn and garden department at MungusFungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., report owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

Building-Products.com

CONTEST’S winning design will be featured on lumber wraps shipped from Hampton Lumber’s six Oregon sawmills.

Hampton Awards Students for Lumber Wrap Designs

In need of a new design for its lumber wraps, Hampton Lumber Co., Portland, Or., sought the help of high school students in the communities surrounding its six Oregon sawmills. Hampton approached six Oregon schools in early January proposing a contest to design the wraps for the lumber coming out of the mills. Students had the trimester to produce and submit designs using Adobe Illustrator during their after-school time. They were encouraged to develop designs “that reflected Hampton’s values and the community in which it resided.” The winning stag design was submitted by junior Rossi Nelson, one of six applicants from Neah-Kah-Nie High School, Rockaway Beach, Or. All six received $50 cash prizes and the school was awarded $15,000, which it will spend on art supplies.

Roseburg Evaluating New Western Operation

Roseburg is exploring the feasibility of locating a second MDF panel plant or bioenergy production facility within its current Western operating footprint. The proposed facility would use up to 300,000 bone-dry tons of wood residuals each year. This fiber would be sourced from current company operations and from important existing longterm suppliers. The feasibility study will take place over the next several months, with a decision anticipated by the end of the year. In the West, Roseburg owns more than 400,000 acres of timberland in Oregon and operates several wood products facilities in Oregon and Northern California, including an existing MDF plant in Medford, Or. The Springfield, Or.-based company also owns and operates one of the world’s largest wood chip exporting operations in Coos Bay, Or.

Building-Products.com

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

Bringing a legacy of high performance to mass timber.

Code-listed fasteners. Concrete-anchoring adhesives. Concealed connectors, brackets and splines. Simpson Strong-Tie ® mass timber structural solutions give you maximum strength and design flexibility. With our team of expert engineers, ongoing technical support and a nationwide supply network that delivers exactly what you need, when you need it — you can be sure that your mass timber projects are stronger, faster and easier than ever. To learn more about our innovative solutions, see our Connectors & Fasteners for Mass Timber Construction catalog at strongtie.com/masstimber. © 2022 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. MT21

APA – ENGINEERED WOOD By Borjen Yeh, Ph.D., P.E.

ONGOING UPGRADES to APA’S wood research and testing facilities in Tacoma, Wa., help the association set the industry’s highest standards to support innovation design and construction. (Images courtesy APA)

Testing 1-2-3

A historical overview of the APA Research Center

PA – The Engineered Wood Association’s Research Center in Tacoma, Wa., has long been recognized as one of the leading wood research facilities in North America. That position has strengthened over the years as facility expansions provide support for new and existing research and testing on engineered wood products and construction systems for the industry. Today, the association’s 42,000-sq. ft. research center is a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with modern research

and testing equipment and staffed by experienced engineers, wood scientists and engineering technicians.

Where It Began – Plywood Panels & Glulams

Built in 1969, the original 37,000-sq. ft. APA Research Center was constructed for testing of typical-sized 4-ft. by 8-ft. plywood panels. As the demand for full-scale tests on modern engineered wood products grew, the building was renovated in 1990 to accommodate other engineered wood products, such as 6-ft. deep by 72-ft. long glulam beams.

Full-Scale Wall Bracing & Combined Shear & Wind Uplift Testing

A FULL-SCALE shear wall test supports the use of wood structural panels with a large wall opening. Building-Products.com

With the trend toward full-scale structural testing, an extension designed for single-story house tests and test material storage was added to the research center in 2006. The research center extension was completed amid heated debates for wall bracing requirements under the International Residential Code (IRC). APA conducted several series of fullscale single-story house tests to support APA’s and industry’s position on the revisions of wall bracing requirements that were eventually published in the 2009 IRC. Subsequent tests continued for a few years until the completion of the 2012 IRC. APA focused on full-scale combined shear and wind uplift tests in 2007 and 2008 to show the superior performance of wood structural panels (plywood and OSB) when compared to other competing materials. Results obtained from July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

those studies supported the 2008 publication of APA System Report SR-101, Design for Combined Shear and Uplift from Wind, which was also adopted by the 2008 ANSI/AWC Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS).

Force Transfer Around Openings Tests

tial deficiency (up to 42%) to the published design values for the tested flexible structural sheathing materials. This information is documented in the APA Product Advisory SP-1186, Performance of Flexible Structural Sheathing (Independent Evaluations of Published Design Values).

In 2009 and 2010, APA conducted a series of full-scale shear wall tests to provide recommendations for the design of wood-framed shear walls with the methodology of force transfer around openings (FTAO) when wood structural panels are used. This study was a collaboration between APA, the USDA Forest Products Laboratory and the University of British Columbia, under partial funding support of the USDA and the Engineered Wood Technology Association (EWTA). The test results provide recommendations for FTAO design when shear walls are constructed with wood structural panels in high seismic zones, such as California, Oregon and Washington.

Full-Scale In-Grade Structural Glulam Testing

From 2011 through 2015, APA conducted full-scale ingrade testing for structural glued-laminated timber (glulam). Results obtained from those tests validated the current glulam design values and responded to the occasional criticism of the lack of systematic full-scale glulam performance data.

I-Joist Diaphragm Design Values

TESTING of a full-scale (24-ft. by 24-ft.) diaphragm using I-joist framing to establish diaphragm design values in light-frame wood construction.

In 2016, APA conducted a series of full-scale (24-ft. by 24-ft.) diaphragm tests with I-joist framing on behalf of APA I-joist members. The tests were used to establish the diaphragm design values for common diaphragm configurations used in light-frame wood construction. Results obtained from these tests served as the recognition of I-joist diaphragms for APA I-joist members in APA Product Reports or the evaluation reports (ESRs) jointly issued by the ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) and APA.

Full-Scale Shear Wall Testing of Flexible Structural Sheathing

APA conducted full-scale shear wall tests from 2015 through 2018 on eight flexible structural sheathing materials randomly sampled from the marketplace. Similar tests were also independently conducted at Clemson University and the University of Oklahoma. Results obtained from a combination of about 90 full-scale shear wall tests showed a substan-

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

INTERIOR of upgraded APA Research Center high bay with new testing capabilities.

APA Research Center High-Bay Laboratory

Recognizing the trending demand for more full-scale, or even three-dimensional (3D) assembly tests to reflect the growing complexity in timber structures, APA members authorized the construction of a high-bay laboratory at the APA Research Center in 2018. This new laboratory was completed in 2019 by deconstructing a 70-ft. by 75-ft. (5,250 sq. ft.) section of the research center and constructing a new 40-ft.tall open floor (no columns between exterior walls) high-bay laboratory from the ground up. The building itself is a demonstration of wood’s strength. It is built with laminated veneer lumber studs and purlins and glulam columns supporting a roof structure framed with curved glulam beams. Wood structural panel sheathing was used on the walls and roof, and OSB lap siding was used as the exterior cladding. The high-bay lab was constructed with a 4-ft.-deep heavily reinforced concrete floor slab using 28 tons of steel rebar and 830 tons of concrete. There are 868 floor inserts with a 100,000-lb. capacity each on the floor at 2 ft. on center. The lab’s ceiling height can readily accommodate a two-story structure for testing.

Looking Ahead

The recent and ongoing upgrades to APA’s research and testing facilities assist APA in setting the industry’s highest performance standards as it continues to support innovative design and construction of timber structures using wood structural panels, engineered wood products and mass timber assemblies. Currently, a study plan is under development at APA to conduct 3D assembly tests by 2023 to better characterize the performance of wood buildings framed with engineered wood products and sheathed with wood structural panels. Learn more about APA’s state-of-the-art laboratory and research and testing capabilities by visiting www.apawood. org/technical-research. – Dr. Borjen Yeh is director of technical services at APA – The Engineered Wood Association. Building-Products.com

Building-Products.com

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

APA – ENGINEERED WOOD

CLT MANUFACTURED in North America are certified to perform

North American CLT vs. imported product

Stringent standard assures consistent value, performance

ross - laminated timber (CLT) is lightweight, yet extremely strong with superior acoustic, fire, seismic and thermal performance. It offers fast and easy installation, with virtually no waste onsite. CLT offers design flexibility and low environmental impacts, making it a strong alternative to conventional materials like concrete, masonry or steel—particularly on larger construction projects. CLT manufactured in North America must meet stringent product standards and be certified to the ANSI/APA PRG 320 Standard for Performance-Rated Cross-Laminated Timber. Products manufactured outside of North America may not meet these same performance expectations. APA – The Engineered Wood Association explains key characteristics evaluated in the certification process.

