Treater developsproduct meeting needs of market

TN 1989 Allweather Wood Treaters lexamined the market and discovered a treated substitute was needed to replace diminishing supplies of redwood and cedar decking and fencing products in hot, dry climates.

Since their Sunwood products tended to split and twist when moisture introduced into the wood during

Or., in May, 1991. Two 6 ft. 6 in. diameter, 82 ft. long cylinders with 12 in. piping and oversized pumping equipment can treat in excess of 100 million b.f. of Sunwood or other CCA products annually. A concrete chenrical containment system meeting federal and slate standards of zero discharge into the environment was the treatment process was removed too rapidly, the company theorized it could remove the moisture from the finished product and reduce twist and split problems, making a wood suitable for use in the arid climates of the western U.S.

Research at their Washougal, Wa-, treating plant's dehumidification dry kiln developed a drying process and color additive formulation that worked on test decks in Southern California and Southem ldaho. Thus kiln dried after treatment (KDAT) Sunwood was born.

A CCA treating plant to produce the new product opened in Medford, designed with the help of Osmose Co. engineers. Two large dehumidification dry kilns using low heat and an airflow process are capable of matching production from the treating plant

High production lumber handling and incising equipment including automated sticker placement and removal systems keeps the lumber flowing at the fastest possible rate with the least amount of labor. Using only 10 acres of a 25 acre site, the facility can be expanded as demand continues to increase.

Allweather Wood is aggressively presenting its products in established redwood and cedar markets. Thev offer advertising support, home and garden show displays and pafticipation, product knowledge seminars and point of purchase literature and displays !o distributors. In line with their belief that a successful project makes a happy consumer, they provide an installation guide on the proper use and installation of KDAT Sunwood.

Story at a Glance

Treated product designed to meet needs of hot, dry climates ... drying process removes moisture left by treating ... color additive makes wood more attractive for decking and fences.