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IN DEPTH: Engineered Lumber

Multifamily Grows
Aiding that demand growth is the strong return of the multifamily market and its growing interest in ELP’s benefits. “Our products are being used more often in multifamily projects as the trend in that market steadily inclines,” says Huber’s Darling. The company’s products are especially being used in two-layer floating subfloor applications owing to the ability to control sound attenuation, which can be critical for multifamily projects.

“Multifamily has a lot of potential, because any savings that accrue are multiplied by a high order of magnitude,” due to the replication of units, he points out. “Hours saved on a single-family home can become days saved on a multifamily project.”

Roseburg’s McCollum agrees. “Multifamily and light commercial have been good markets for EWP for many years, but we’re seeing increased usage recently. In part, it stands out because the residential market is still struggling to find its footing. But multifamily has always been a good home for EWP.”

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A key reason, he notes, is that developers appreciate and utilize the support programs manufacturers and suppliers provide. “The first decision is made on the benefits it provides and the savings they get, but the second purchase is made because they see the additional value provided through builder-support programs.”

Manufacturers are pushing to grow awareness. “Producers are looking to get more product into buildings of more than four and five stories,” says Georgia-Pacific’s Watterson. “There’s a big effort in that direction. The industry is very dependent on the single-family market, as that’s driven sales, and the multifamily market hasn’t gotten much attention. We need to work with local codes and convince authorities of the benefits of using ELP in larger buildings.”

Boise Cascade is working with other manufacturers in southern California to present the benefits to engineers. “We have to continue to educate designers and get the product in front of those people and into the channels that sell into that market,” says Huston.

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Staying current with product trends and expanding into markets with more potential—while dealing with a single-family market that isn’t reaching projections—can complicate inventory-management plans. “We didn’t significantly ramp up our inventory for a big rebound, which has worked well because one didn’t arrive,” says Anthony Forest Products’ Stefani.

“Inventory management is a challenge for everyone in the supply chain,” agrees Rosboro’s Walsh. “The building industries’ erratic demand cycles make it virtually impossible to accurately project needs. Engineered-wood manufacturers commit to maintaining large inventories that assure prompt deliveries. Forecasts are always a risk.”

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