Redwood takes Hawaii by (rain) storm

from us. But we do supply redwood to people who live out there."

The full service lumber yard has found redwood to be the ideal product for Hawaii. "With its natural resistance to decay, rot and insects, it's perfectly suited for Kauai's climate," says Studley. "Another big selling point is redwood doesn't have the man-made chemicals of pressure treated wood. People here are concerned about what goes into their walls."

On the other hand, Studley has noticed that redwood "has natural grains and knot styles. It gives a feel-

HAT do you do if your sales territory is the wettest spot on Earth? Sell redwood.

Asian American Lumber, Kapaa, Hi., is located on the island of Kauai, home of the wet spot of the world. "ln the wettest area, it rains virtually every day," says Asian American general manager Martin Studley. "That's on the other side of the island, though, about 45 miles away

Story at a Glance

Hawaiian dealer sells redwood in the rainiest place on earth ... redwood well suited for climate. redwood kit homes a big seller.

ing of a natural type of house."

Asian American came to sPecialize in redwood through company coowner Jack Young, an architect and builder who had long imported redwood for the upper end, beachfront homes he designed. In 1983, the company began selling wholesale throughout Hawaii and the Pacific.

Last May, Asian American began selling retail. "People started coming in for a few boards at a time for their little decking or residing projects," Studley explains. The company opened up its yard and office in the back of the old Hawaiian Fruit Packers cannery building to the general public. The retail segment has since grown to about half the firm's busiNESS.

The expansion of the business created a need for an improved facility, and Asian American recently signed a 30-year lease on a new lot in Kapaa. They are currently seeking the necessary permits to begin construction of their yard on the site.

The company handles a full range of redwood products from Ahl Forest Products, Ukiah, Ca., everything needed to build a home. In fact,

Asian American also offers redwood "kit homes" in the $25,000 to $35,000 price range. Designed by Young, the homes are 800 sq. ft., with three bedrooms and two baths. They feature an open beam style with a single wall, all of redwood.

Young continues to design custom homes and even small redwood home packages.

And despite perpetually soggy selling seasons, Asian American's redwood business is anything but all wet.

Residing Resembling Redwood

Two new colors, resembling coastal redwood and silver ash, hav6 been added to Alcan Building Products' line of Cedarwood aluminum siding.

And Selected Sales Aids

Nails With A Twist

Stainless steel spiral masonry nails which reportedly will not split softwood or cause significant damage are now available from Helix Reinforcements Ltd. of England.

Especially effective in connecting wooden sections to aerated concrete blocks, Spiro-Fix helix nails produce a spiral, threaded channel and a more secure bond.

The nails can then be removed, if necessary, by unscrewing them.

For more information on New Products write The Merchant Mogozine.4500 Campus Dr Suite 480, Newport Beach. Ca. 92660. Please mention issue date and page number so we can process your request faster! Many thanks!

Inner-Seal Underlayment

A new Inner-Seal OSB underlayment panel featuring a moistureresistant resin formulation that sisnificantly reduces any tendency t'o expand or contract on thejob site has been developed by LouisianaPacific.

The rigid, exterior grade 4' x 8' panel is sanded on both sides for a uniform thickness and smooth surface. The underlayment is free of knots, core voids, splits and checks, and backed by a one-year warranty. The resin produces a chemical bond with the cellulose in the wood fiber to reduce any tendency to absorb moisture. The stability of the panel assures nails and staples remain flush with the surface.

Standard thickness is 1/4 in., but the panels are also available by special order in 3/8,7 /16 and l/2-in. dimensions to meet special subfloor and threshold matching requirements.

Features include authentic woodgrain appearance, multi-tone finish and fluorocarbon coating for improved durability.

The siding comes in double 5 in., 8 in. and vertical profiles.

Display Your Gonnectaons

A framing connector merchandiser is now available to display Lumberlok Products.

The 4' wide by 5'6" high gondola made from brightly finished metal tubing includes wire baskets with adjustable dividers, product description cards, and a descriptive 29" x 21" disnlav header with frame.

Products such as joist hangers, post and beam anchors, purlin hangers, truss plates, framing anchors, reinforcing angles, sill plate anchors and plywood/waferboard sheathing supports can be grouped in any of60 categories.

Low Maintenance Millwork

Prefinished millwork featuring molded urethane exteriors, a primer and two finish coats to withstand the abuses of weather is now available from The American Woodwork Specialty Co.

Steady Storage

The Balance Box, a tool holder with a base designed to sit securely on narrow or wide joists or pitched surfaces without sliding, has been introduced by Alta Industries.

Made of high density, lightweight polyethylene, the tool box is said to resist cracking. It also features a waterproof wood handle and two pull-out parts trays with multi-sized compartments.

Easily Engineered Railway

A fully-adjustable hardwood rail svstem that comes fully attached for simple installation is new from United Stairs Corp.

