New products develop pressure treated sales

CA TREATED lumber has become a steadv and growing business for retailers. But as the sales increase, questions about the product begin to surface, and the retailer plays a key role in educating the consumer.

"Even though CCA treated lumber sales have really taken ofl there are still misconceptions in the market," says Raymond Edwards, salesperson for Willamette Industries, Ruston, La., a major producer of treated lumber in the south. "It's up to the retailers to guide customers in choosing the appropriate type of treated lumber for each project."

CCA chemically treated lumber can be used below ground, onground, or above ground, without decay and termite damage. It is largely used for outdoor projects such as decks, fencing, landscaping, patios and outdoor siding. Tieated lumber can be painted, stained, or allowed to weather naturally.

The CCA treatment is orimarilv available in three concintration Ievels. The most common is .rl0 pound per cubic foot of preservative chemicals for use in ground contact. Lumber treated to .60 may be used underground for All Weather Wood Foundations, while .25 treatment is limited to above ground use only.

"I've sold treated lumber for 25 years and have seen markets really expand," says Carl Anderson, coowner of Longleaf Wood Products. a wholesaler in Monroe, La. "Now almost every retail dealer carries

Story at a Glance

Treated lumber is a growth product.. .information com. bats customer's hesitalion innovative use in outdoor furniture, remodeling devel. ops sales. kits are a good way to expand market.

treated lumber in some amount. and sales will continue to increase as people become more aware of its uses and advantages."

Tieated lumber accounts for a significant part of sales for Norris Forest Products, a major distributor for treated lumber, in Houston. Tx. President John Tobin says treated lumber is a steady and growing trade. "Sales have been growing the last several years, and I suspect they will increase even more this year. people are willing to pay a little bit more to get lumber that will last."

"While redwood and cedar come from the west coast, treated lumber is produced here in the south. so it's readily available," says Edwards. "Last year 3090 of all southern pine was treated, and we expect it will grow significantly in the next 5-lO years. "

Consumers are discovering new ways to use treated lumber. Formerly considered a material for outdoor projects, treated lumber is making its way into interiors as well, and slowly becoming an important part of interior design. The rustic look of the unfinished wood lends itself to new building or remodeling.

New CCA treated lumber products appear on the market each year. Landscape timbers are one example. Made from plywood cores, they are used around flower beds, for fence posts and other landscaping projects.

Many retailers find treated lumber a natural way to expand a lumber business. Going beyond carrying a regular inventory of CCA treated lumber, they offer do-it-yourself kits for patios, decks or treated outdoor furniture, ready to build, with cut-tolength lumber, screws and plans.

"Retailers who construct a small CCA treated lumber display and have the kits available for customers, " says Edwards,"will find they are an excellent promotional tool."

Brochures and displays are also

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