Specialty Products Save Trees

Redwood specialty products have appeal for environmentally conscious customers because they provide as much as 25% morc production from existing harvests.

Finger-jointing, edge-gluing and laminating processes produce dimensionally stable products that can be more economical because they use less desirable raw material. They offer a retailer the benefit of filling special needs of both d-iy and contractor customers. Because there is little competition in these types of products, they also can have better margins.

Keith Kersell, Pacific Lumber Co., points out the benefits of a laminated architectural quality redwood column whichhis company produces. Manufactured from clear all heart or clear grades of redwood in 4x4 and 6x6, 8 ft. or 10 ft. long, it can be used as a baluster or a porch column or in any other non-structural use. Ready to paint and certified kiln dried to l02O% moisture content, it fills a definite need for builders. In addition. it is stable, stays straight and has the "pink" color consumers like.

Other Palco specialty redwood products are finger-jointed, edgeglued or a combination of these two methods. Available in extra long lengths or wide widths, they are more economical than solid sawn lumber, Kersell points out. They can be run to any siding pattern.

Lengths as long as 16-20 ft. sell well for fascia and trim board. Edgeglued products can be special ordered in widths up to 48 inches. The 16-24 inch widths are good recommendations for shelving material.