Pressure treated wrap-up

fnOlftNUl:l) growth is proVjected lor the U.S. pressure treated wood industry in the years ahead as the residential remodeling and renovation market continues to sumed about 20-25(h of treated lumber production, primarily for the same uses.

The industry produced about 5.7 billion board feet of treated lumber above ground exterior applications in the tJ.S., llicks reported. The major advantages of borates, which are widely used in Australia and New Tealand, are that they are relatively

Trends and Forecasts: Wood Preservlng (SlC 2491)

'Value ol Droducts classiliod in lho Wood PresoNing industry producod by all industries.

'Now supply is ths sum 0f producl shipmsnls plus imports.

SoURCE: U.S. Dopanmonl of Commerce: Eursau of th6 Consus, Bursau of Economic 'Valuo 0f all products and soNices sold by tho Wood Prsssrving induslry. Analysis, Inlsrnational Trads Adminrstralion (lTA); u.S. Dsparlmsnt ol Labor: Bureau ol Labor

'Tho porcsnt chango in pricss is calculatsd from prsvious ysar to curr€nt ysar using tho Stalistics (BLS). Estimates and lorocasts Dy lTA. annual avorago publishsd by 8LS. exceed new residential construction.

Shipments are expected to increase by 2.50h, measured in constant dollars, and continue with at least a 2.5oh annual growth in the long term.

Approximately 500/o of the treated lumber produced last year went into the residential remodeling and renovation market for decks, porches, pool enclosures and other exterior uses, according to C. Michael Hicks, forest products industry specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce. New residential construction con- in 1988, approximately 4olo more than in the previous year. CCA pressure treated southern pine dominated the market, but CCA pressure treated ponderosa pine made significant inroads in the midwest.

The U.S. counted about 610 treating plants in 1988. Most of these were in the south. Estimates show that more than 570 million cubic feet of lumber and related wood products were treated. More than 60% of the output was treated with CCA.

Some borate solutions were used in treating material for interior or non-toxic and do not change the natural appearance of the wood. They can be used to treat hardwoods as well as softwoods.

Story at a Glance

Statistics you can use on what pressure treated wood has done in the marketplace and what it is likely to do. survey included both CCA and borate treatments.

FIRESSURE treated wood is one f of the fastest growing markets in the building materials industry, popular for decks, retaining walls, fences, and other outdoor projects.

Significant pressure treated wood growth began about 10 years ago. By 1987 treated lumber sales levels were up 40% over the mid '80s. Pressure treated lumber sales have continued to grow 12 to 140/o a year.

A study last year showed 3.35 million patios, decks and porches built in 1987, with 2.19 million fencing projects completed. Do-it-yourselfers installed 71.80/o of the patio, deck and porch projects and 75.80/o of the fencing projects.

One reason for the rising popularity of pressure treated wood is that with the dramatic increase in house prices, people are remodeling instead of buying new homes. Another reason is rising consumer confidence in pressure treated wood. Homeowners, looking for permanence, recognize that the material won't have to be replaced in their lifetime. They have learned that pressure treated wood offers good value at an affordable price. They also are learning that pressure treated wood is safe for the user and the environment when used according to EPA-approved industry guidelines.

With the use of pressure treated wood expanding, the need to be sure a quality product is being purchased has never been greater. Recognizing this, the industry long ago assumed responsibility for consumer protection.

Unhappily, some customers judge treated wood by appearance only. Since it is impossible to determine visually whether a piece of wood is properly treated, third party quality control is important.

Assurance of quality is the guid-