Hardwood suppliers on the West Coast accounted for steady activity, at the time of this writing. Most sources noted an improvement since the beginning of the year with White Oak being the hottest item.
In California one Hardwood supplier said activity has improved since the beginning of the year. “I can’t put a percentage on how much improvement we’ve seen but we’re getting more orders,” he explained. “There’s more discussions and more interest now than we had at the start.”
Handling all domestic Hardwoods and some exotics in upper grades and in thicknesses of 4/4 through 8/4, the contact said White Oak is moving the best. “White Oak is moving but in the past few weeks I’ve sold more Red Oak than I have in a while,” he explained. “Basswood is on the move but Hard and Soft Maple are slowing down.”
He said his customers’ markets are busy and activity has been good for everyone in his area since the beginning of the year. “On the plus side I think it being an election year is helping but the downside is cash flow has tightened up for everyone. Liquidity seems to be the biggest issue.”
As for the forecast of the next few months, the supplier said, “I think the next six months will be interesting after the election takes place. I’m not worried about it, we’ll keep moving forward.”
An Oregon wholesaler said Hardwood activity was slower in his area. Carrying Maple, Alder, Walnut, Hickory, Poplar, Red and White Oak and exotics in grades Superior FAS and Select and Better in thicknesses up to 8/4. He said Alder is the fastest moving item while Walnut is the slowest.
His customers’ markets are also slow. He attributed the factors to the economy. “The housing market is slow and we’re in an election year. Everyone is on hold waiting to see what interest rates will do. The cost of permits is also an issue. The government overreaches with some of the regulations as well.”
Looking ahead he said, “I think business will pick up a little now that the weather has improved but it’s still going to be a wait and see for many.”
Another contact in California said Hardwood activity is steady and continues to pick up. “We’ve seen some increases since the beginning of the year.”
Handling Select and Better Poplar, Birch, Hickory, Alder, Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Red and White Oak and exotics he said Poplar and Alder are the top moving items and Birch and Hickory are slower moving items. He noted that he offers grades Nos. 1 2 Common and cabinet grades and thicknesses mostly of 4/4 through 8/4.
Marketing to mostly cabinet manufacturers the source said his customers accounted for steady activity. “The economy is definitely impacting what we do and inflation is rising material costs which makes it a little harder to see farther down the road.” He also noted that ten-foot Clear Alder has been harder to source.
When asked about what he thinks is ahead for Hardwood activity the supplier said, “I don’t think we’ll see much of a change until next year but we’re along for the ride whichever way it goes.”
