NEWS

In 2017, nearly 25% of U.S. buyers agreed to pay more than the asking price for their homes. Housing starts grew 2.4%, with more gains expected this year. The NAHB Remodeling Market Index reached 60 last quarter - a level achieved only twice since 2001. "A booming stock market and low unemployment continue to fuel consumers' investment in their homes," said NAHB Remodelers Chair Joanne Theunissen.

Source: Atlanta Agent, January 12; NAHB News, NAHB Publications, January 18, 2018.

Recent forecasts project steady growth of the kitchen cabinet market through 2020. After a slight dip in 2021, analysts expect further increases in 2022. Available reports include changes in price and maps that show areas of higher demand. One kitchen cabinet retailer, Hartford's Express Kitchens, is capitalizing on anticipated market growth by opening a 12th store and expects to see size double in the first half of this year. See photos of the luxury kitchens of tomorrow, or download the data-packed 2018 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study.
 

In December, Laotian customs officers discovered an illegal shipment of more than 30 tons of rosewood on the Laos-Vietnam border. The 849 logs had been hidden under boxes of Red Bull. Earlier that month, officials unearthed 6,350 cubic feet of illegal logs that had been buried along the Laos border. Laotian authorities also seized a convoy of 27 trucks, packed with illegal logs, owned by the wife of the local governor.

A recent National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences study found that formaldehyde inhalation does not cause leukemia in mice. The laboratory animals were exposed to the maximum tolerated dose, 15 ppm, which is more than 100 times the occupational exposure limit for formaldehyde. There was no increased prevalence of leukemia or any other type of cancer. Formaldehyde is under assessment by the EPA's Integrated Risk Information System program, which some call "severely flawed."
 

A recent study found that half of Europe's forests have disappeared over the past 6,000 years. Now, that multi-millennial downward trend has begun to reverse. In related news, more than 650 scientists seek to change the definition of forest biomass to include only residues and waste from trees cut for other purposes, and recommend that biomass sourced from plantations no longer be labeled "renewable."

Additional Sources: Forests News, January 16, 2018.

After 30 years, Bradford Forest, Inc. will become Danzer Lumber North America. The 2 sites in PA employ 200 people and generate $49 million in annual revenue.

Photo © Danzer.

Roseburg Forest Products will promote Tony Ramm to General Manager of Plywood effective February 1. Tate Muir will replace him as Plant Manager at the Riddle Plywood plant.

• HPVA’s new Decorative Hardwoods Association website, www.DecorativeHardwoods.org, will launch in February.
• Download your pdf copy of the 2018 Where To Buy now! Print copies will be available tomorrow.
• Save the date: Wednesday, March 28 is our open house of the new 15,000-square-foot laboratories and headquarters.
• New Decorative Hardwoods/HPVA Laboratories® Online Webinar Series and Grading Workshops will be available beginning in February.
• HPVA Laboratories® has certified Mullican Flooring and Mt. Baker for EPA TSCA formaldehyde compliance.

lllegal Logging In Romania

Watch recorded evidence of illegal logging.
Source: EIA, November 27, 2017.

Drones Plant Trees

Drones fire seed pods at the ground.
Source: Popular Science, January 22, 2018.

Climate Change Harms Forests

As the climate warms, the mountain pine beetle spreads from the U.S. to Canada.
Source: Yale Climate, January 22, 2018.

Squirrel Appreciation Day

Squirrels plant millions of trees each year.
Source: Twitter, January 21, 2018; NoseFacts. 

Hardwood Flooring Adds Value

Homeowners who install hardwood flooring see a 70-80% return on investment. Hardwood flooring can add 2.5% to the sale price of a home.
Source: Wood Floor Business, January 9, 2018.

China Plants 6.6M Hectares Of Forest

In an attempt to become the world leader in conservation, China's government plans to plant timber in areas roughly the size of Ireland.
Source: The Telegraph, January 5, 2018.  

Weyerhaeuser Takes "Endangered" Dusky Gopher Frog Before The U.S. Supreme Court

The company is challenging the government's right to designate private land as protected habitat for the "endangered" dusky gopher frog.
Source: Reuters, January 22, 2018. Photo © John A. Tupy, Western Carolina University.

Trump Slow To Fill OSHA

In response to an NBC News report, OSHA officials said that they have hired new inspectors and are recruiting to fill more positions.
Source: Construction Dive, January 9, 2018.

The Rise Of Robots, 3D Printing

Architect Wolf Prix says that 3D printing and robots are the future of building complex shapes.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, January 5, 2018.

GBI Acquires Rights To Green Globes

Green Globes is a leading sustainability rating system for commercial and multifamily buildings.
Source: Proud Green Building, January 15, 2018.

Wood Dust Settles On CA Prop 65

Compliance with updated regulations is required for those selling lumber to consumers in CA.
Source: Building Products, January 22, 2018.

Canada Requests Panel Review

Canada initiates a NAFTA mechanism against U.S. import duties.
Source: Xinhua, January 20, 2018.