Pressure Treated Lumber Looks Stronger for '81

By Corry McFarland President Western Wood Preservers Institute

THE pressure I treated wood industry has "held its own" during the 1980 economic turndown. With new housins starts down, th'e sale of treated sill plate stock has felt the impact.

However. a growing demand for pressure treated lumber purchased by consumers for residential outdoor uses has been strong. The fact that our industry has moved into these relatively new consumer markets is offsettiis the downfurn in new construction.

The member companies of Western Wood Preservers Institute are enthusiastic about the future business poten- tial for treated wood sold throush lumber yards and home centers. We believe this "over the shoulder" do-it-yourself segment will be even larger in 1981 ttran it has been this year. Remodeling and the expanded use of heated lumber bv new homebuilders will also improve 1981 sales.

Homeowners are adding on to their homes for many reasons; to gain needed. living space, to upgrade their financial investment and increase the values, especially since moving to a larger home is often impractical.

Lumber dealers and home centers tell us that this has been a year consumers seem to have "discovered" pressure treated lumber. They are learning that treated wood, conveniently available in all common construction sizes, offers them an alternative to traditional lumber choices. Now when people want to build or re-build a fence, install a retaining wall, add a sundeck, or build