The EZ Rail has concealed hinges at the end of each baluster which connect to the top and bottom rails so the unit can be folded into a "2" bulky stand-up items; 4-1/2"x6"x3" for less bulky items, and 4-l/2" x3"x5" to hold ball or flat-shaped gad-

Shur-Wood windows are offered in octagonal and oval stYles, and louvers in full-round, full-round with keyblocks and octagonal models. Millwork features a cast-in woodgrain pattern, a choice of three architectural trim colors and optional architectural trim outs.

Invisible Watchdog

An electronic alarm that simulates the barking of a vicious dog to ward off intruders is new from Progressive Energy CorP.

Any sound causes the alarm to bark for 55 seconds. It then shuts itself off until it hears another sound. The alarm plugs into a standard electric outlet. Both the loudness of the shape for packing, shipping, storage, and display.

The solid wood stair and balconY railings are available in oak or poplar, hand-sanded, ready to stain or paint, or pre-furniture-finished in golden oak or chestnut.

Fully Exposed Displays

See-through, modular disPlaY bins for housewares, tools and gadsets are now available from Rowoco.

eets. The first two models also have ieparator teeth and floor ribs to help keep stock neat.

The merchandisers fit standard slatwalls or can be snapped onto wire display holders.

Almost Real Trees

Silk trees made on natural wood trunks for added realism have been developed by AutograPh Foliages. An entire line of artificial trees and outdoor shrubberY is offered.

alarm and the amount of noise necessary to activate it are adjustable.

An actual recording of an English bull terrier is stored on a computer microchip so there are no moving parts to wear out.

- Made from high imPact, vacuumformed thermo-plastic, C-Bins feature snap-in label Pockets and slanted fronts to give full stock appearance even when suPPlY is lo_w.

The bins come in three sizes: 9" x 6" x 3" with a center bar for long,

Get Off The Floor

A new liquid solvent/remover from Certified Technologies strips virtually any floor tile adhesive, including mastics, glues, pastes and sprays.

It is said to soften even old adhesives fast, yet contain no harmful petroleum distillates.

The liquid is simply sprayed or brushed on the dry adhesive and left to soak for a few moments. The softened adhesive can then be removed with a scraper or swept up with a broom.

The product is biodegradable and water-washable.

Leaner Cleaner Container

Popular cleaner Magic Goo Gone is now available in a flatter. wider. more dramatic bottle from Masic American Corp.

The new bottle adds 370/o more

A SAWMILL -

We Specialize in o Quality Redwood Timbers in all Dimensions o 2x4 thru 2x14 Dimensional in all Grades 'r\\4- -\', o Special cuttings to ''' your specifications

WILLITS REDWOOD CO. 220 Franklin Ave. Willits, Ca. 95490

Gary Herman - Sales Manager 17071 159-9566

FAr 17071 4t9-0775

Hand-Rubbed Wood Finish label selling area and allows for a 3306 increase in shelf stock. The product removes stickv. gummy messes from carpets, clothing, hair, etc.

Scotchgard Wipe On Poly Finish from 3M is said to provide wood surfaces with superior protection against liquids, chemicals and heat.

Applied with a clean cloth, the clear finish penetrates and seals wood. Its formula permits twice the coverage of other polyurethanes with a penetrating action that brings out the _woodgrain without creating an artifi cial, built-up appearance.

The finish is available in satin and gloss.

Wood/Wire Storage System

A storage system utilizing both wood laminate and epoxy-coated ventilated wire components is now available from LeelRowan.

Kitchen Additions

Four new kitchen accessories designed to match cabinets in a variety of styles and finishes have been introduced by Triangle Pacific.

Now offered are an apPliance garage with a roll-top door; a genuine oak hood with optional fan and light kit; a wine rack that can be used horizontally or vertically, and a gallery rail moulding.

Roll-ln Hood

Wood laminate accessorles lnclude storage shells, cubbY hole units, storage sPaces, adjustable shelves, drawers and door kits' Wire products include baskets, shoe racks, wardrobe shelves atoP closet rods and linen storage shelves. All elements come in white'

New mini window hoods from Roll-A-Way conserve space, conceal easily and provide protection for slats in security shutter systems.

Made of durable aluminum. the hoods can be used in shutter systems with aluminum or pvc slats measuring as little as l/4-in. thick. They coime in 6, 7, 8 and l0 sq. in. dimensions.

Regrouting Route

A compact kit including all the tools needed to regrout tiledfloors or ceramic walls is new from Plasplugs.

For more informatron on New Products write The Merchant Magozine.4500 Campus Dr.. Suite 480. Newport Beach. Ca 92660 Please mention issue date and page number so we can proc?ss your request faster! Many thanks!

Flooring Seam Sealer

A new seam sealer kit from Tarkett contains everything needed for clean, easy installation of residential vinyl floor-coverings.

