Wood Specifications
Forest depletion,
soil loss, fishery and habitat damage caused by poor logging practice
affects forested areas around the globe. Sustainably managed forests
use better practices such as selective logging, watershed protection,
replanting and thinning.
Independent, third-party
agents are now operating certification programs for sustainably harvested
wood products. Certified framing lumber, timbers, exterior decking,
exterior-grade plywood and structural strand board (OSB) are all available,
though some typical framing products used in California, such as #2
Douglas fir, are not. The price premium for certified Douglas fir framing
lumber was about 40% in 1998, because only the higher grade #1 was available.
Other certified products have little or no premium because the quality
is similar. Certified #2 hemlock/fir framing lumber is available for
about the same price as the typical #2 Douglas fir.
Resawn and regraded
wood from timbers salvaged from demolition is another environmentally
preferable option to virgin timber. In some cases reclaimed wood costs
less than virgin timber, and salvaged wood quality is typically superior.
Cautions
- Do not specify
any tropical woods unless they are from a reputable, certified sustainable
supplier. Some woods, such as ebony, rosewood and Honduras mahogany,
should be avoided altogether.
- More certified
products are becoming available continually, so check suppliers and
information sources regularly.
