Pressure treated wood presses on

By Les Lonning President Western Wood Preservers Institute

won't have to replace in their lifetime, and that it offers good value at an affordable price. They also have learned that when used according to the EPA/industry guidelines provided with treated wood products, it is safe for the user and the environment.

The industry's Consumer Awareness Program has been, according to research, a success. Consumer confidence will increase even more if dealers make greater efforts to provide information on the proper use and handling of pressure treated wood.

Other factors contributing to increased use are the consumer education, public relations and marketing programs of the Western Wood Preservers Institute and its member companies.

The WWPI will continue to encourage and assist dealers to take advantage ofthe current market expansion to increase the western lumber industry's share of the market in competition with alternate products such as concrete and steel.

Research and development continue in the pressure treating industry. For example, different types of preservatives are being studied by universities and private companies.

The industry is also finding new markets. Greater attention is being given to exports, particularly those to countries on the Pacific Rim and in the Middle East. Another area that will be explored is Western Europe, where there is evidence of increasing interest in pressure treated wood.

Pressure treatment is of growing importance in the West, where an even higher percentage of lumber production is from second and third growth trees with a high percentage of sapwood. Sapwood is not as resistant to decay as heartwood, so it is important to have this wood pressure treated for exposed weather conditions and sill plates. When properly treated, the life of the wood can be extended eightfold.

Story at a Glance

Soaring new home costs, more outdoor proiects, increased remodeling and rising consumer confidence have kept treated wood sales rising what dealers can do to maintain the pace.

Right now the market for pressure treated wood is bullish. lt's our job to see to it that it continues that way. One way to do this is to maintain the high degree of consumer confidence that pressure treated wood now enjoys.

Dealers can help by stocking quality pressure treated wood with the AWPB mark, by aggressively marketing the product with the many in-store aids available from pressure treating firms, and by providing consumers with EPA-approved Consumer Information Sheets.