Particleboard the 198Os

bv Robert E. Dougherty Executive Vice-President National Particleboard Association

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had a fantastic year in 1978 when it reached an all-time production high of 3,866 nrillion sq. ft. (%" ba- sis), a level which is probably close to maximum production flor the industry.

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I ) The higher prices of durable species have made pressure treating more cost-efficient and competitive than ever before.

(2) The availability of treated wood has aided in the expansion as suppliers, dealers, and consumers come to rely upon pressure treated wood as a highly dependable source.

(3) Consumer awareness, brought about by the industry's effort, also has played a role in this remarkable growth.

The Western Wood Preservers Institute. an organization of 19 western wood preservers, has invested its time, energy, and resources to glve consumers complete and accurate information on pressure treated lumber. In addition, it has promoted the many uses of its products with lively ideas for decks, planters, gazebos, fences, and the like. Now. its consistent promotional program is beginning to pay off in the marketplace.

Story at a Glance

Promotion of pressure tre- ated wood has paid off. four new treating plants opened in the West this year, two more slated for 198O. more than l OO million bd. ft. of waterborne salt-treated lumber expected to move through western plants next year.

In addition. it will continue to offer a flow of exciting ideas for the uses of pressure treated wood through its public relations program. Articles that inform and persuade customers to visit their local lumber dealer are in the hands of editors of 1250 newspapers in the l3 western states. Thus. dealers will be able to benefit fronr this strong promotional campaign.

Individual WWPI members also have instituted aggressive marketing plans of their own to reach the retail segment of the treated wood business. New and established dealers have responded favorably. and many are finding they can make attractive profits with a product they had not offered previously.

Naturally, the lumber and building materials dealer has done his homework on which species and grades are most appropriate for landscaping and residential use. Also, each dealer has studied the grades and species most desired by the particular trade he serves. And realizing that the dealer is an expert on these matters. the homeowner is turning to him for professional counsel and advice.

As a result of these factors. we see the acceptance and growth of pressure treated wood continuing in 1980. Last year, we saw four new treating plants opened in the West. Next year, we anticipate that at least two more plants will open. Growth like this reflects solid confidence in both the product and its market.

By way of production, we expect to see in excess of 100 million board feet of waterborne salt-tre-

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All of its major markets were strong: housing, furniture. casegoods, kitchen cabinets, and mobile homes.. In fact, many industrial customers were on allocation for several months throushout the year.

Sfory at a Glance

Particleboard production to dip next year, with a rebound in the 198Os...increasedearly acceptance of the product by d-i-yers is forecast . widespread use of waferboard, with more firms manufacturing it.

Of the total shipped, I,149 million sq. ft. was underlayment, 70 million was shelving, and stepping accounted for approximately 6 million -all builder products. The interesting part of examining these figures is that each product showed increases over the year before, while the mobile home market shipments decreased and the industrial markets edged up marginally.

Particleboard manufacturers see remarkable opportunities in providing builders and d-i-yers with their products. especially in the years ahead when other panel products will be incapable of meeting the market demands and particleboard's ready access to markets and

Distribution Channels Will

One new housing product, for example, that will gain widespread acceptance quickly will be waferboard, a particleboard product that has been used in Canada for over l5 years for roof, wall, and floor sheathing, as well as other exterior applications, and which will soon be manufactured in the United States by many particleboard companies.

Last year, NPA opened its membership to Canadian particleboard manufacturers, and already, four waferboard companies have joined, indicating that there is a huge market here for waferboard products.

A more traditional particleboard product being used in increasing quantities this year is shelving. It has always been available at the retail level as a finished product, usually vinyl-wrapped or laminated, but it is now widely sold by dealers "raw" in cut-to-size lengths, square edged or bull nosed.

As the remodeling boom continues, d-i-yers, who constitute a relatively untapped market for particleboard products, are beginning to use particleboard for certain applications where formerly other materials were used. As they gain more experience with the board, it can be expected that their purchases will increase.

This year, 1979, we expect particleboard production to fall off slightly from its all-time high in 1978 and to continue to dip in 1980 to approximately 3.5 billion square feet, and then to rebound in the early 1980s when housing demand should re-appear.

Most estimates of the housing market suggest that a 2 million housing start level is coming and if that is accurate, particleboard manufacturers will find healthv vears ahead.