Structural Rounds On The Rise

Today's homeowners are looking for structural alternatives, and many buyers are turning to a more natural approach: solid structural rounds.

HOMEOWNERS are abandoning traditional slructural designs for the increasingly popular SSRs.

Made of raw tree trunks. SSRs are usually debarked, kiln dried and treated with stains or water repellents for interior use, or pressure treated for exterior use. The species used for SSRs vary from southern and lodge pole pine to juniper, cedar and fir.

"We are seeing an increase in excitement about the product...and a resurgence in the 'new' use of a very old product," said William Plant, pres., American Pole & Timber Co., Houston, Tx.

Supplier Confidence Wavers

Wholesaler-distributors' confidence in current business conditions increased on a short-term basis, but decreased slightly over the long-term, according to the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors' confidence index.

The ability to maintain first quarter 1995 sales levels into the second quarter led to short-term optimism. Respondents were less confident in the long-term, due to uncertainty over Federal Reserve interest rate policy and the continued impact of already established higher rates on customers' spending patterns.