Industry Trends & News

May 2008

Surplus production of framing lumber and sheathing plywood has driven commodity wood product pricing to its lowest level in years.  This surplus has now been absorbed with supply and demand back in alignment.  Expect gradual price increases as the season goes on.

WINDSOR ONE PLUS;

Windsor mill, our supplier of finger jointed and primed pine boards for interior and exterior use, is now protecting their wood against decay with a patented new process.  The "Woodlife is Inside"® process combines carbon based chemistry with boron chemistry to create a protected to the core product that is clean and environmentally safe.  All our 3/4" stock is WINDSOR ONE PLUS.  Our 5/4 stock will be upgraded as we buy new inventory.  At this time, end cuts are still required to be primed.  Click on   http://www.windsorone.com   for more information and detailed installation instructions.

March 2008___________________________________________

We are now stocking the ZIP System™  Wall sheathing by Huber, the maker of AdvanTech™.  This system features panels which when taped at the seams forms a moisture barrier or an instant rough dry-in, allowing plumbing and electrical subs to be scheduled sooner.  Eliminates the need for house wrap.  Price competitive with 1/2" CDX.. 

Now stocking 2 x 8 clear cedar to complement our 2x4 and 2x6  cedar.  Available in lengths from 8 ft to 16 ft.

Now stocking Certainteed Woodscape shingles, a 30 year laminate product.  Four colors are stocked with the entire line available .

GAF  and  ELK  have merged to be known as GAF.  Their new shingle series is called  "Timberline Prestique 30".  It is a high definition roof. We stock the four most popular colors.    The 40 year and lifetime series are also available.

January 2008________________________________________

As part of the " Green Movement",  Miner's Inc. would like our friends and customers to know that 80% + of our forest products are produced by members of one or more recognized environmentally  responsible associations. Our Owens_Corning and Thermafiber  insulations are also touted as "green".

Documentation is available from Kirby at Miner's Inc. and specifics can be requested concerning products such as framing lumber, sheathing, hardwoods, and WindsorOne trim . Call him at 860-693-1111

January 2007________________________________________

We are now stocking the ZIP System™  Roof sheathing by Huber, the maker of AdvanTech™.  This system features panels which when taped at the seams forms a moisture barrier or an instant rough dry-in, allowing plumbing and electrical subs to be scheduled sooner.  Eliminates the need for felt.  Price competitive with 1/2" CDX.. 

December 26, 2006___________________________________

Miner's is now a stocking distributor for Correctdeck®  composite decking

Miner's is now stocking the Premier PVC railing system

April 2006___________________________________________

Now in stock, 5/4" clear vertical grain Western Red Cedar, finished all sides.  

Available in 4",  6",  8",  10",  12" widths

This is the highest quality, best grade available.

April 2006__________________________________________

Most of our wood products are supplied by companies with publicly proclaimed ties to sustainable and responsible forestry practices.

February 2006________________________________________

Miner's Inc is now a stocking distributor for Kreg Tool , a leader in pocket screw joinery.

March 2005_________________________________________________

We have upgraded our knotty pine from a #2 designation to a # 1.  Commonly referred to as  "Colonial" in Western Lumber Terminology and "Finish" in Eastern Lumber Terminology, This grade restricts knot size much more towards a smaller knot with a higher restriction on allowable wane.  It looks like #2 did 30 years ago.

D. Select Cedar boards

     We have converted our D. Select cedar trim boards to a better quality product, (C& Btr.) one that is reversible for smooth or rough side use.  Previously, our stock was graded for the rough side only with a "hit or miss" smooth side.  This new cedar is clearer with few if any knots of the "pin knot" size.  The thickness remains 7/8", allowing more versatility for corners and window trim. Our suppliers have promised 85% full and square reversible sides.

1 x 8 Shiplap Pine

     This popular vertical siding has always been a standard grade of Eastern Pine.  Good, but allowing some open knots, splits and other defects.  Our new inventory is a premium grade, making every board usable with a minimum of defects.

5/8"  Beaded Fir Ceiling

    This wainscot and paneling has in the past been a C&Btr.  (select) grade with a mixed primarily flat grain. For 2005, we have upgraded to a C&Btr. Vertical grain product.  The vertical grain gives this board a very formal and top quality look.

January 2005_______________________________________________________

from Southern Pine Council

"ADVISORY ON FASTENERS AND CONNECTORS FOR TREATED WOOD"

Metal products in contact with pressure-treated wood must be corrosion resistant.

Examples include flashing, termite shields, fasteners (e.g. nails, screws, and bolts), and all connecting hardware (e.g. joist hangers, straps, hinges, post anchors, and truss plates).

The International Residential Code, Section R319.3 states, "Fasteners for pressure-preservative treated wood shall be of hot-dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze or copper. Exception: one-half inch diameter or greater steel bolts."

Hot-dipped galvanized fasteners and connectors are generally acceptable for above-grade applications. Hot-dipped galvanized fasteners should meet ASTM A153.  Hot-dipped galvanized connectors should meet  ASTM A653 , Class G185 sheet with 1.85 oz. of zinc coating per sq foot minimum. Fasteners and connectors used together should be of the same type.

Do not use standard carbon steel or aluminum products in direct contact with pressure-treated wood.  Spacer materials or other physical barriers are recommended to prevent direct contact.  In addition, electroplated galvanized metal products generally have a thinner layer of protection compared to hot-dipped galvanized and are typically not accepted by the building codes for use in exterior applications.