National Hardwood Magazine - July 2014

WHA PHOTOS continued

WHA PHOTOS continued Mark and Vicky Taylor, Oaks Unlimited, Waynesville, NC Dave Sweitzer and Kristine Durr, Western Hardwood Association, Camas, WA Colin deJersey, KP Logix, Vancouver, BC; Tom Johel, U•C Coatings, Buffalo, NY; and Jeff Falk, USNR, Woodland, WA SUN MOUNTAIN INC. continued from page 35 ous forms of charity work in the community—from donating scrap lumber to local school woodworking shops, to teaching classes, and offering internships to local college students. The company’s expansion beyond Colorado points to additional growth in the future. “We hope to continue to add sales and showroom operations in new markets in the coming years,” said Walton, “continuing the success we’ve experienced with our expansion in North Carolina and California.” Contact Sun Mountain at 888-786- 6861, or visit the company’s website at sunmountaindoor.com. ■ SOUTHEAST continued from page 6 less and prices hadn’t been affected. So everything is moving pretty well. Poplar prices are rising and demand continues to grow.” As for availability issues a supplier in Mississippi said, “We’re a smaller company and our overall needs are not as big as other companies. So we have to work harder to get the lumber, we have to plan more and make more purchases for lumber that won’t come in for two or three months. It’s challenging because as our customers are busy and needing more lumber and supply is tight, you have to plan extremely well.” In Arkansas, a Hardwood lumber supplier said, “The market is strong. Both supply and demand are key components right now. We have an increased demand and a short supply.” Handling primarily Red and White Oak the source continued, “Our material is sold before we can get it out of the kiln. We have to compete with larger corporations that simply have greater financial 44 JULY 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

esources and our inventories are lower as a result. Everybody that I talk to is scrambling to buy enough lumber. Prices are up and we don’t look for any corrections until later in the year.” When asked about international markets he indicated improvement continues. “The European and Far East markets are steadily rising, which is also affecting supply and pricing.” As for the remainder of 2014, he said, “Our customers’ markets are improved across the board. We haven’t heard any negative comments and everybody is staying busy.” ■ Marketing to retail yards, cabinet shops and furniture manufacturers he said, “Business is not taking off but it’s not bad either. We’ll get busy and the signs will show things are going to take off but then it slows down again. So we’re seeing some spotty activity this year.” The contact expects business to remain the same in the remaining months of 2014. ■ NORTHEAST continued from page 6 throughout the year. “With extremely cold and unpredictable weather we experienced this past winter, getting shipments to port has been very difficult. While warehouses are empty of sellable wood, ready shipments are full. The rise in fuel cost is also a concern. I think we will continue to see fuel prices rise and it’s going to make transporting product very difficult.” Another Northeastern supplier said Please turn to page 56 LAKE STATES continued from page 6 Handling most domestic Hardwoods the contact said, “Walnut, White Oak, Hickory and Ash are the hot items right now. We are heavy to 4/4 but the grade doesn’t seem to matter right now—everything is moving.” He continued, “Export markets are still pretty strong. Transportation costs are up a little but they’re not terrible. Availability has loosened up a little bit. All of our customers are busy. I expect market activity to stay strong for everybody throughout the third quarter.” ■ WEST COAST continued from page 6 tional market. We’ll continue to go up through the summer and into the fall like we normally do and drop off through the winter.” A Washington Hardwood supplier said, “I wouldn’t say our markets are robust but they are consistent. We’re seeing the standard seasonal pick up. Unfortunately we’re not getting the new housing starts that we were hoping to. Inventory levels are decent. Walnut and Hickory are moving really well.” He noted prices are up across the board. “I don’t think we’ll see much of a change in the next few months. I believe supply will remain tight and prices will stay high.” In California a contact indicated his export markets are doing well. However domestic transportation continues to be a concern. “Logistics is an ongoing battle. We used to be able to get a truck on a moment’s notice but we can’t do that anymore,” he said. JULY 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 45