NAFTA Panel Agrees with Canada on Softwood Lumber Duties

A new ruling from NAFTA found inconsistencies in U.S. calculations of softwood lumber duties. A recent ruling from a North American Free Trade Association panel agrees with Canada against the U.S. “dumping determination” that sets fair market value of duties on softwood lumber imports to the U.S. The U.S. Commerce Department had said the goods […]

Home Depot and Lowe’s Forecasts Lowered by Analyst Firm 

Comments from the two giant DIYers have caused analysts to lower their forecasts for the immediate future.  They were the outliers in the retail world, continuing to remain optimistic while their brethren were less positive about the outlook going forward. And now, they too are a little more pessimistic. Home Depot and Lowe’s, the giant […]

Don’t Mess with the Fed

New research from an industry consulting group says the Federal Reserve is going to do what it does. Anyone in the building supply business who is hoping for some imminent relief in interest rates that might rekindle housing construction should probably hope for something more realistic – like winning the lottery or meeting Santa Claus. […]

Unilin Panels’ Master Oak Gets Cradle to Cradle Certification

One of the world’s best environmental certifications has now been given to the Master Oak line from Unilin Panels. Unilin Panel’s line of Master Oak raw and melamine-faced fiberboard and chipboard panels now come with a Bronze Version 4.0 Cradle to Cradle Certified Material Health Certificate, recognized as “one of the world’s best environmental standards […]

From Woodworker to Manufacturer

Sometimes woodworkers crafting projects for sale can become obsessed with perfection—and in that pursuit become their own worst enemy. This self-sabotage often takes the form of overly complicated joinery, which requires extensive labor but offers little financial reward. Meanwhile, buyers typically seek quality products that seamlessly fit into their daily lives. An ornate joint may […]

New York City Latest to Offer Mass Timber Assistance

As cities across the country and around the world look to mass timber construction, New York City is now embracing its use. New York City has become the latest to look into the use of mass timber construction, instituting an assistance program under its non-profit Economic Development Corporation. The program seeks to raise awareness of […]