To say the lumber market has been on a roller coaster ride the last few years would be an understatement!
While supply has tightened, demand for Western Red Cedar products has grown significantly. With increased interest in Outdoor Living products such as pergolas and patio covers, we have seen an even more dramatic rise in demand for Western Red Cedar. Even before COVID, the industry began searching for alternative wood products. But now, the need for a WRC alternative is even greater.
Did you know that Master Halco offers Douglas Fir pickets?
Douglas Fir is the first species that comes to mind. This species gives the rich appeal and look of WRC while also having structural value. A great feature of Douglas Fir is its stainability. Stained using Wood Defender, Doug Fir can closely match the look of WRC.
Our new Douglas Fir Summit pickets are manufactured by Alta Forest Products with the same high-quality value that you have come to expect from Western Red Cedar. These pickets have a wax-end-seal and are sprayed with mold inhibitor to provide excellent quality and long-lasting dependability.
Have you heard of Alaskan Yellow Cedar?
In response to the unprecedented demand for Western Red Cedar, Master Halco’s purchasing team worked tirelessly searching for alternative wood products to meet your needs. We discovered another species called Alaskan Yellow Cedar which has many of the same benefits and characteristics of Western Red. This tree grows in higher altitudes and has a tighter grain pattern with smaller knots. We brought in this species to complement our WRC program. With our partners at Standard Paints, using Wood Defender’s stain in combination with Alaskan Yellow Cedar, to the untrained eye, this stained product looks almost identical to WRC. We have had great feedback on this product and will continue to grow our offerings and inventory levels with this species.
Don’t forget Japanese Cedar!
Japanese Cedar is a species that Master Halco has been expanding over the past several years. Our purchasing team has sourced a compliment of items to offer with this product line. Besides fencing pickets, we now offer dimensional in 2x4, 2x6, and 2x8. Japanese Cedar, with its stainability and performance, has now expanded into the Outdoor Living Sector of the wood market, where it is gaining popularity.
Master Halco is here for you.
We understand the need to source alternative wood products. Our ever-changing market atmosphere requires us to stay one step ahead to supply you the most competitively priced and highest quality products you have come to expect. We appreciate your business and look forward to continued success together!
Lester Raborn
Master Halco Product Manager, Wood Products