The North American Difference

CLT design standards in the U.S. (the NDS) and Canada (CSA O86) require that the CLT products meet the requirements of and be certified to ANSI/APA PRG 320. When comparing North American CLT to products manufactured elsewhere, it’s important to consider the following characteristics: Design Property Compatibility The design capacities published in ANSI/APA PRG 320 were derived analytically using the lumber properties published in the NDS and CSA O86. Imported lumber may have different characteristics, may not be recognized in the NDS and CSA O86 and has published design values that are in-

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

compatible with those of North American lumber. Therefore, design properties for CLT products manufactured with foreign species lumber should be carefully examined for compatibility with North American CLT design standards. Adhesive Heat Durability The adhesives used in ANSI/APA PRG 320 CLT are required to meet heat durability requirements to ensure the adhesives will not melt at elevated temperatures. The heat durability of CLT adhesives is required by ANSI/APA PRG 320 to be evaluated in accordance with ASTM D7247, Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Shear Strength of Adhesive Bonds in Laminated Wood Products at Elevated Temperatures, and the CSA O177 flame test. Most CLT adhesives used outside of North America have not been evaluated for heat durability. The use of adhesives that have not been evaluated for heat durability could impose a serious life safety concern in the event of a structure fire. Moisture Durability CLT moisture durability is required by ANSI/APA PRG 320 to be evaluated based on the same accelerated aging (vacuum-pressure-soak) tests as used for structural glued laminated timber (glulam), which has decades of proven success in structural applications around the world. The face-bond criteria (the minimum percentage of wood failure and the maximum allowance for gluebond delamination after accelerated aging tests) specified in ANSI/APA PRG 320 for CLT is the same as that for glulam. These moisBuilding-Products.com

ture durability criteria represent the most stringent requirements in the world for CLT to ensure its long-term performance. Most CLT products manufactured outside of North America have not been evaluated to the same moisture durability and face-bond criteria as ANSI/APA PRG 320. Since moisture durability of imported products have not been evaluated to the same criteria as North American CLT, long-term performance capability is unknown and may pose a risk of decreased structural performance and increased delamination potentials over time. Fire Performance Fire resistance of CLT products, when determined in accordance with NDS or CSA O86, is based on the requirements that CLT products are certified to ANSI/APA PRG 320. The rigorous adhesive qualification requirements specified in ANSI/APA PRG 320 ensure the integrity of CLT under the most severe fire conditions. New CLT adhesives are required to qualify with full-scale fire tests in accordance with ASTM E119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, in the U.S. or CAN/ ULC S101, Standard Methods of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials, in Canada. This is not common practice outside North America. Most importantly, CLT products certified to ANSI/APA PRG 320-2018 or ANSI/APA PRG 320-2019 are required to use structural adhesives that meet the requirements of the full-scale Compartment Fire Test (CFT) specified in the standards and do not result in the char layer fall-off when exposed to fire, which is known to cause a second flash-over and fire re-ignition. The 2021 IBC and IRC and the 2020 NBC specifically require CLT to be certified to these new standards. Therefore, it’s important the designer, contrac-

Building-Products.com

tor and building official ensure the CLT products comply to these new standards. Most CLT products manufactured outside North America do not use adhesives that meet the stringent requirements of ANSI/APA PRG 320-2018 or ANSI/ APA PRG 320-2019 and could result in a serious fire safety and code-compliance concern.

Always Look for the APA Trademark

The APA trademark is your assurance the CLT was manufactured by North American producers whose products have been successfully qualified and certified to ANSI/APA PRG 320. The ANSI/APA PRG 320 standard is recognized in the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) in the U.S. and is required for using the design provisions specified in the National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS). In Canada, ANSI/ APA PRG 320 is recognized by the National Building Code (NBC) when the product is applied in designs that meet the requirements of CSA O86, Engineering Design in Wood. Find additional information in Cross-Laminated Timber: North American CLT vs. Imported Product, Form S500, in the APA Resource Library.

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

APA – ENGINEERED WOOD

ENGINEERED WOOD commonly leaves the mill protected with wrap, but precautions must still be taken in transit, at the lumberyard, and at the job site.

Best practices for storing and handling EWP

performance of engineered wood beams, proper storage and handling practices should always be followed. These recommendations help protect beams from damage during shipment, storage and on the construction site.

ed to provide adequate blocking at all beam edges between the sling and the members to protect corners and edges. Only fabric slings should be used to lift glulam members. Spreader bars can be used to reduce the likelihood of damage when lifting long beams.

Glulam

Transport: Stack beams on lumber blocking or skids when loading them on trucks. Beams can rest on their sides or bottoms. Secure the load with straps to keep it from shifting. Protect beam edges with “softeners” or wood blocking when strapping down the load.

Loading and Transit: Glulam beams are commonly loaded and unloaded with forklifts. For greater stability and handling safety, place beams flat on forks rather than on bottoms (see image at top of next page). Carrying extremely long beams on their sides may cause excessive flexing. Using two or more forklifts, lifting in unison, may help control flex. A crane with slings or chokers may also be used to load or unload beams, however, it’s recommend-

Storage: When possible, store glulam beams under cover to protect them from rain and sunlight. Place beams on lumber blockings, skids or rack systems on level, well-drained ground. Center beams on blockings or racks to evenly distribute the load. Water-resistant wrappings are another way to protect beams from moisture, dirt and scratches. Because sunlight can discolor beams, opaque wrappings are recommended. Beams can be wrapped indi-

o ensure optimum

APA trademarked glulam beams are often protected with wrappings when they leave the mill. But care must be taken during loading, unloading and transporting, as well as in the yard and on the job site.

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

vidually, by the bundle or by the load. In some instances, the wrappings can be used to protect beams until installation. Sealants on the ends of beams help guard against moisture penetration and checking. The ends of beams should be sealed immediately after trimming. For long-term storage, cut slits in the bottom of the wrapping to allow ventilation and drainage of any entrapped moisture. Do not expose glulam members to rapid changes in moisture and temperature, such as may occur from temporary heating units.

Structural Composite Lumber

Loading and Transit: Care must be taken to protect SCL in all transit periods—from the point where the product is delivered, to job-site handling and storage, to final installation. Take care to avoid forklift damage. If the ground is unlevel in the storage area, reduce forklift speed to avoid “bouncing” the load. When handling with a crane, pick up the load using a spreader if necessary to minimize handling stresses. SCL prodBuilding-Products.com

TO PROTECT SCL, store bundles on stickers and use a spreader when lifting with a crane.

ucts are usually shipped in water-resistant wrapping that protects them from moisture, soiling and surface scratches. Storage: SCL packages should be set on level, well-drained surfaces, with longest materials on the bottom. Lumber bumpers or blocks should be used to keep SCL packages from direct contact with ground—maintain at least 6”-12” of ground clearance. For longterm storage, cut slits in the bottom of the wrapping to allow ventilation and drainage of any entrapped moisture to reduce the possibility of water damage, staining or decay. Store SCL in a covered area whenever possible. Maintain stack height within safe limits and do not store other material on top of SCL.

I-Joists

Loading and Transit: I-joists should never be dropped off the delivery truck. Use a forklift with wide forks to handle long length material or use a boom. Never bounce or jerk loads. Maintain low forklift speeds and smooth braking

to prevent accidental dumping. Always keep I-joists vertical when handling and avoid lifting I-joists by top flange. If I-joists are delivered wrapped, don’t open bundles until time of installation. Storage: I-joists should always be stacked and stored vertically and level—never flatwise. Maintain at least 12” between the ground and the I-joists. I-joists can withstand normal exposure to moisture, but excessive exposure may lead to dimensional changes that affect serviceability. Storing I-joists in a covered area minimizes impacts of weather and moisture. If stored outside, material should be covered to protect from dirt and weather; delay unwrapping bundles until time to install. Use stickers to separate bundles, spacing stickers every 8 ft. and maintaining vertical alignment.

