Prcssurc trcated wood sales continue to grow

By Chad Niedermeyer hesident Western Wood Preservers Institute

ALES of pressure treated wood have increased steadily over the last ten years, from less than 0.5 billion board feet in 1975 to nearly 2.8 billion board feet in 1985-0.2 billion more than had been projected. With that increase of almost 600% in ten years. pressure treated wood has become the fastest growing portion of the lumber industry.

In 1984, production was 2.2 billion board feet, according to American Wood Preservers Bureau figures. Based upon a projected production of 2.6 billion board feet in 1985, the pressure treated wood industry announced sales expectations of 3.I billion board feet in the coming year. Now that 1985 totals have been tabulated, it seems reasonable to expect 1986 sales to approach 3.3 billion board feet.

Builders are an important element in the increasing use of pressure treated wood. In recent years, new construction, remodeling and such additions to homes as outside decks, patios, gazebos and related landscaping projects have been a boom to pressure treated wood usage. Consumers have become more aware of what pressure treated wood can do for them.

At the same time. treaters and such industry groups as Western Wood Products Association and American Plywood Assocation have been working aggressively with lumber dealers, educating salespeople on the uses and advantages of pressure treated wood.

Retailers are now promoting pressure treated wood more than ever before and are selling it better. They're finding that the market has become a yearJong sales opportunity.

Both the economy and the weather are helping also. People have not been moving into new homes every five or six years as they had been doing. They're finding it more advantageous to remodel their present homes, and outdoor living, especially with decks, is high on their lists. The heavy rains in February can only accelerate remodeling, with fences, retaining walls and planter boxes needing repair and replacement.

Non-residential uses of pressure treated wood also are growing. One relatively new opportunity is the increasing use of pressure treated wood to create sound barriers along the sides of highways. Another growth area is the use of pressure treated wood in parks, picnic areas, campgrounds and other recreational areas.

Story at a Glance

Treated wood is the fastest growing part of the lumber industry . . . '86 sales expected to top '85 economy and weather encouraging conti nued growth western market especially bright.

Marinas and harbors are still another strong market for 1986. In addition to new construction, extensive work is still under way to repair damage caused by last year's heavy storms, and this year's storms have added to the work.

During 1986, the industry will benefit from the promotional work being done by the Wood Products Promotional Council and the American Wood Council. When builders and contractors, particularly in snow country receive the full impact of this promotion, sales of Permanent Wood Foundation FDN materials should increase.

In Alaska, a majority of residential dwellings continue to be built on Permanent Wood Foundations. In addition, interest is increasing in all areas where full basements are commonplace. Also, when modular homes are located in conventional residential neighborhoods, as opposed to mobile and modular home parks, the projects must conform to the local building code. And most codes require that such homes be built on a permanent foundation.

The outlook for pressure treated wood sales nationwide in 1986 is bright. For the Western U.S., the outlook is even brighter. The economy is favorable, and the member companies of the Western Wood Preservers Institute are prepared with an improved product, more and better colors, and active marketing to take full advantage of increasing opportunities in both residential and nonresidential market areas.