HMA Report Says U.S. Hardwood Lumber Market Stable

PITTSBURGH — The use of U.S. hardwood grade lumber has remained stable over the past five years, according to the recent TrendTracker report published for members of the Hardwood Manufacturers Assn., a trade organization of U.S. hardwood sawmill owners and concentration yards. The Special Report on U.S. Hardwood Markets shows total hardwood usage in 2006 at 10.7 billion board feet, the same as in 2002. Grade lumber, used for furniture, cabinets, flooring and millwork also remained the same, consuming 43% of total hardwood usage.

The report also says that over the last decade, the use of American hardwoods in the flooring market has experienced a 56% increase, in moulding, dimension and millwork a 38% increase, in the kitchen and bath market a 61% increase and in the domestic furniture market a decline of 55%.

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.