Raw Materials

OSHA Combustible Dust Rule to be Reviewed

November 28, 2011

The Combustible Dust Safety Rule rulemaking process has been ongoing for over two years. The proposed rule is scheduled to move to a Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) panel review in December of 2011.

AISI Publishes Code Of Standard Practice For Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing

November 28, 2011

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has publishedAISI S202-11: Code of Standard Practice for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing, 2011 Edition.

SBCA Publishes Southern Pine Q&A

November 22, 2011

The Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) has published a Southern Pine Q&A component manufacturers, which provides answers to a series of common questions regarding proposed changes to SP design values.

 

Lumber Prices Rise, Reflect Permit Surge

November 21, 2011

The price of construction lumber spiked last week, up $22 to $240 US per thousand board feet. The price increase in materials made from spruce, pine and fir is attributed by industry observers to low inventories and unexpected increases in building permits in the US.

NFBA Submits SYP Design Value Recommendations to ALSC

November 21, 2011

In response to recommendations by SPIB proposing a reduction in some building standards to which Southern pine can officially be expected to perform, the NFBA submitted recommendations to the American Lumber Standards Committee.

Southern Pine Design Value Forum a Success

November 21, 2011

SBCA and SFPA hosted the Southern Pine Design Value Forum, a two-day meeting which brought together component manufacturers, homebuilders, Southern Pine lumber producers, and lumber experts to discuss the SPIB's proposed changes to Southern Pine design values.

Opinion: SYP Producers Should Make Better Looking Lumber

November 21, 2011

Layman's Lumber Guide argues: Now is the time for SYP producers to reclaim some lost market share. Instead of suing the competition, just make better looking lumber. I assure you, the public will be more than happy to buy it. If America wants to sell its product in America, it must make a product desired by Americans.

A Unique Perspective on SYP Design Value Changes

November 21, 2011

Shock, awe, outrage, numbness, bewilderment. That seems to be the sequence of emotions when we are exposed to a disappointment of epic proportion. Layman's Lumber Guide looks at this series of emotions as it pertains to the proposed Southern Pine lumber design value changes.

Design Values Under Review in West N.A.

November 21, 2011

Although the recent commotion about lumber design values has been centered on Southern Pine, traders and industry associations are also keeping their eyes on other lumber species.

Canada Defends Itself in SLA Case

November 21, 2011

Canada has submitted its defense in a $C500 million case filed by the U.S. alleging that Canada violated the Softwood Lumber Agreement through its timber pricing policy in the British Columbia Interior.