WHEN LOADING or unloading I-joists, use a forklift with wide forks and never stack horizontally.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT IS OUR SPECIALTY For nearly 90 years, APA has proudly supported the industry in creating structural wood products of exceptional strength, quality and reliability and helped building professionals create resilient, sustainable and code-compliant structures.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

TECHNICAL AND PRODUCT SUPPORT

ON-DEMAND EDUCATION

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN GUIDANCE

Tap into our expertise and explore our resources at www.apawood.org

Building-Products.com

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Building-Products.com

APA – ENGINEERED WOOD By Joe K. Elling

2022 housing industry outlook R

Federal Reserve’s inflation fight poses concern

ussia’s invasion of Ukraine has increased concerns regarding the inflation outlook and the steps Federal Reserve policymakers plan to take to put the inflation genie back in the bottle for the next two years. The Federal Reserve appropriately loosened credit conditions to support the global economy when COVID-19 forced the temporary closures of businesses. There was also merit to the argument that disruptions to the global supply chain raised production and distribution costs, contributing to higher goods prices. However, belief that the inflation increase was “transitory” and price increases would slow in the second half of 2021 appears to have been misplaced. As a result of the Federal Reserve’s effort to monetize the $3 trillion budget deficits run by the federal government in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to also support the economy, the nation’s money supply increased by 36% from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the fourth quarter of 2021. As shown in Figure 1 at right, inflation has not slowed, as the inflation rate in the U.S. is running in the 6% to 8% range, depending on the measure used.

Federal Reserve to Tighten Policy

Following the March 16 Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the Federal Reserve would be raising the target range for the federal funds rate 25 basis points, and that six more 25 basis point increases are to follow through the rest of 2022. Powell also said the Federal Reserve would start to reduce the size of its balance sheet in May. More recent statements made by Federal Reserve policymakers suggest that they may be more aggressive in tightening credit conditions than Jerome Powell’s March 16 statement. Prior to March 16, the rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage had risen to 3.85% after starting the year at 3.2%. Since March 16, the rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen by 135 basis points to 5.1% (see Figure 2 on next page). Building-Products.com

The prospects for further tightening by the Federal Reserve suggest the rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage means we should not be surprised to see a 5.5–6% rate at year-end 2022.

Rising Mortgage Rate Impact on Affordability

The housing markets in the United States, for homeownership or rental, are tight. Vacancy rates in both markets are at record lows. The increase in home prices has been well documented in the business media. Based on the Case-Shiller Home Price Index, the average price of an existing home has appreciated 30% from December 2019 to December 2021. The increase has greatly exceeded the growth in household incomes. In order to illustrate the impact of the increase in the mortgage rate on affordability, we will call on a recent analysis done by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The parameters for the analysis include the following: • The median price of a new home sold in 2022 is $412,500 July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

At a 3% mortgage rate, the number of qualifying households is 42 million, and the share of qualifying is roughly 32.5%. At a 6% mortgage rate, the number and share of qualifying households falls to 27.5 million and 22.5%, respectively. The sense of urgency to buy a home, given the prospects of mortgage rates moving higher, and still attractive margins being realized by homebuilders point to single-family starts running at 1.10 million or more in 2022. Rent increases averaging 17% across the U.S. based on the Zillow Observed Rent Index are sending the signal to apartment developers to build more rental housing. Multifamily starts totaled 474,000 units in 2021, and the forecast calls for multifamily starts to be near 550,000 units in 2022 (see Figure 5).

• The amount of household income that can be devoted to mortgage payment, property taxes, and insurance equals 28% • 20% down payment • Range of interest rates on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 3% to 6%. Shown in Figure 3 below is the income needed to qualify for the mortgage where the interest rate runs from 3% to 6%. At 3%, the qualifying income is near $95,000, and at 6%, near $125,000, an increase of 31.5%. Using the NAHB estimated distribution of household income for 2022, the number and share of households that can qualify for the mortgage to buy a home with the mortgage rate ranging from 3% to 6% is shown in Figure 4 at bottom.

Considerations Beyond 2022

Some housing industry analysts suggest the U.S. housing stock is underbuilt by 3 to 5 million units. If so, this means the prospects for housing starts to average 1.6 million units or more annually through the rest of the decade are positive. However, there is still great uncertainty regarding the underlying trend in new housing demand driven by household formations. As shown in Table 1 below, population growth has slowed dramatically in the last two years. The increase in the number of people passing away was a function of the coronavirus. Assuming the worst of the pandemic is behind us, the number of deaths should decline. It is unclear, though, where immigration will head after 2022 because there does not seem to be agreement regarding immigration policy in the U.S. Not only does the level of immigration have an implication for prospective household growth, but low immigration points to minimal growth in the labor force and, in turn, potential growth in the U.S. economy. – Joe K. Elling is director of market research for APA – The Engineered Wood Association.

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Building-Products.com

Atlantic Forest Products

Engineered Wood Products Distributor Northern California and Northern Nevada

Roseburg I-joist and LVL PinkWood I-joists • Rosboro Glulams & Laminated Decking Calvert Specialty Glulams • Zip-O Beams

Distributed in Northern California and Nevada by Atlantic Forest Products • 1-1/2” RigidRim LVL 1.4E

• 1-3/4” RigidLam LVL 2.1E

• 1-1/2” RigidLam LVL studs

• 3-1/2”, 5-1/4” and 7” RigidLam 2.3E beams

Atlantic Forest Product-Stockton, CA inventories Roseburg RFPI-joist series 40, 70, 90. PinkWood I-Joist: PKI 20 Series. Rosboro X-Beam® glulams. When you need creative solutions, call on Atlantic’s deep knowledge of Engineered Wood Product Lines to find the most effecti e design for your project.

Call our Engineered Lumber team at (888) 498-0756

afpcasales@atlanticforest.com

APA – ENGINEERED WOOD

THE INHERENT structural and moisture durability of adhesives used in certified engineered wood products results in very low emissions.

Formaldehyde and EWP

provides information on formaldehyde regulations that apply to U.S. and Canadian structural engineered wood products including structural plywood, OSB, wood I-joists, structural composite lumber, and glued-laminated timber. Here, “engineered wood products” are defined as wood products recognized in the U.S. and Canadian building codes for structural applications. Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic airborne chemical that can be synthesized for certain industrial uses, such as adhesives used for wood products and in the manufacture of many other household goods, such as medical products, carpets and cosmetics. Because elevated levels of formaldehyde may lead to health concerns, regulations exist to limit exposure. These include limits on formaldehyde emissions from some types of wood products. In addition, some green building specifications create a preference for low-emitting products. Many green building rating systems often include criteria to address indoor air quality goals, including mitigation of formaldehyde concentrations or formaldehyde-emitting products. Since most North American construction involves sitebuilt conditions where exposure to weather is expected, the standards for engineered wood products require moisture-resistant adhesive systems. The inherent structural and moisture durability of these adhesive systems naturally results in very low formaldehyde emissions. Note that although cross-laminated timber (CLT) may not be listed as an exempted product below, CLT certified to ANSI/APA PRG 320 is made with moisture-resistant adhesives and has a low formaldehyde emission. Always look for the APA Mark of Quality. Structural engineered wood products bearing the APA trademark are exempt from state and national formaldehyde regulations. In instances where unmarked structural engineered wood products from APA member mills are sold into applications that his article

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

do not require a certification mark, the product invoice and an APA certificate of conformance can be used to identify the product as exempt.