Tool Cord Protection

An expandable cable wrap that applies like tape to power tool cords to prevent th€ wear and chafins which can cause short circuits is nei from M.M. Newman Corp.

The kit l'eatures a grout remover lo rak^e out grout, leaving the joints free of old materiall a grorlt spreader, designed to work newgrout-into tile joints,. and a grout finisher, for achieving a smooth grout line while removing all excess.

The kit seals up to 75 linear feet of sheet vinyl flooring seams and dries within two hours. Its applicator reportedly ensures proper sealing to prevent dirt from catching under the flooring seams.

Included are a 1.75 oz. tube of chemical sealer, a .25 oz. tube of catalyst to accelerate drying time, a 2 oz. applicator bottle to mix the two. and an applicator tip for sealing edges.

Rebuilt to ZERO TIME TOW TRACTORS

No more headaches with broken forklift rearends. The answer is simple. USE A TOWING TRACTOR TO TOW LOADS. With more than 15 vears of experience, VICTORY GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT COMPANY combines a sales. administration and service back-up for their reconditioned and rebuilt tractors that will make sure the job gets done but this time WITH THE RIGHT EQUIPMENTI

Heli-Tube spirally cut cable wrap comes in six sizes from l/8" to 1", in various colors and in six materials, including polyethylene, nylon and teflon.

The cable is packed on spools, in handy payout boxes or in individual 8-ft. lengths in clear packages for peg board merchandisine.

Keep Your Cool

The I)icnic Baskct liom lgloo combines yestert"ear's vintage hamper with todal''s firshion colors and insulation advances.

,,\vailable in tour color conrbinations. the cooler features swing handle. sidc drain plug. Surelock hinges. high-inrpact ertcrior with molded-in handles. refrigcrator-qualitl' liner. rcmovablc fbod tral and exclusive [ ]ltratherm insulation.

Masonry Sealant

.\ nrodified epoxy polynrer sealanl lbr below' grade masonry waterprooling is ncu lionr,Aclvantage I)roducts.

Aero Scrrl's udhesir e eorrting penetratcs up to I /2 into masonry.

Packaged in aerosol cans. the product works to prevent water seepage.

Don Heller

Soles Monoger

4418 N€ Heller Rd. Roseburg, Oregon 97470

FRX 503 672-5676 503 672-6s28

No-Wait Paint

,\ neu' dccorative enanrel spray paint from l)AP Inc. reportedll'dries to a hard. protective flnish in just l0 mrnutcs.

Broma spra-v" paint is said to be lead-f'ree and chip- and scratchresistant. Packaged in I 2 oz. spray conlaincrs. it conrcs in 20 diff'erent colors.

Ouolitu lUestein Cedor

PostsoBoilsoPickets tlruenco.

ll|s ilil|0 cal|$ t'lill| ll|0 Br0PR0flI$!

Famowood

is the PR0FESSI0NAL'S ALL PURP0SE PLASTIC Boat builders, Jurniture makers, cabinet makers. etc. have found it the one sure answer to c0rrecting wood defects, filling wood cracks, gouges, covering countersunk nails and screws.

Can be used under Fiber Glass!

Ready to use right out of the can, Famowood applies like putty-sticks Iike glue; dries quickly; won't shrink, and will not gum up sander. Waterproot andj weatherproof when properly applied. ,4a**g

Interlocking Decking

Edgefield Plank, a pressure treated decking product with a special engineered end matched joint, is new from Cox Wood Preserving.

Available in three convenient lengths, the decking is redried after treatment to validate the grade; meet building codes; allow ease of handling; minimize warping and cup- ping, and ensure environmental safety.

Every piece may be utilized to avoid waste, using a standard layout provided by the manufacturer or one created by the d-i-yer. On-site waste is also reduced, along with installation time, by the planks' engineered joints, which eliminate the need for supports directly under the ioints.

Motorized Fireplace

A revolutionary new fireplace featuring a motorized door that raises and lowers at the touch of a button is now offered by Fondis Corp.

The Gentry's PowerDoor can also be controlled by a wireless remote control.

Other features include reportedly the largest single expanse of glass in the industry, decorator surround panels, raised hearth with no obstrusive knobs or handles, a refractory-lined firebox with brick lintel, an "air wash" system to keep the glass door clean, and heavy gauge components.

Unbroken Deflections

An unbreakable plastic air deflector is now available from I)eflecto Corp.

The clear plastic unit is made extra strong through use of engineer-grade plastics similar to those used in football helmets.

Features include a unique tloating-action, permanent-strength magnet, latch-type construction and the ability to adjust from 10" to 14".

Storage On Track

Easy Track, a closet customizing system designed specifically for the d-i-yer, is new from Laminations, Inc.

The hanging system is suspended from a single track attached to the back wall of the closet. Vertical panels hang from the wall track with

.45 adjustable shelf and closet rod brackets snapped into pre-drilled holes. Shelves and closet rods fit onto the brackets.