Although hardwood exports dipped in December 2014 and remain slow at the start of 2015, poplar, ash, walnut and hickory exports all set annual records in 2014.
Poplar’s run of strong domestic and export demand will continue for the foreseeable future. Domestically, Poplar will remain one of the strongest selling species to millwork, moulding and furniture manufacturers.
Of all the hardwoods, I think poplar is the most misunderstood. It has traditionally been used on insignificant internal components of furniture as a secondary wood. A lot of folks get turned off by the green and brown streaks sometimes evident in the wood. But this can be overcome.
Red Oak prices have jumped during the last few weeks, particularly in the Appalachian region. Rising exports, sustained high residential flooring industry demand, and improving shipments to moulding and stair producers all contributed, with exports providing the biggest pull by far.
Hard maple prices expected to climb on cabinets sales and poplar demand will increase on growth in remodeling, homebuilding and commercial construction.