What makes Appalachian hardwoods special

llenowooDS, like many other I f forms of life, are products of their environment. Soil, topography, elevation and weather all affect the growth of the trees and the quality of the lumber taken from them.

Appalachia, the mountain area that runs from New York south through Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, North and South Carolina to Georgia, is said to be the finest area in the world for growing hardwoods. The growing season and weather are perfect for producing prime hardwood.

Rich unglaciated soil is unsurpassed for tree development. An optimum amount of rainfall plus topography which allows nearly perfect drainage and an elevation above l,(X)0 feet complete the ideal conditions.

Appalachian forests have been a source of fine hardwoods since the pioneers cut timber from them for home building, commerce and the development of industry. A second and even a third growth of trees in some cases has renewed the woodlands. More trees grow in the area now than 6O years ago due to responsible forestry practices.

Lumber from the Appalachian region is recognized throughout the world for its consistency of grain and color characteristics in a broad variety of species. Unlike hardwoods grown in other areas, the Appalachian hardwoods are almost always the same in grain pattern and color, making them renowned for their superior quality, utility and economy.

Nearly all hardwood species found in America grow in Appalachia, but a dozen species are prized for commercial use. Red and white oak and poplar, because they grow in great abundance, are most readily available. But ash, basswood, beech, birch, cherry, hickory, hard and soft maple and walnut are also in good supply.

Hardwoods grown in Appalachia are easier to work, according to wood experts. They are more readily machined, turned, shaped or carved. They also sand, polish, stain and hold paint better than most other hardwoods. In addition, they are among the ultimate species in the beauty, integrity and versatility intrinsic in all hardwoods. The nearly perfect environment creates a nearly perfect hardwood.

Another advantage provided by the favorable growing conditions is less brittleness, Appalachian hardwoods, especially those that are the hardest such as hickory, oak and walnut, are less brittle and provide premium wood products.

Hardwood from Appalachia is excellent for building and can be used in both new construction and remodeling. Uses for which the hardwoods are most suitable include structural components, cabinets, flooring, paneling and trim. It can be used in both residences and commercial buildings.

Character marked Appalachian

Story at a Glance

Prime soil, weather, topography, altitude produce best hardwoods for a huge number of products 12 species star among wide vari. ety . lumber produced trom Appalachian hardwoods is most consistent in grain and color.

hardwoods are those with natural variations such as bird pecks, wormholes, mineral stains and sound knots. These are less expensive than the more perfect hardwoods and are prized by many for their striking appearance in paneling and cabinetry.

While a portion of the hardwood from Appalachia goes into homes as wood paneling, floors, beamed ceilings, woodwork, cabinetry and builtins, much of it is used by manufacturers. The wood is popular for furniture of all kinds, both fine pieces and the less expensive knockdown or unfinished variety carried by home centers. Dimension parts such as stair treads and risers are manufactured from Appalachian hardwoods. Barrels, kegs, casks, truck bodies, sporting goods, musical instruments, tools and a variety of industrial equipment also utilizes various hardwoods.

The Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. in High Point, N.C., claims that whatever the product or project, the hardwoods needed are grown in Appalachian forests. They say whether the use is paneling a room, building an office complex, refurbishing a hotel, designing a furniture collection, fabricating kitchen cabinets or manufacturing plant stands, Appalachian hardwoods are wise selections. Appalachian hardwoods, they stress, provide unmatched distinction and utility in countless products and applications.

Just like people, trees perform and produce better in the right environment. All the factors necessary to guarantee prime hardwoods and prime lumber are found in the Appalachian hardwood region which with about l59o of the nation's hardwood forest land area furnishes more than 2.00/o of the total hardwood lumber production.