Laminated wood roof decking energizes slow lumber market

According to Disdero's Gunnar Brinck, "In addition to the Redmond airport project, we have also bid on Lock-Deck jobs at the Portland, Me., Jetport; Bozeman, Mt.,airport, and another job in Virginia. I suspect these are moving forward with Federal stimulus money marked for infrastructure improvements and'shovel-ready' projects."

The decking is used for ceilings and roofs as well as balconies, mezzanines and floors. It provides elegant designs and "cathedral ceilings" for homes, churches, offices and other structures.

Miller reports that his company promotes Lock-Deck to architects and other specifiers with personal calls, samples, Disdero literature, and tours of completed jobs.

|Clovg RETAILERS wHo ARE discour\)aged with the slow pace of lumber and plywood sales are now emphasizing laminated roof decking as a unique product that offers warm aesthetics, availability and economy by combining a finished ceiling and a structural roof.

According to producer Filler King, Homedale, Id., lam decking "creates the elegance of exposed wood while also providing a load supporting deck for snow or other roof loads. Spans may be up to 24 feet."

Rob Witzel, of EWP distributor R.E.W. Supply, Ltd., St. Paul, Mn., reports relatively strong demand for the products in his market area, including recent construction of a large office building add-on and roofs for educational facilities.

Miller Lumber Co., Bend, Or., has built a reputation as a major source for laminated decking. According to Charley Miller, the company's product of choice (Lock-Deck manufactured by Disdero Lumber, Clackamas, Or.) "has virtually no waste, and it makes an attractive appearance every time it is used."

In most applications, the lam decking is supported by glulam timber framing.

Most of the lam decking sold by Miller Lumber goes into commercial projects,includingthe new airport currently under construction in Redmond, Or. Miller says the key to steady laminated decking sales is to get the product specified by owners, contractors, and architects.

The structurally engineered product consists of two to five kiln-dried lumber laminations, bonded together with exterior adhesive to form glued-laminated decking.

Random length and long length (fingerjointed) T&G lam decking, plus a variety of face patterns, textures and finishes, broaden design possibilities.

Producers utilize western red cedar. hemlock, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, southem yellow pine, Alaskan yellow cedar, Port Orford cedar, incense cedar. and Idaho white pine.

Lam Deck Producers

Disdero Lumber Clackamas, 0r. www.lockdeck.com www.fillerking.com www.laminatedtimbers.com

Filler King Co. Homedale,ld.

Laminated Timbers, lnc. London, Ky.

Timbenreld Manufacturing www.timberweld.com www.unalam.c0m

Billings, Mt.

Unadilla Laminated Products Unadilla. N.Y.

Unit Structures www.unitstructures.com

Magnolia, Ar.