Search

Trends of wood use in the furniture and fixtures industry are examined. Wood consumption statistics from the 1972 Census of Manufactures are used to update prior Forest Service surveys, and separate estimates are made for 1977 consumption. A methodology for making up-to-date estimates of wood usage is also presented.

More than 1,200 sawmills produce the bulk of U.S. and Canadian softwood lumber. The maps and tables in this report show the location and size of these mills by State and Province. Analysis of timber inventories in relation to use shows a close correspondence between pricing and use intensity. In some Southern States, the intensity of use is approaching recent growth levels. Lumber capacity grew by 13% between 1995 and 2000. The fastest growth occurred in some Canadian regions, while the least growth took place in the western parts of the United States and Canada. In 2001, capacity appears headed for a decline as at least 18 sawmills closed as a result of poor market conditions.