PORTLAND, Ore. — Hampton Lumber, a fourth‑generation, family‑owned wood products company headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is inviting high school students to help shape the look of its products once again with the return of the Lumber Wrap Design Competition, an opportunity for students to see their work travel across the U.S. and around the world. 

Schools located in communities surrounding Hampton’s U.S. milling operations have been invited to participate in the competition. The company locations include:

Oregon

• Portland
• Tillamook
• Warrenton

Washington

• Darrington
• Morton
• Randle

South Carolina

• Allendale

After a celebrated first contest in 2022—whose winning artwork now appears on lumber leaving Hampton’s U.S. sawmills—the 2026 competition expands the creative spotlight to more schools in Oregon and Washington, as well as communities near Fairfax, South Carolina, the future home of Hampton’s first East Coast sawmill.

“At Hampton, investing in community and the arts is part of who we are,” said Kristin Rasmussen, Director of Public Affairs & Communications at Hampton Lumber.  “This contest lets local students take on a real client brief with real impact—experience that builds confidence and skills while celebrating the places we call home.”

Hampton’s design themes invite students to celebrate wood building materials, the diverse benefits of local working forests, and the unique character of their communities. Winning schools receive $15,000 to support art and CTE programs, with Honorable Mentions receiving $1,000.

As finished lumber featuring winning designs moves to domestic and international markets, each bundle carries a piece of the place it came from—turning everyday materials into moving canvases for youth creativity and community pride.