FEA Study Update: The Implications of New Design Values for Southern Pine Lumber & Timber Markets

The full matrix, in-grade testing on Southern Pine visually graded lumber is now complete. The Southern Pine Inspection Technical Committee met on July 18 & 19 to discuss the results and arrive at preliminary recommendations. Although design stresses for the wides will not suffer reductions as large those of 2x4, bending (Fb) values will be reduced by 15% - 25% for all grades and sizes. Furthermore, stiffness (MOE) will be reduced by approximately 5% for the bulk of the volume.

What are the implications? To provide an answer to this question, Forest Economic Advisors, the premier source of information on the wood products industry, has undertaken an update to its original study.

In this update, FEA lays out a clear and concise explanation of the changes in design stresses and what they will mean in specific end-use markets. The analysis quantifies and forecasts the potential demand loss for visually graded southern pine lumber. Finally, the report details likely solutions and substitutes for each relevant market application.

This detailed quantitative analysis and forecast will help lumber manufacturers, TIMOs, REITs, component fabricators, pro dealers and distributors gain an in-depth understanding of the impact this issue will have on business in the upcoming months and years.

FEA’s Southern Pine Design Value Report will help you answer questions, such as:

What volume of southern pine lumber production goes into "strength-dependent" framing applications, such as roof trusses, floor trusses, roof rafters, floor joists and beams & headers?
How much market share will visually graded southern pine retain and how much will likely be lost to substitutes such as MSR/MEL, I-joists, LVL, PSL, LSL and OSL?
Is there sufficient MSR/MEL capacity in the south to meet anticipated demand through 2015? What about capacity for I-joists and engineered lumber products?
What will happen to MSR price premiums?
Is a perfect storm brewing for MSR supply?
Will the other major species be subject to design stress reductions?
What are the implications for the southern pine lumber industry?
What are the implications for southern sawtimber?

This report is a must-read for anyone who needs to understand what these proposed design stress changes really mean.

How to Order

Contact directly to order your copy:

Art Schmon

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( 604) 644-6874