What's new in the redwood marketplace

A CCORDING to many industry -Cl,players, redwood is enjoying a resurgence in popularity (see quotes in box on next page).

To find out about other redwood trends, we asked the California Redwood Association some questions. The 83-year-old association is one of the oldest trade associations in the forest products industry. They are responsible for promoting the use of redwood, providing technical services to manufacturers, specifiers and builders, and maintaining product quality through their Redwood Inspection Service division.

Wtt"t is the future outlook for redwood lumber supply?

CRA Redwood lumber will be abundant and available in the future. Redwood is the nation's fastest growing commercial softwood, and the Redwood Region in Northern California is the most productive forest land in the U.S. Remarkable growth rates are being realized in young growth redwood forests. Sound forestry and business practices mandate that timberlands must be rapidly replanted so that vigorous new stands are established after harvest.

Over the past two decades, redwood production has averaged about 900 million bd. ft. per year.

A California Timber Supply model developed at the University of California, Berkeley, indicates that an average annual sustainable harvest of one billion bd. ft. is achievable. The most likely scenario generated by this model shows that the harvest on private timberlands will remain relatively stable over the next 25-35 years and then increase sharply as young growth stands come into full production.

How has the redwood product line changed?

CRA Less than 87o of today's redwood lumber production comes from old growth forests. The redwood industry is relying on young growth timber for the bulk of its production. The products from these trees contain more knots and sapwood streaks than lumber from old growth trees. Examples of young growth products include Clear grade, B grade, Construction Heart, Construction Common and Merchantable. Lumber from young growth has redwood's traditional good looks, dimensional stability and excellent weathering qualities.

Wtrat are the current marketing trends for the use of redwood lumber?

CRA The number one use for redwood today is tied to the deck boom. An estimated two to three million new decks are built every year-that's more than 342 per hour or nearly six each minute.

The total U.S. residential decking market in 1997 exceeded $3 billion. The decking market has been growing steadily, averaging 8.17o annual growth between 1991 and 1997, outpacing both new construction (1.5Vo) and home improvement/maintenance/repair (3.1Vo).

Redwood is very popular for other outdoor uses such as fencing, trellises, shade shelters, gazebos, benches and planters. Redwood also continues to be used in traditional exterior siding and interior paneling applications.

Wtrat finishes and hardware should dealers recommend for outdoor redwood projects?

CRA This is important because customer satisfaction can depend on the proper use of these products. The CRA recommends that all nails, fasteners and hardware be stainless steel, aluminum or top quality hoCdipped galvanized (electroplated galvanizing is not acceptable). Poor quality fasteners will react with redwood's natural extractives, causing unsightly stains.

Finishes vary widely in the quality of their ingredients. Finishes for outdoor redwood projects should contain water repellent, mildewcide and UV ray-blocking agents. A product with some pigment will be more durable than a clear finish. Varnishes, lacquers and linseed oils are not recommended.

Wtrat help is available to dealers in selling redwood?

CRA To help dealers sell redwood, CRA is implementing a carefully planned 1999 program that combines advertising, publicity, back-up literature, sales and educational aids, and technical support. The biggest promotion is CRA's ninth national red-