SPECIAL Focus Southern Forest Products
Southern pine industry sees signs of recovery
M
ONTH AFTER MONTH,
2013 has offered a string of tantalizing headlines for southern pine lumber producers. New home construction activity is finally getting a lift in key markets, while the level of repair and remodeling projects remains steady. There’s a new form of optimism spreading throughout the wood industry that, finally, some better years are on the horizon. After a modern-era record of 19 billion bd. ft. of southern pine was produced in 2005, recovering from the recession has been an uphill climb; 14.28 billion bd. ft. was produced in 2012. Dealers know the versatility and value southern pine provides for their customers: dependable strength, exceptional treatability, and attractive appearance. The Southern Forest Products Association supports dealers and distributors with the sales help they need, providing resources to help dealers and distributors improve their southern pine sales. SFPA materials not only help train employees but also educate customers on the proper selection and application of southern pine lumber.
Patterns Perfect for Remodeling
All photos courtesy SFPA
Contractors know that a quality, dependable product like southern pine offers a long list of possibilities: exterior
RAISED FLOOR: New educational materials from SFPA are helping builders make the transition to raised wood floor foundations.
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Building Products Digest
June 2013
siding for room additions, plus flooring, paneling and ceiling patterns, and trim to dress up the inside. The look of real wood for wall paneling and ceilings adds a dramatic flair to all rooms. Southern pine patterns are readily available in long lengths to eliminate or reduce splices. Clear or semi-transparent finishes draw attention to the species’ distinctive grain. Dealers need to remember that wood is a natural insulator, contributing to energy efficiency and lower utility bills. Not sure which pattern will be a bestseller? Review the product samples and related information provided in SFPA’s booklet “Southern Pine Patterns,” available as a PDF download at www.southernpine.com. Whatever the décor, southern pine flooring can enhance the look of any indoor space. A wood floor is a premium alternative to carpeting or ceramic tile, adding both comfort and value. Knowing the proper installation and maintenance tips is a dealer’s key to selling more southern pine flooring, paneling and other specialty items. For starters, check out “Southern Pine Flooring,” available as a PDF download from www.southernpine.com. It’s a comprehensive guide to both interior flooring and exterior porch flooring.
Help Selling Treated Wood
Handy do-it-yourselfers at all skill levels are finding the construction details and product information they need to build code-compliant, durable decks and porches by visiting www.southernpinedecks.com. Specification tips, connections and fasteners, the entire building process—it’s all here. The site also explains why treated southern pine decking is the preferred material. “Building outdoors requires not only skills and proper tools, it requires the right material and treated southern pine lumber has been the material of choice for decades,” says Richard Kleiner, SFPA’s senior director of treated markets. Information from the site is highlighted in a 12-page publication from SFPA. “Southern Pine Decks & Porches” is geared to professional deck builders and advanced do-ityourselfers. It offers comprehensive design and construction guidance. Photos of completed decks and porches showcase what treated southern pine lumber can do to naturally enhance any landscape. Download a free PDF at Building-Products.com