Color it Saleable

By Hank Feenstra and John Snead Califomia Cascade Indushies

develop the natural decay and termite resistant qualities nomtally associated with these species.

Osmose Wood Preserving , Inc. and its independently owned and operated licensed manufacturers recognized the special needs of western states over 10 years ago and introduced Sunwmd Brand pressure treated wood. Sunwood is a color additive that gives the wood the warm appearance of cedar and redwood. Not a slain or color coaL the color is created with a color additive in the pressUre treating process. Sunwood also offers a benefit Mother Nature cannot provide: a limited lifetime warranty against termite attack and fungal decay.

Sunwood sales have grown significantly, particularly in the last five years as reasonably priced redwood and cedar became increasingly difficult to find. The Sunwood Brand name is now widely recognized. A recent study reports the name is recognized nearly two to one over its pnmary competitor in western states.

For traditional pressure treated wood buyers, Sunwood offers an opportunity to build with an upgraded appearance and still have a warranty against termites and fungal decay. Those who would nomnlly buy cedar and redwood get the color benefits of those woods, a limited lifetime warranty and a high quality product for less money.

Although Sunwood has been primarily a West Coast product, it is being noticed more and mone in eastern states. Many consumers east of the Mississippi discovered it for the first time at AmeriFlora '92, an 88 acre "theme park type" garden expo open from April through October in Columbus, Oh. Sunwood was used for fences, decks, arbors and other garden structures in a number of displays."Ameriflora visitors thought it was redwood or cedar," said Cal McCall, a garden staff member. "I had a few people tell me they thought us extravagant to build a fence, a compost bin and cold frame of redwood. When they found it was Pressure treated wood with a limited lifetime warranty, they wanted to lnow how it got its color and where they could buy it."

Sunwood's most appealing sales feature is visible on sight" Seeing the product is enough for consumers to lnow Sunwood is different from standard pressure treated wood with the same appeal as cedar and redwood.

*Sources: Russell R. Mueller Retail Hardware Research Foundation, 1990; Resource Information Systems, Inc. Treated Wood Special Snrdy Series: No. 14, 1990.

BEAUTY and praclicalily go hand in hand in gardens where Sunwood is used for slrudures, decks, raised vegetable beds and compost bins. lt is bolh attractive and durable,