Stickley Offers A New Product: A Craftsman Console
L. & J.G. Stickley Inc., located in Manlius, NY, is offering its 2023 Collector Edition Craftsman Console, honoring a fundamental Arts and Crafts idea: that true beauty is found in a simple, useful object impeccably crafted, according to the company. Available in Oak or Cherry, the console is a versatile piece, equally functional as an entry or hall table, entertainment stand, bookcase, linen shelf, and more, Stickley stated. Two shelves are joined with visible keyed tenons to slightly canted sides, laser-inscribed with Stickley’s shop mark. Beneath the 56-inch overhanging top, a wide side-hung, center-guided drawer offers additional storage, and a single splat at the rear helps conceal power cords.
Over 90 percent of Stickley’s products are handcrafted in Upstate New York or Archdale, NC by teams of talented local artisans and skilled workers.
Stickley buys solid U.S. Hardwoods including Ash, Birch, Cherry, Soft Maple, White Oak and Walnut, according to the Hardwood Marketing Directory, published by Miller Wood Trade Publications.
To learn more, go to www.stickley.com.
Canada Is Concerned About Spotted Lanternfly
The National Hardwood Lumber Association received the following notice from the Government of Canada:
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is seeking feedback on a risk management document (RMD) RMD-22-03 Pest risk management document: risk management proposal for spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). The RMD provides an assessment of pest risk management options to manage the risk of spotted lanternfly (SLF) introduction and spread in Canada.
A quick summary of the report indicates that SLF came into the U.S. in 2014 from China, India, Taiwan and Vietnam and is currently in 14 eastern U.S. states.
The main method of transportation is via eggs in the bark of unprocessed logs, although it is also known to travel in plants, vehicles, camping equipment, building materials, shipping containers, and other items stored outside. The Canadian government is concerned that it will impact fruit and grape production as it bores into and feeds off the sap in trees and vines.
Specific quotes from the report state:
Current U.S. SLF Control Methods
“In the U.S., APHIS (Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service) and state cooperators are collaboratively implementing a prevention and response program to detect, contain and suppress SLF. State quarantines, at the county level, have been established in some infested states including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. …”
Current Canadian SLF Control Methods
“Limited control options are available in Canada and currently there are no registered pesticides with SLF on the label. Through the SLF TAC response and treatment working group, suitable candidates for emergency use, minor use, and full label registration are being determined, however, even after products are identified, label changes can take weeks to months for approval. ….”
Canada SLF Import Control Impacts On U.S. Goods
“Due to the proximity of SLF to Canada, the volume of trade and traffic from areas infested with this pest, and the numerous potential pathways through which egg masses and hitchhiking adults and nymphs are able to spread, it would not be feasible to impose specific requirements on all pathways and products from infested areas in either the United States or within Canada after SLF is established here. Commodity-specific requirements will focus on the highest-risk pathways, such as the movement of nursery stock and logs with bark. …”
To learn more, visit www.nhla.com.
Home Building Rebound Could Be Underway Later In 2023
A modest drop in interest rates helped to end a string of 12 straight monthly declines in builder confidence levels, although sentiment remains in bearish territory as builders continue to grapple with elevated construction costs, building material supply chain disruptions and challenging affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes this past January rose four points to 35, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released recently.
“It appears the low point for builder sentiment in this cycle was registered in December, even as many builders continue to use a variety of incentives, including price reductions, to bolster sales,” said NAHB Chairman Jerry Konter, a home builder and developer from Savannah, GA. “The rise in builder sentiment also means that cycle lows for permits and starts are likely near, and a rebound for home building could be underway later in 2023.”
“While NAHB is forecasting a decline for single-family starts this year compared to 2022, it appears a turning point for housing lies ahead,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “In the coming quarters, single-family home building will rise off of cycle lows as mortgage rates are expected to trend lower and boost housing affordability. Improved housing affordability will increase housing demand, as the nation grapples with a structural housing deficit of 1.5 million units.”
To learn more, go to www.nahb.org.