U.S. and Canadian Formaldehyde Regulations Applicable to Engineered Wood Products

1. U.S. HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard (CFR 3280.308) This standard specifies a 0.20 ppm emission limit for plywood and a 0.30 ppm limit for particleboard when tested with the ASTM E1333 Large Chamber Method. The intent was to regulate the specific nonstructural panel types. Testing during development of the regulations confirmed PS 1 structural plywood readily meets the plywood emission limit; therefore, the regulations explicitly exempt phenolic-bonded plywood from ongoing testing and certification. Hence, the forementioned engineered wood products are either not covered by, or are explicitly exempt from, the HUD regulations. 2. California Air Resources Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Composite Wood Products (also known as Title 17, California Code of Regulation 93120) These regulations were developed by a division of the California EPA and took effect in 2009. The scope of the standard covers particleboard, MDF and hardwood plywood. Demonstrated low emission levels of engineered wood products led the CARB regulations to explicitly exempt structural plywood specified to PS 1, structural panels specified to PS 2, OSB to PS 2, structural composite lumber (SCL) to ASTM D5456, structural glued laminated timber to ANSI A190.1, and prefabricated wood I-joists specified to ASTM D5055. These exemptions apply to products trademarked or audited by APA under the APA quality assurance program, regardless of whether the product is used in construction or industrial applications. Building-Products.com

3. U.S. Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act (also known as EPA TSCA Title VI) This Federal Act was signed into law in July 2010. The EPA published draft implementation rules in July 2016 for implementation of the law in 2018. The emission standard mirrors the one established by CARB and explicitly exempts structural plywood specified to PS 1, structural panels to PS 2, OSB to PS 2, SCL to ASTM D5456, structural glued-laminated timber to ANSI A190.1, and prefabricated wood I-joists specified to ASTM D5055, as trademarked or audited by APA under the APA quality assurance program. 4. Canadian Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations The Canadian government published the Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations on June 17, 2021. The regulation comes into force 18 months afterward, and the requirements for laminated products will apply five years after the regulations come into force. The regulations were developed following CARB and

Building-Products.com

EPA TSCA Title VI to allow for uniform requirements for both the U.S. and Canada. Therefore, the Canadian regulations also do not apply to structural plywood specified to PS 1, CSA O121 or CSA O151; OSB specified to CSA O325 or PS 2; structural glued laminated timber specified to CAN/CSA O122 or ANSI A190.1; prefabricated wood I-joists specified to ASTM D5055; SCL, including laminated strand lumber (LSL), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), parallel strand lumber (PSL), and oriented strand lumber (OSL) specified to ASTM D5456; and CLT specified to ANSI/APA PRG 320. CSA O160, Formaldehyde Emission Standard for Composite Wood Products, is a voluntary standard providing the requirements for product sampling, emissions testing, marking and labeling for composite wood products in compliance with formaldehyde regulations in Canada. Find additional information including formaldehyde emission test results, international regulations and green building specifications in APA Technical Note: Formaldehyde and Engineered Wood Products, Form J330 in the APA Resource Library (www.apawood.org).

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

NEW Products

Impactful Drywall Corners

Unlike metal corner bead products, which tend to crack, chip and dent, LevelLine Outside 90 solutions from CertainTeed are flexible and forgiving with their impact resistant plastic core, joint tape, and formulated surface paper. Designed to create perfect outside corners in record time, they are available in 8’, 9’, 10’, and 6’10” lengths. n CERTAINTEED.COM (800) 233-8990

Find Your Center

Microjig’s new FitFinder 1/2 Gauge allows users to find the exact center of stock with no measuring and no math. It draws on basic geometry and simple mechanics to automatically indicate the center point of pieces up to 3” thick. It can be used around the shop when setting fences, transferring cutting depths, and creating joints, using a pair of legs that move together. When woodworkers set one leg on top of the material, the other leg automatically moves to indicate the center of the stock. This measurement can be locked and used to set up machines or mark parts as needed. It can also help center router bits, center stock on the lathe and more. It works for square, rectangular or round stock. n MICROJIG.COM (855) 747-7233

Premium Composite Decking

Trex Co. is expanding its premium Transcend decking line with the introduction of Trex Transcend Lineage, boasting refined aesthetics, trend-forward colors, and enhanced performance features. The new boards feature an elevated aesthetic with subtle, elegant graining for an unmatched natural appearance. Available in two new color options (Rainier, an airy mountain gray, and Biscayne, a light coastal brown), they are engineered with heat-mitigating technology in the shell to reflect the sun and reportedly keep boards cooler than other composite decking offerings of a similar color. Boards come in square and grooved profiles, measuring 1”x6”. Square-edge boards come in 16’ and 20’ lengths. Grooved boards come in 12’, 16’ and 20’ lengths. n TREX.COM (800) 289-8739

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

ADA-Compliant Doorglass

ODL’s new ADA Doorglass is designed for use in ADA-compliant doors, enabling builders to meet ADA standards that provide access for individuals with disabilities. The new doorglass increases visibility and natural light, while still accounting for an ADA-mandated 10” bottom rail. Ideal for multifamily dwellings and new construction, it is available from both the ODL and Western Reflections brands. Two different sizes, 22” x 60” and 22”x 76,” are available in the Evolve frame with Low-E glass and in the impact-rated Severe Weather frame with Low-E+ laminated glass. n ODL.COM/ADA (800) 253-3900

Building-Products.com

PARR

LUMBER COMPANY MEDIA GROUP

14023 Ramona • PO Box 989 Chino, CA 91708

www.parrlumberchino.com (909) 627-0953

Fax 909-591-9132

T&G Bamboo Fencing

The reliable MOSO Bamboo X-treme stability, durability and sustainability are now available for horizontal and vertical fencing applications. MOSO North America’s new 6” unfinished fence boards are tongue-and-groove, square edge, and come in 6’ lengths. They boast a Class A fire rating and 25-year warranty against rot and decay, and are WUI listed in California. n MOSO-BAMBOO.COM (855) 343-8444

• Plywood/OSB

• Hardwood Panels

• Composites

• Dimension Hardwoods

• Plyforms

• Melamines/Vinyls

• Dimension Softwoods • Pine & Fir Boards

Michael Parrella – x15 • Chris Hexberg – x22

Janet Pimentel – x23

• Joe McCarron – x21

George Parden – x28

• Steve Daugherty – x18

Nestor Pimentel – x31 • Bert McKee – x16

Dominick Cosolo – x14 • Hector Gonzalez – x34

Faster Fence Installation

Milwaukee Tool’s new M18 Fuel Utility Fencing Stapler and 9-Gauge Galvanized Staples allow for increased productivity, easier stapling, and all-day runtime on one battery. Designed so fence installers can staple six times faster vs. using a hammer, the tool simplifies two-handed hammer stapling into a one-handed battery-powered task with more maneuverability and less strain from repetitive hammering.

www.superiorwoodtreating.com

n MILWAUKEETOOL.COM (800) 729-3878 Building-Products.com

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

Pro-Grade Driver Bits

Spyder’s new impact-rated driver bits featuring Mach-Blue Tough Tip technology are designed to last significantly longer and resist breakage better than typical impact-rated driver bits. The new bits have been third-party tested to ASME standards and shown to last up to 70 times longer than standard impact-rated driver bits. Mach-Blue plating strengthens the drive surface and provides corrosion protection. IMPACTive alloy tool steel and optimized torsion zones actively flex to dissipate peak impact forces. Each tip is precision machined for superior strength and fit, resisting camout, twisting and breakage. n SPYDERPRODUCTS.COM (888) 471-2239

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Durable Accessories

DeWalt’s new Elite Series accessories features a full portfolio of circular saw blades, hole saws, reciprocating saw blades, diamond masonry cutting blades, abrasives and masonry drilling accessories designed to deliver groundbreaking performance, exceptional strength, and long life for pro users. The full portfolio includes longer-life circular saw blades, metal-cutting wheels, demolition and metal-cutting carbide reciprocating saw blades, metal-cutting carbide-tipped hole saws, multi-material hole saws, SDS Max and SDS Plus 4C masonry drill bits, flap discs, and diamond blades. n DEWALT.COM (800) 433-9258

Building-Products.com

Out-of-the-Box Gate Box

LockeyUSA’s new GBS2000 gate box for 2”x2” square metal gate frames requires no welding and comes finished, so there’s no need to powder-coat or paint. n LOCKEYUSA.COM (880) 395-0163

Rough TiMbeRs uTiliTy Poles Quick Flash

Shur-Line’s new 9” Deck Pad with Detail Edge is faster than a roller, smoother than a brush. A detail-curved edge is perfect for in between deck and fence boards. Its tear-resistant foam pad helps prevent ripping due to screws, nails or rough wood. Refill pads fit most handles. The tool can be used with all paints, stains, polyurethane and other hardwood floor or deck coatings without linting. n SHURLINE.COM (800) 253-7856

Building-Products.com

Borates CA-C

Above + Ground Contact

PRessuRe TReaTed luMbeR FiRe ReTaRdanT TReaTed luMbeR and PlyWood

Call the experts: • Robert Moore • Jim Winward

Utah Wood Preserving Co. 1959 soUth 1100 West Woods Cross, Utah Phone - Woods Cross: (801) 295-9449 FaX (801) 295-9440 Phone - salt lake (801) 262-6428 FaX (801) 748-0037

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

At Royal Pacific you’ll pay no more, but get extra. We guarantee it.

