Pressure treating numbers bullish

all treated wood products and 8l% of all treated wood except ties which are mainly 900/o oak and mixed hardwoods.

"ln general, the treated wood industry continues to spiral upward for several reasons," George K. Eliades explains.

First, the industry is putting higher quality products into the marketplace. Second, they are putting safe products in the market. Third, they have instituted the first U.S. industry voluntary Consumer Awareness Program to get safety and product information to the consumer at point of purchase. Fourth, the industry is moving forward to strictly comply with all U.S. laws relevant to operations, worker health and safety, product safety and community rightto-know. Fifth, industry trade associations are coordinating and unifying data collection and environmental compliance efforts to make certain the industry continues to move forward in meeting environmental responsibilities as well as the needs and desires of the marketplace.

In looking ahead, what are the trends and indications for continued future growth of the wood preserving industry: Specifically, continued growth for treated wood products is expected in a number of important areas, Eliades pointed out.

The tie market, while cyclical in nature, should continue a slightly upward trend because its competition is more expensive concrete. The pole market will continue to show moderate growth because concrete and steel, its major competition, are both more expensive in shorter lengths. Piling, too, should continue a moderately upward spiral. The greatest growth potential appears to be shore and erosion control applications and recreational usage.

Treated lumber, timbers and

Story at a Glance

Latest wood preserving statistics register increases across a broad spectrum of treated items. higher quality products with greater safety mark industry efforts.

panels will probably continue strong growth patterns. Specifically, the treated wood deck market increased from 1.1 million units in 1984 to 1.35 million units in 1985 to 1.48 million decks in 1986 and is expected to be l0% to l2o/o higher in 1987 to continue as a strong market. Exterior residential uses, such as siding and trim, should increase slightly. Framing is expected to show a moderate increase.

Manufactured housing is cyclical and generally follows single family home construction patterns but should increase due to volume discounted purchasing. Miscellaneous uses, part of residential construction, should also increase with more mobile homes, storage sheds and outdoor uses.

Interior non residential use should increase although the market generally follows housing. Specialty uses, such as noise barriers and timber bridges on secondary roads, offer immense potential. Highway and marine usage is expected to continue upward except for treated wood posts in highway construction. The flat farm market for treated wood is not expected to improve.

To ensure a continued high rate of growth, the wood preserving industry needs to target cost reductions; move to cost effective environmental compliance; improve efficiency, quality control and products, and strengthen trade association support. With this, the U.S. treated wood market will probably reach the l0 billion b.f. level by 1995, Eliades concluded.