Newsletter

A modern-day lumber mill in the U.S. is highly sophisticated and can turn logs into standard ready-to-use lumber in a matter of minutes. But what about custom lumber dimensions? But the process is highly automated, using X-ray scanning, 3-D modeling, lasers, and a host of computer analysis to determine the maximum value of lumber a […]

Wood-frame construction performs exceptionally well in earthquakes thanks to its lighter weight compared to concrete, multiple nailed connections which allows flexibility to yield to movement, and repetitive framing members with numerous fasteners that provide redundant load paths. In contrast, concrete or concrete block construction is far more rigid and more likely to fail in earthquakes […]

Lumber traders and construction professionals throughout the Caribbean know fully that pressure-treated lumber is a must, particularly given the harsh tropical climate in the region. On a per-capita basis, buyers in the Caribbean choose pressure-treated Southern Pine over non-treated more than anywhere else in the world. When choosing pressure-treated wood, an important consideration is the […]

The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) is seeking proposals from consultants to coordinate our technical and educational seminars targeting the construction industry in the Caribbean and Central American regions. Click here to review the full RFP. SFPA, founded in 1914, is a nonprofit trade association representing the Southern Pine lumber industry. SFPA is recognized as […]

Ripping lumber is when lumber dealers will “rip” – or split in two – a piece of lumber to yield two boards from one. That may be a money-saving option but it is recommended not to use “ripped” lumber structurally. Lumber grades are assigned considering the number and position of defects (knots, splits, wane, etc.) […]

It’s a common misperception certain species of softwoods are “softer,” or less dense, than hardwood species. But hardness and density are not relevant for classification. Species classified as softwoods (coniferous) are characterized by cones and needles; species classified as hardwoods (deciduous) are characterized by broad leaves. As the table above shows, softwood species Hemlock, Douglas […]

In a continued effort to develop the Egyptian market for American softwoods, 10 representatives from the Southern Forest Products Association, the Softwood Export Council, and APA – The Engineered Wood Association, helped raise awareness and understanding of American softwood species, products, grades, and sizes at the Cairo Wood Show, held December 15-18, 2022. This is […]

Did you know the Southern Forest Products Association receives more than $1 million annually from the USDA to support Southern Pine lumber market development in overseas markets, specifically at international wood events?   USDA funds provided to American Softwoods (AMSO) cooperators under the Foreign Market Development Program and Market Access Program are targeted for the generic […]

Have you ever wondered why a 2×4 doesn’t actually measure exactly 2 inches by 4 inches? U.S. lumber sizes come in four categories: The table to the left shows the difference between actual dimensions and what’s called nominal dimensions. But why is a 2”x4”, for example, not actually sized 2”x4”? Lumber mills typically saw logs […]

International Forest Products LLC (IFP) has promoted Michael Collins to senior vice president of IFP. Collins joined IFP, an associate member of the Southern Forest Products Association, in 2008 and has served in a wide variety of roles, including logistics, sales operations, and trading. He will continue to oversee IFP’s domestic containerboard trading; however, as […]