Hi-bor® brand treated wood is a borate treated wood product designed for interior house framing in Hawaii. Hi-bor treated wood resists attack by Formosan and subterranean termites and numerous household insects and pests, as well as fungal decay. Hi-bor borate treated wood is also backed by a 20 year limited warranty*.

FirePro® brand fire retardant treated wood is treated with a patented formulation that contains no phosphates and has been shown to exhibit exceptional fire performance properties without compromising other critical engineering properties such as strength, durability, corrosivity, and hygroscopicity. FirePro treated wood is also backed by a 50 year limited warranty*.

Advance Guard® borate pressure treated lumber is recommended for sill plate, furring strips, joists, studs, roof trusses, blocking, rafters, beams, and other framing applications. Advance Guard is also recommended for fascia, trim, wall sheathing, roof sheathing, and sub-floors. Advance Guard borate pressure treated lumber is also backed by a lifetime limited warranty*.

Providing Customer Satisfaction in All We Do

P.O. Box 75 • McMinnville, OR 97128 503-434-5450 • FAX: 888-TSO-WOOD (888-876-9663) 28770 Dike Road • Rainier OR 97048 503-556-1297 • Fax: 503-556-1709 * See product warranty for details. Hi-bor®, FirePro® and Advance Guard® treated wood products are produced by independently owned and operated wood treating facilities. Hi-bor®, FirePro® and Advance Guard® are registered trademarks of Koppers, Inc. ©10/2014

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Step in Silence

New QuietBoard panels from MP Global Products can be installed beneath floors to inhibit the transfer of noise. They also add insulating value, increasing energy efficiency while helping keep rooms at a comfortable temperature at a lower cost. The 6mm-thick fiberboard panels are easily cut with a utility knife. Manufactured with 100% recycled fiber, they are half the weight of traditional wood products. The 1/4”-thick panels are available in 2’x3’ or 4’x6’ sizes. QuietBoard can be utilized within a flooring assembly as floating, stapled or glue-down. n MPGLOBALPRODUCTS.COM (888) 474-0510

Hybrid Jobsite Fan

RIDGID’s new R860721 18V Hybrid Jobsite Fan is 40% more powerful than its predecessor, while delivering airflow at extra-quiet levels. Being hybrid powered, the fan is great for on-thego needs, and can run for up to seven hours on the max speed setting using an 18V 6.0Ah MAX Output battery. Its runtime can be extended when plugged into an extension cord. The fan offers up to 10 different mounting options including a key hole for wall screws, a tripod mount, rebar holes, and the ability to clamp onto 2x4’s or be hung from its handle. n RIDGID.COM (800) 474-3443 Building-Products.com

IN MEMORIAM George H. Weyerhaeuser Sr., longtime former leader of Weyerhaeuser Co., Seattle, Wa., passed away June 11 at the age of 95. The great-grandson of founder Frederick Weyerhaeuser and a graduate of Yale, he was president and CEO from 1966 to 1991, and continued to serve as board chairman through 1999. Jimmie Doyle “Jim” Merchant, 81, former owner of Mill Valley Lumber Co., Mill Valley, Ca., died May 15 from Alzheimer’s disease. After attending Jackson Business College in Mississippi, Jim moved to Marin County, Ca., and joined Mill Valley Lumber Co., working his way up from bookkeeper to sales, assistant manager, manager and eventually owner. After eight years at the helm, he sold the yard to the Cerri family in 1998 and retired to Roseville, Ca. He was a past president of the Lumber Merchants’ Association of Northern California. John Wesley Reger Jr., 62, VP of operations for Wildwood Trading Group, Tualatin, Or., passed away June

JOIN THE

11, two months after suffering a massive stroke while visiting a sawmill in Tacoma, Wa. After years spent with Buckeye Pacific, Far West Fir Sales, Willamette Industries, Hampton Lumber, and ultimately Pacific States Veneer, John helped found Wildwood in 2018. He also owned his own winegrower, BoyDog Ranch & Vineyards, Wilsonville. Or. Barbara Williams Stratton, coowner, office manager, and bookkeeper for Save-On Hardware & Building Supply, Garden Grove, Ca., died April 22 at the age of 85. William Homer “Bill” Gregory, 87, founder of Gregory Forest Products, Glendale, Or., died June 1. He graduated from the University of Washington in business administration, and then served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1960 as Lieutenant JG. He joined the CPA firm Arthur Andersen & Co., where he was promoted to partner in the tax department in Portland, Or. After retiring from Arthur Andersen in 1979, he and his wife, Marie, started a family business, which eventually included Gregory Forest Products’

sawmill in Glendale and veneer mill in Klamath Falls, Or. They sold the forest products operation to the Swanson Group in 1992. Dale Joe Richardson, 87, former plant manager at Konkolville Lumber Co., Orofino, Id., died May 14. During his high school years, Dale worked at his father’s sawmill, Riverside Lumber, Orofino, learning mill maintenance and operation management from 1948 to 1953. He then attended the University of Idaho, before joining Forest Products Research lab in Madison, Wi., in 1965. He then returned to help his father manage Riverside Lumber until 1980, when their lease expired and they were forced to dismantle the sawmill. Dale then joined Konkolville Lumber in 1987, managing the mill until he retired in 1996. Jean Ridenbaugh, 97, longtime office administrator for San Lorenzo Lumber, died June 3. She joined the company at age 45 and worked there for 50 years until two years ago, when COVID hit and Jean said “she was forced into early retirement” at 95.

SUCCESS

IN 2022

PACIFIC HEMLOCK FINE GRAIN VG

Experience the beauty and value of VG Hemlock FEATURES • Alluring, dense vertical grain with consistent color • Substantial cost savings vs VG Doug Fir • Large inventory of Rough, S4S and T&G • Long tallies readily available BENEFITS • Exterior and interior applications, including siding • Machines easily to virtually any pattern • Finishes and stains with ease

NEW EWP facility now open in Riverside!

An Elegant Value for Architectural Applications WE ARE THE LUMBER LEADER Building-Products.com

PO Box 396 • 10761 S. Alameda Street • Lynwood, CA 90262 • 323.567.1301 • JonesWholesale.com

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

HEAD OF THE CLASS: Newly-named WWPA Master Lumbermen (left to right) Mendocino Forest Products’ Gordon Watts, Sierra Pacific Industries’ Jose Armando Lavalle, Stimson Lumber’s Steven Coalman, Collins’ Everett Easley III, PotlatchDeltic’s Adam Bauer, and Idaho Forest Group’s Ezequiel Barajas, with WWPA director of Quality Standards Pete Austin. (Photos courtesy Taras & Alla snappr.com)

WWPA honors Master Lumbermen

industry professionals were added to the Western Wood Products Association’s Master Lumberman roster during the group’s 2022 annual meeting in Stevenson, Wa. Quality Standards director Pete Austin presented the awards at the Industry Luncheon on May 25. Austin noted the Master Lumberman Award was a prestigious honor with only 431 individuals receiving the award in the past 54 years. Honored were: Ezequiel Barajas, Idaho Forest Group; Adam J. Bauer, PotlatchDeltic Corp.; Steven E. Coalman, Stimson Lumber Co.; Everett W. Easley III, Collins; Jose Armando Lavalle, Sierra Pacific Industries; and Gordon R. Watts, Mendocino Forest Products. In addition, several western mills were honored for outstanding safety records at their operations during the ceremonies. The Safety Awards were presented by Todd Payne, who noted, “Western lumber mills take great pride in assuring safe working environments. Keeping employees safe while at work can provide significant, bottom-line results for every operation. Today, we recognize companies that have ix veteran lumber

achieved the highest level of safety within their facilities.” Chairman’s Awards for best five-year safety records (2017-2021) in three categories based on mill size were presented to Hampton Lumber Mills, Tillamook, Or.; Interfor, Molalla, Or.; and Western Forest Products, Vancouver, Wa. Best one-year safety records were recognized with District Awards, which went to Interfor, Longview, Wa.; Interfor, Molalla; Woodgrain Lumber, Pilot Rock, Or.; Montrose Forest Products, Montrose, Co.; and Stimson Lumber, St. Maries, Id. Hi-Q Mill Awards recognized mills’ commitment to improving the quality of the lumber they produce by documenting high grading proficiency among individual certified graders over a yearlong performance schedule. The 2021 Hi-Q Mills recognized C&D Lumber, Riddle, Or.; Hampton Lumber’s Cowlitz Division, Morton, Wa.; Idaho Forest Group, Moyie Springs, Id.; Interfor, Longview and Molalla; Sierra Pacific Industries, Corning, Ca.; Warrenton Lumber, Warrenton, Or.; and Stimson Lumber in St. Maries and Plummer, Id., and Tillamook and Gaston, Or.

