George Weyerhaeuser gives some frank answers to questions about new lyz" Engineered L'umber

the market to continue manufacturing it. We're convinced it's the right step toward better building-logically, technically and economically. fn time, we feel the new kiln-dried 1r/2" dimension will become the standard for the industry.

What has been the market reaction to Engineered Lumber?

be an appropriate place for green lumber. But we also know there is a growing need for technologically improved dry lumber.

Are smaller retail yards going to have inventory investment and control problems?

Why is your company manufacturing Engineered Lumber?

One very simple reaSon: it's a better lumber product. And as a better lumber product, it carries its benefits right through the entire marketing chain to and including the consumer. Dealers will save millions of dollars on freight every year because this scientifically kiln-dried lumber is a lighter material. Builders get better performance from it because it has greater stability and more uniform performance than any previous standard kiln-dried framing lumber. Home owners get better framing i4 their homes at less cost.

But didn't the Department of Gommerce reiect the lVz,, standard?

I think a more precise term would be "declined to act." About GO% of those who cast ballots were in favor of the new standard. In spite of this, the Department of Commerce retumed the proposed standard to the American Lumber Standards Committee because of what it called ,,Lack of general c'oncurrence" in our industry. Weyerhaeuser Companjr is enough enoouraged by the size of the favorable vote and the enthusiastic acceptance of Engineered Lumber in ls Engineered Lumber meeting tocal building code requirements? ls Weyerhaeuser Company going out of the green lumber business?

Very good. We've already sold more than 250 million board feet of our new Engineered 4-Square KilnDried framing. It has been widely sold by lumber dealers throughout the country.

Wherever it has been evaluated on a purely engineering basis. it has proved completely acceptable. Scientific new kiln drying with 15% average and L97" maximum moisture content produoes a 1rf " dimension as strong or stronger than lumber manufactured to present green standards. Span tables for, Engineered Lumber are in accordance with the recommendatioru of the National Lumber Manufacturers Association and the Western Wood Products Association.

Not at all. We manufactured more than 475 million feet of green lumber in 19&1, of which 235 million was dimension stock. This made us the largest single producer in the country. We've just invested $6 million to remodel our oc€an freighters to continue hauling our cargo lumber to the east coast from the Pacific Northwest. We know there will continue to

Perhaps in the transition period. Ffowever, those dealers who have been promoting Engineered Lurnber, along with their regular lines, have solved this problem. Keeping an inventory of Engineered Lumber is no different than keeping inventories of green, old standard kiln-dried, or many other product lines. In fact, there are advantages with Engineered Lumber because it requires ETo lesis space for storage and-with its lighter weight-it's easier to handle.

What is your opinion about the future of this new material?

I am convinc€d that lumber manufactured to the new standard is here to stay because it contributes to better building. And the consumer, the builder, the dealer and the manufac, turer all will benefit. Among those who have recognized this ooncept are the Western Wood?roducts Association and the National Lumber Manufacturers Association. Support of the revisgd standard has been given by the National Associatiott of Ho*L Builders, the American Institute of Architects, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and the U. S. Savings & Loan kague, to name just a few.

If you woul.d like additional information on Engineered Lumber'write Weyerhaeuser Compny, Bor B-28, Tacorna, Wash. 98.401 , or call your Ia cal Wey er lta e us er r epr es ei t at i a e.