MSR producers meet demand

today's environmental issues. "

Although trusses use the lion's share of MSR lumber, growing areas of use are glued laminated beams, flanges for wood I-beams, studs and floorjoists. Expanded application is a positive sign the trend towards increased production of MSR lumber will continue.

Producers attribute the increase to a reliable product and a steady supply. "The grades are stable and the product is there," said Rogers. "There's been some worry that the supnly would fall

14.8 million bf mill. The average "medium" mill produces 34.7 million bf annually and the "large" producer, with multiple facilities, turns out approximately 107 million bf per year.

To further answer the question about supply availability, survey results show the grade mix is exceptionally stable. 1650f (f=extreme fiber stress in bending) grade represented 45Vo of production during the survey period, while 2100f equaled lOVo to 22Vo.

"This first ever survey tells us that more and more people are specifying MSR lumber." he added. "That means they're confident in the supply, they ffust the product and they understand the benefits to their bottom line."

MSR lumber was first introduced to builders over 25 years ago.

With today's computerization, the machine stress rating process lets mill operators determine the exact correlation between the stiffness and breaking strength of each piece of wood. Continuous lumber testing machines can test individual pieces at rates of up to 1,500 feet per minute. The information they provide saves time and money over other grading systems by allowing manufacturers, builders, architects and other end users to specify the exact product for the job. Nothing more, nothing less.

Rogers comments, "MSR lumber cuts down on inventory, liability and waste, which is a big plus in light of off due to resource issues. Obviously, that hasn't been the case."

Of the 19 companies participating in the survey, approximately half produced less than 100 million bf over the total survey period. One-fourth produced between 100 and 200 million bf and the remaining one-fourth produced over 300 million bf of MSR lumber. Using these definitions, the average "small" MSR producer is a

Of particular interest is the availability ofhigh end grades. In lieu of concerns regarding fiber quality of "new generation" forests, supplies of grades 2250f 2850f were solid at l1Vo to lTVo of production. With total MSR lumber production increasing by neal,ly 25Vo, high end grades are playing a bigger role in the total grade mix. In other grade ranges, 1 850f- 1 950f were 9Vo to lOVo and 1250F-1450f were 4Vo to 5Vo.

Survey results also show sprucepine-fir accounts for 213 of the MSR output. It is produced by 13 ofthe 19 MSR lumber producing companies. Of the other species, Douglas fu and southern yellow pine each contribute l1%o to total production, with hem-fir representing 57o.

MSR production is basically dominated by two sizes: 2x4s represent 6OVo of production, while 2x6s account for 3OVo. The remaining LOVo is shared by 2x3s and "wides."