SAFETY 1ST: [1] WWPA 1st vice chairman Todd Payne presents Safety Awards to Western Forest Products’ Rich Frazer, to [2] Hampton Lumber’s Rodney Trammel, and to [3] Interfor’s Craig Groner. [4] WWPA president Ray Barbee and [5] chairman Chuck Roady welcome the attendees to the annual meeting.

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Building-Products.com

Getting up to speed on transportation at NAWLA’s Portland regional meeting North American Wholesale Lumber Association provided a welcome opportunity for Pacific Northwest wholesalers to network, while getting updated on developments in transportation in the area, during the group’s recent Portland regional meeting.

The event, held June 16 at the Multnomah Athletic Club, kicked off with Joe Riner, sales director-forest products at Union Pacific, discussing updates to the UP network and capital investments in the region. Next up, Kevin Otzenberger and

Steve Mignardi from Daimler Truck North America outlined the company’s broad effort to roll out and support zero-emissions commercial trucks in the field, and provided their views on autonomous driving for commercial applications.

PORTLAND REGIONAL: [1] Bill Price, Rose Braden. [2] Scott Elston, Steve Killgore. [3] Chris Knowles, Paul Owen. [4] Ryan Holwege, Scott Parker. [5] Joe Honochick, Ian Kelly, Nick Lake, Parker Wildeboer. [6] Brett Hamilton, Jay McArthur, John Crolla. [7] David Albrecht, Carlin Irish, T.R.

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Calhoun, Jacob Dominguez. [8] Aly Kingsley, Melissa Gooding. [9] David Lee, Davis Tant, Steve Loebner, Jackson Fish, Mason Virnig. [10] Scott Gascho, Joe Riner. (More photos on next page) Building-Products.com

DeWalt’s new 20V MAX* Pruner requires—on average—16 times less effort to make cuts than does a manual pruner. Weighing just 3 lbs., the lightweight tool was designed to cut unwanted branches, trim bushes, and clip flowers throughout the day. It delivers up to 1,100 cuts per charge with a 1-1/2” cut capacity for thick stems and shrubs and features an on-board LED work light for improved visibility. The pruner makes smooth, swift 16 coating and cuts with its non-stick easy-to-switch blades, and also comes equipped with a tool for blade changes.

19 Rough TiMbeRs

uTiliTy Poles

PRessuRe TReaTed luMbeR

Borates CA-C

Above + Ground Contact

FiRe ReTaRdanT TReaTed luMbeR and PlyWood

NAWLA NORTHWESTERNERS (continued from previous page): [11] Jason Adams, Roger Welling. [12] Steve Getsiv, Keaton Smith, Steve Osterman. Call[14]the experts: [13] Kevin Otzenberger, Steve Mignardi. Max Lee Kwai, Steve Loebner.•[15] Tim Atkinson, Robert MooreChuck • Jim Winward Casey. [16] Rob Dennison, Brian Delbrueck. [17] Joel Klippert, Allen Gebarowski. [18] James Russell, Noelia Ragland, Steve Anderson. [19] Keith Seal, Damien Fallin, Jake1959 Moriniti. [20] 1100 DonnaWest Jones,Woods Cross, Utah soUth Aaron Fleming. [21] Terry Haddix, Mark Gray, Kalayna Crook, Chelsea Brown, Lena Jacobson, Phone - Woods Cross: (801) 295-9449 FaX (801) 295-9440 Zack Halsey, Natalie Heacock, Donna Jones, Phone - salt lake (801) Pat 262-6428 FaX (801) 748-0037 Burns. [22] Cami Waner, Dora Beebe, Lee Jimerson, Abby Meek, Paige Thomas.

Utah Wood Preserving Co.

Hybrid Sealants

17 Professionals and DIYers alike will be amped to try DAP’s new advanced hybrid sealants that outperform silicone and provide maximum performance for every project. AMP advanced hybrid sealants offer a wide variety of project and application solutions. Developed for both exterior applications—such as windows, doors, siding, trim, gutter, flashing and concrete—and interior applications like kitchen and bath projects, the line delivers a 100% weatherproof and waterproof seal. It can be applied on wet and damp surfaces, offers extreme temperature use of 0°F 21 to 140°F, features fast and efficient 30-minute paint and rain/ water ready times, and is backed by a lifetime mold and mildew resistance guarantee. The line features Kitchen & Bath; Window, Door, Siding & Trim; Self-Leveling Concrete; and Gutter & Flashing sealant. n DAP.COM (800) 543-3840

Gemini Forest Products Specializing in forest products for industry professionals

Los Alamitos, CA 562.594.8948

Stockton, CA 415.859.5544

www.geminiforest.com

44 n The Merchant Magazine Building-Products.com

Industrial and Treated Lumber Specialists n

November 2021

Building-Products.com July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n 49

Photos by The Merchant

n DEWALT.COM (800) 433-9258

NAWLA PORTLAND REGIONAL

Prune with Juice

PCBC rings in Summer Showcase

16 n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

14 PCBC kicked off its Summer Tradeshow June 22-23 in San Francisco, Ca. [1] Morgan Olhiser, Jessica Hewitt, Charlie Jourdain, Dennis Mazorra. [2] Pete Fleming, Kris Heisinger, Paul Johnson. [3] Jason Carlson, Joe Schuster. [4] Brett Hagen, Joe Jacklin, Mike Hopson. [5] Corrina Thornton, Kalvin Eden. [6] Joe Tuttle, Joseph Skiles, Barry Adamson, Clayton Webster. [7] Thom Murphy, Shonda Boevers. [8] Paul Mackie. [9] Darin Bartoletti, Lindsey Schumacher, Carl Christoferson, Mike Pidlisecky. [10] David Frick, Mike Shoffner. [11] Chris Manning, Tim Hummel. [12] Chris Reiten, Ryan Mitchell, Greg Wells. [13] Deedee Graham, Ginger Gaddi, Bran Keogh. [14] Jay Bishop, Chuck Casey. [15] Greg Reed, Vik Mullaji, Casey Furtado. [16] Melinda Steifel, Matt Cross. Building-Products.com

only area out there that is still green and growing,” said Mecham,

DATE Book Listings are often submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with sponsor before making plans to attend. West Coast Lumber & Building Material Association – July 2122, 2nd Growth annual summer conference, Omni Rancho Las Palmas, Palm Springs, Ca.; www.lumberassociation.org.

Respecting the forest, honoring the past, building the future. A nation’s pride you can build on.

Mountain States Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association – July 27, golf tournament, Fossil Trace Golf Club, Golden, Co.; www.mslbmda.org. Riverside Home & Backyard Show – July 28-29, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, Ca.; www.homeshowconsultants.com.

Umpqua Valley Lumber Association – Aug. 2-5, customer appreciation event, banquet & golf tournament, Roseburg, Or.; leslies@cdlumber.com; www.uvla.net.

C • •

Southern California Hoo-Hoo Club – Aug. 5-6, couples weekend, Hilton Palm Springs, Palm Springs, Ca.; www.hoohoo117.org. Ace Hardware – Aug. 15-17, fall convention, McCormick Place, Chicago, Il.; www.acehardware.com. Western Building Material Association – Aug. 19, mid-year board meetings, Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, Wa.; www.wbma.org.

