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The unique qualities of solid-sawn timber

Wnrn your building specs call for the exquisite look of exposed beams, solid-sawn timber has no equal. Al All-Goast Forest Products, we've made it a specialty since we opened our doors in 1975. We can deliver solld-sawn timbers from our own (Phot,bvGatet inventory ol Douglas fir, redwood and western red cedar in ditferent certified grades, linishes and sizes-with Douglas lir up to 40leet in length. We can meet exact specificalions, and our expert craftsmen can add any kind of corbel detail you desire, saving the expense and difficulty of job-site corbel cutling.

For timely delivery, precise customization and quality you can count 0n, turn to All-Goast lor all your solid-sawn timber and olher lumber needs.

Chino, CA Division 800.864.6881

Cloverdale, CA Division 800.767.2237

Englewood, C0 Division 800.525.8427

ls Generation X Really Generation D.l-Y?

When Ace Hardware surveyed dealers at its annual convention, some interesting facts surfaced regarding Generation X, those age 2l to 34. The data showed that the younger set is every bit as involved with d-i-y as their Baby Boomer parents. Their interest in hardware is not confined to computer hardware.

Over half the Ace retailers had seen an increase in Gen-Xers compared to five years ago. Nearly 45Vo of the dealers said the younger shoppers represented 3OVo or more of their customer base. Two-thirds of the dealers said it was economics that propelled the 20- and 3O-somethings into their stores.

There are a number of factors at work. One is the low mortgage rates and new financing plans that have allowed an unprecedented number of the young to become first time home buyers. Statistics indicate that the greatest percentage of home fix-up occurs in the first three years after a property changes hands. No longer having landlords to turn to, new homeowners soon realize that when something breaks it is either fix it yourself or pay someone else. For many just out of school or in new jobs, or with a growing family, the only option is a trip to the local home improvement purveyor. The middle aged are the ones who employ the handymen, not the Generation X crowd. It's all a matter of money.

The media has also piqued the interest of many in d-i-y with the numerous home repair and remodeling shows on network and cable television. The Internet has a seemingly endless supply of information on the subject.

The most commonly purchased product was paint. Landscaping ranked a surprising 527o, plumbing at 40Vo, room remodeling 33Vo, and deck building 267o.

Whether for the joy of it or because of harsh economic neccessity, a growing legion of weekend warriors is forming among Generation X. Those who capture their patronage now, may just have customers for life.