NEW REDWOOD MARKETS

(Continued from page 15) oriented to siding and paneling end uses.

Other changes in the redwood product line entail a greater percentage of lumber containing sapwood dictated by the nature of the changing resource. Sapwood with the ability of semi-transparent stains to accent, mute, or virtually eliminate contrast is acceptable for a majority of redwood uses and is even experiencing a growing preference for its striking appearance in siding and paneling.

The new harvest will also manifest itself in an increased percentage of grades containing knots. In the past few years, there has been a growing trend in the demand for rustic, knotty finish material for both residential and commercial application. Until the advent of the new generation redwood tree with its tighter knot characteristics, redwood was unable to supply a competitive rustic product in volume.

There are many plus factors in the new generation grades. In addition to kiln dried knotty rustic finish grades, a greater percentage of construction grades and garden heart will be air dried. Drying of redwood before shipping becomes increasingly important as freight rates continue to escalate. In addition, dry redwood yards better, performs better, and looks better on the job.

Applied in place, the new generation redwood is scarcely discernible from the old and there is no appreciable difference in the performance of the new wood. In fact, there is no way to determine which is which and among the physical properties that count most-stability, weatherability, workability, fire resistance-we find the new generation measures up very well.

In summary, the news in redwood is high in promise and potential for a number of reasons:

(1) A steady future supply of redwood is assured by scientific forestry practices within the industry.

(2) The latest in lumber process-

The Merchant Magazlno ing equipment will help keep costs at the lowest possible level.

(3) The total volume of redwood will be greater than ever before.

(4) The product mix will provide plenty of clear grades for prestige architectural uses plus new kiln dried knotty grades for rustic finish exteriors and interiors.

(5) There will be more garden grades to meet the growing popularity of deck and garden structures with more of the grades being seasoned to save freight costs and to upgrade product quality and performance.

(6) There will be more stock run to inventory to provide faster response to customer orders.

(7) There will be more flexibility and faster response in adjusting production schedules to market changes.

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