Manufacturers of 6 million bd. ft. monthly of • 5/4 & 6/4 Ponderosa Pine Shop • 4/4 Premium Pine Board Programs State-of-the-Art Hewmill & Headrig Mill Contact Sheldon Howell

Western Hardwood Association – Aug. 17-19, annual convention, Chinook Winds Casino Resort, Lincoln City, Or.; www. westernhardwood.com. West Coast Lumber & Building Material Association – Aug. 18, Southern California golf tournament, Black Gold Golf Club, Yorba Linda, Ca.; www.lumberassociation.org. The Hardware Conference – Aug. 19-21, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Marco Island, Fl.; thehardwareconference.com.

(509) 874-1163

Yakama Forest Products 3191 Wesley Rd., White Swan, WA 98952 Fax 509-874-1162

www.yakama-forest.com

Mountain States Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association – Aug. 26, clay shoot, Brighton, Co.; www.mslbmda.org. BC Wood – Sept. 8-10, Global Buyers Mission, Whistler, B.C.; www. bcwood.com.

Building-Products.com

Horizon Distribution – Sept. 9-11, expo, Yakima Convention Center & Sundome, Yakima, Wa.; www.hdishow.com. Merchant 1-22_Layout.indd 35

Do it Best – Sept. 9-12, fall market, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, In.; www.doitbestcorp.com. Hoo-Hoo International – Sept. 10-13, 130th annual convention, Sacramento, Ca.; www.hoohoo.org. Composite Panel Association – Sept. 11-13, fall meeting, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal, Quebec; www.compositepanel.org. True Value Co. – Sept. 15-18, Fall Reunion show, Denver, Co.; www. truevaluecompany.com. International Conference on Timber Engineering – Sept. 16-17, Zurich, Switzerland; www.waset.org. Pacific Northwest Association of Rail Shippers – Sept. 20-21, fall conference, Seattle Marriott Waterfront, Seattle, Wa.; www. pnrailshippers.com.

LMC – Sept. 20-23, Leadership Summit, Sheraton Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix, Az.; www.lmc.net. National Hardwood Lumber Association – Sept. 21-23, annual convention & exhibit showcase, Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland, Oh.; www.nhla.com. Western Roofing Expo – Sept. 24-26, Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, Nv.; www.westernroofingexpo.com. American Wood Protection Association – Sept. 25-29, technical committee meetings, Omni Hotel, Providence, R.I.; awpa.com. Fastmarkets – Sept. 27-29, North American forest products conference, Marriott Coronado Island, San Diego, Ca.; www. fastmarkets.com. Timber Processing & Energy Expo – Sept. 28-30, Portland Exposition Center, Portland, Or.; timberprocessingandenergyexpo.com. Building-Products.com

888-807-2580 Bend, OR

www.pelicanbayfp.com DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS Colton / Fontana / Modesto / Salinas / Stockton, CA PRODUCTS & SERVICES Framing Lumber / Pallet Stock / Industrial Lumber / Softwoods Hardwoods / Cedar / Fencing / Decking / Redwood Custom Cut Stock / Treated Lumber / Tile Battens 3-Hole & Slotted Vents / Custom Cutting / Remanufacturing Heat Treating / Fire & CCA Treating

“Focused on the future with respect for tradition” July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

CENTENNIAL Flashback

The 1980s

o mark this year’s 100th anniversary of The Merchant Magazine, we are looking back each month, decade by decade, at the advertisers that have long supported us and are still growing strong to this day. This month we check in on the 1980s. • We s t e r n Wo o d Preservers Institute, formed in 1947 to promote pressure treated lumber in the West, first advertised in The Merchant in January of 1980.

• RW Specialties was launched in 1965 and has steadily grown into a leading building material wholesaler in the Mountain West, with locations in Denver and Grand Junction, Co.; Casper, Wy.; and Salt Lake City, Ut. Its first Merchant ad: June 1981.

• California Timberline, Chino, Ca., was established in 1975 to wholesale industrial softwood and hardwood lumber. After starting to team with The Merchant in July 1981, Cal Timberline expanded into moulding, millwork and panels, becoming the exclusive distributor of Nusku products in 49 states.

• Gemini Forest Products announced its arrival to readers in July 1981, just after being founded in Los Alamitos, Ca., by Ted Pollard and Dale Bacon. The wholesaler specializes in industrial and treated products.

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

• States Industries, Eugene, Or., originated in 1966 as a manufacturer of walls panels— showcased in their September 1981 ad— before eventually concentrating on industrial hardwood plywood. • Setzer Forest Products began in 1927 as an agricultural box manufacturing plant. Four generations of Setzers and 95 years later, the demand for housing materials now surpasses the need for vegetable crates. Consequently, the Setzer mills in Sacramento and Oroville, Ca., have become one of the West’s leading producers of MDF mouldings. The company first appeared in The Merchant in October 1981. • Siskiyou Forest Products was started by Fred Duchi in 1974 as a remanufacturer/ wholesale distributor, as showcased in the July 1982 Merchant. The company now produces finish lumber as well as Reserve brand engineered siding and trim, at its 35-acre manufacturing plant in Anderson, Ca. • Snavely Forest Products, Pittsburgh, Pa., was founded in 1902 and grew to five distribution locations by the time it was acquired in 2018 by Weekes Forest Products. Snavely first promoted its western DCs in The Merchant in December 1982. Building-Products.com

• C&E Lumber Co., Pomona, Ca., traces its roots to 1954, when Jack Russi and George Callaway developed the first lodgepole pine tree stake—now the standard in the landscape industry. They began Bourbon Valley Co. (BVC) to produce doweled lodgepole pine posts, poles and rails, and in 1962 started C&E to distribute them, as first seen in The Merchant in May of 1983. • Trinity River Lumber Co.’s sawmill in Weaverville, Ca., was originally built in 1947, destroyed by fire in 1952, and rebuilt two years later. It operated as Trin-Co Forest Products until 1974 when it was bought by CalPacific. The mill closed in 1981, then was purchased by the Schmidbauer family, remodeled and opened in 1983 as Trinity River with an announcement in The Merchant in July 1983.

• Utah Wood Preserving, Woods Cross, Ut., has been producing quality pressure treated wood products since 1978—and advertising them in The Merchant Magazine since April 1985.

• Plastmo in the late 1970s became the first company to successfully market vinyl rain gutters in North America, as spotlighted on the front cover of the June 1984 Merchant.

• Disdero Lumber Co. was founded in Portland, Or., in 1953 by seasoned industry wholesaler Al Disdero, who sold the company in 1976. The company first advertised in The Merchant in June of 1984. It relocated its distribution operation to Clackamas, Or., in 2002.

Building-Products.com

• Canfor began a s P a c i f i c Ve n e e r , Vancouver, B.C., in 1938, adding milling operations through the next decade and in 1947 taking on the new name Canadian Forest Products Ltd. Aggressive growth followed, including selling into the U.S. through a network of wholesalers (at right, November 1984). Canfor began establishing its now-formidable foothold in the Southeast U.S. in 2006 with its purchase of New South.

• Velux’s founder, Danish inventor Villum Kann Rasmussen, came up with the idea that would transform dark attics into livable spaces full of daylight and fresh air. In 1942, he patented the first roof window, called VELUX—VE short for ventilation and LUX Latin for light. Within a few short decades, VELUX had opened roofs across the world, including domestically through VELUXAmerica, which appeared in The Merchant in May of 1985. • Western Red Cedar Lumber Association was founded in 1954 as the “voice of the cedar industry.” First advertising its promotional materials to dealers in The Merchant in June of 1985, the non-profit currently represents 27 quality producers of western red cedar lumber products in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

• Ganahl Lumber is reportedly California’s oldest lumber dealer, founded in 1884, anchored in Anaheim since 1904, and now with 10 locations under the fifth generation of Ganahls. It added a milling division in the late 1940s, as promoted in The Merchant in July 1985. • Reliable Wholesale Lumber, founded by the Higman family in 1971 in Temple City, Ca., began a hearty expansion just after debuting in The Merchant in August 1985, that included opening five additional yards over the ensuing 20 years. Today, the Higman family operates lumberyards in Huntington Beach and Riverside, Ca.

• Conrad Forest Products, North Bend, Or., entered the wood preserving industry in 1958 and on to the ad pages of The Merchant in May 1986. It currently offers ACZA, CCA, CA-C, Qnap, borates and FRTW. • EL & EL Wood Products, Chino, Ca., was founded in 1966 by Mr. Lindy and Mr. Lynch (hence the L&L name). Soon after, Robert Ward joined the team, eventually buying the company and helping to grow it into one of the largest distributors of moulding and millwork products in California, Nevada and Arizona. Cathy Vidas has been president since 1991. First advertising in The Merchant in June 1986, EL & EL agreed earlier this year to be acquired by Metrie. • Sause Bros. Ocean Towing started in the 1930s with one small wooden tug and has grown to a fleet of over 60 modern, powerful tugs and barges. A specialty from the early years (as seen in the July 1986 Merchant) has been hauling logs and finished lumber from the Pacific Northwest.

• Windsor Mill was launched by Ray Flynn in 1971 to mill western species into millwork, such as the paneling shown in the October 1985 Merchant. In 1996, it introduced its now-namesake WindsorONE primed radiata pine. • Jones Wholesale Lumber has distributed lumber, EWP, panel products, and building materials from Lynwood, Ca., since 1976. The company first partnered with The Merchant Magazine in April 1986.

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

• Holtec pioneered the concept of precise cutting of lumber packs in the 1960s and in the meantime has installed over 8,000 systems around the world. Initially—and for decades afterwards—the systems incorporated Stihl saws, as promoted in Holtec’s first ad in The Merchant Magazine in November of 1986.

Building-Products.com

• Atrium Windows & Doors was formed in 1948 and from its facilities in Dallas, T x . , a n d We l c o m e , N.C., grew into one of North America’s largest producers of vinyl doors and windows. After first appearing in The Merchant in April 1987, Atrium merged with PlyGem in 2018, after both companies were acquired simultaneously by private equity firm CD&R.

• Big Creek Lumber Co., Davenport, Ca., got its official start in 1946 when Frank McCrary and his two sons, Bud and Lud, returned from overseas service in World War II and opened a “homemade mill” with brother-in-law Homer Trumbo. Today, Big Creek’s modern sawmill cuts, planes and processes 100,000 bd. ft. of lumber a day. It also owns vast timberland and five Pro Dealer retail yards. Big Creek debuted in The Merchant in November 1988.

• Permapost Products Co., Hillsboro, Or., has been a full-service supplier of fabricated and treated forest products since its genesis in the 1950s. It first ran in The Merchant in April of 1989.

• Woodfold Marco, Forest Grove, Or., established in 1957, specializes in accordion folding and wood roll-up doors for commercial and residential construction. It showed off its colorful merchandiser in The Merchant in August 1987. • Woodway Products began in 1980 as LWO Corp., Portland, Or., to offer a premium line of Woodway brand lattice and paneling. The mantra has always been well-designed wood products that are durable, easy to install, and beautiful to look at, as stressed in its initial Merchant ad in May 1988. The product line was acquired by Bowers Forest Products in 2019.

Building-Products.com

• Bohannon Lumber, Orange, Ca., is a 40+-year-old office wholesaler operated by brothers Dan and Dale Bohannon, that first teamed with The Merchant in October of 1989. • Weber Plywood & Lumber was founded by Don Weber in 1958, specializing in hardwood plywood and other panel products. Its first Merchant ad was a Christmastime thank-you letter to customers in December of 1989.

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

Page

ADVERTISERS Index

Cover I, 47

Allweather Wood Treaters www.allweatherwood.com

Siskiyou Forest Products www.siskiyouforestproducts.com

APA – The Engineered Wood Association www.apawood.org

Superior Wood Treating www.superiorwoodtreating.com

Cover II

Arxada www.wolmanizedwood.com

Swanson Group Sales Co. www.swansongroup.biz

Atlantic Forest Products www.atlanticforest.com

Thunderbolt Wood Treating www.thunderboltwoodtreating.com

Cover III

California Cascade Industries www.californiacascade.com

Timber Products Co. www.timberproducts.com

Chemco, Inc. www.chemco.org

TIVA Building Products www.tivabp.com

Exterior Wood www.exteriorwood.com

Trex www.trex.com

526 Events www.526.events

UFP Industries www.ufpedge.com

Freres Engineered Wood www.frereswood.com

Utah Lumber www.utahlumber.com

Gemini Forest Products www.geminiforest.com

Hoover Treated Wood Products www.frtw.com

Huff Lumber www.hufflumber.ne

Humboldt Sawmill www.mendoco.com

Western Wood Preserving Co. www.westernwoodpreserving.com

Jones Wholesale Lumber

Western Woods Inc. www.westernwoodsinc.com

North American Wholesale Lumber Assn. www.nawla.org

Weyerhaeuser Distribution www.weyerhaeuser.com/distribution

Parr Lumber Co. www.parrlumberchino.com

Yakama Forest Products www.yakamaforestproducts.com

Pelican Bay Forest Products www.pelicanbayfp.com

Utah Wood Preserving www.utahtreatedwood.com PRessuRe TReaTed Rough TiMbeRs uTiliTy Poles

Borates CA-C

Above + Ground Contact

luMbeR

FiRe ReTaRdanT TReaTed luMbeR and PlyWood

West Fraser www.westfraser.com/osb

Call the experts: • Robert Moore • Jim Winward

Utah Wood Preserving Co.

’ll pay no more, but get extra. We guarantee it. www.joneswholesale.com

23, Cover IV FirePro® Fire Retardant Treated Wood

atisfaction in 44 All We Do.

34-5450 • FAX: 888-TSO-WOOD (888-876-9663) 56-1297 • Fax: 503-556-1709

Redwood Empire www.buyredwood.com Advance Guard® Borate Pressure Treated Wood Royal Pacific Industries

roducts are produced by independently owned and operated wood treating facilities. Hi-bor®, FirePro ® and Advance Guard® are registered trademarks of Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc. ©1/2019

Sakrete 1/21/19 5:53 PM www.sakrete.com

Simpson Strong-Tie www.strongtie.com

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

1959 soUth 1100 West Woods Cross, Utah

Western Forest Products www.westernforest.com

Phone - Woods Cross: (801) 295-9449 FaX (801) 295-9440 Phone - salt lake (801) 262-6428 FaX (801) 748-0037

Welcome Aboard!

The Merchant Magazine is excited to introduce to our readers a new first-time advertiser Freres Engineered Wood, manufacturer of LVL and a unique mass timber product, Mass Ply Panels (MPP). This year, like The Merchant Magazine, parent Freres Lumber Co. is celebrating its 100th anniversary. When you’re in need of high quality engineered products, please give them a look. Building-Products.com

California Cascade Building Materials Established in 1974, California Cascade has grown to become one of the largest and most trusted distributors in the building industry. We offer a huge inventory of materials available at substantially competitive prices along with a team of experienced experts, ready to get you what you need. We have treating facilities in Junction City, OR, Woodland, CA and two in Fontana, CA along with our distribution and manufacturing facility in Sacramento, CA. With more than 20 trucks in our fleet, California Cascade delivers value to your business with prompt, economical and timely delivery. Rail spurs are available at all locations to minimize shipping costs for large projects, will call pickup is available at all locations. Our reputation has been built upon the success of our customers and we look forward to sharing our years of experience with you.

800-339-6480 • californiacascade.com

HIXSON LUMBER COMPANY

Building-Products.com

July 2022 n The Merchant Magazine n

The

MERCHANT

Magazine

REDWOOD

DECKING Composite can’t compare. Like the foods we buy, when it comes to decking, we want natural and real.

Redwood is always available in abundance of options. So stock the shelves! Unlike mass-produced and inferior products, Redwood is strong, reliable and possesses many qualities not found in artificial products. They maintain temperatures that are comfortable in all climates. Redwood Empire stocks several grades and sizing options of Redwood.

Call us at 707.894.4241 Visit us at buyRedwood.com

n The Merchant Magazine n July 2022

Building-Products.com

The Merchant July 2022

Articles inside

In memOrIam

advertIsers Index

dateBOOk

event recap

centennIal flashBack

neW prOducts

apa On eWp

Industry trends

mOvers & shakers

prOduct spOtlIght

acrOss the BOard

BusIness OperatIOns

transfOrmIng teams

Olsen On sales