Latest Articles
Sales in the Future AI Driven World
In a world filled with all things AI, what do we do in the sales business to ensure we keep the human touch? With automation and artificial intelligence playing an increasingly significant role in sales, it’s easy to see why many salespeople and business owners worry that widespread AI adoption…
The Next Big Trend In Kitchen Cabinets
Natural Materials, Uniqueness, Led By Small Shops Will Define Coming StylesOne of the key markets for distribution in North America has been the smaller 1-25 employee custom cabinet shop. These manufacturers, often self-taught or using skills handed down generation to generation, are the ones that can offer the unique details…
12 Days Into Tariffs
Lack of China Markets Could Change The Landscape for Domestic Hardwood Supply Now that we are 12+ days into the announced tariffs, several things have become apparent. First, many Eastern sawmills have depended on Red Oak log markets in China, which are no longer available. Second, China is a huge…
Tariffs Create Great Confusion in Lumber Markets
Heads Spin as “Experts” Warn Of Recession or Find A Silver Lining Six days into the tariff announcement, no viewpoint has emerged on the likely impact of the tariffs. Without question, those reliant on lumber or log exports have reacted swiftly, as export orders are being canceled or pushed back,…
Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association Wrap-Up
After attending the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA) meeting last week in Indianapolis, I realized why I have never left the hardwood lumber industry. Despite many industry members facing unprecedented challenges, tariffs, log shortages, outright bans on Red Oak logs imported into China, substitute materials, and the usually discussed topics…
Archive
Introducing the Alder Advantage Brochure from Cascade
Your Guide to unlocking Alder's advantage over other options The Cascade Alder Advantage brochure has arrived! We recognize distribution salespeople are the lynchpin of our domestic Alder sales efforts. Creating an easy to understand, effective resource to help...
4.3% – A Key Number To Watch In The Jobs Market
Friday’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) jobs report showed that the labor market is getting softer, but it’s not breaking. This gives us a glimpse of what may happen over the next 10 months for mortgage rates, especially since Jan. 14, when we’ve seen them move...
KBIS and IBS Observations – Alder Has A Solid Presence
Attendance at the recently completed 2025 IBS Show in Las Vegas was high, reflecting some optimism of improved homebuilding markets to come. Thousands of people from different countries walked through the halls of the Convention Center on February 25-27. Vendors...
Poplar Prices Up/Availability Down, Making Alder a Solid Option
Since the start of 2025, Eastern Yellow Poplar prices have been increasing. Since the 1st of 2025, the #1 Common Poplar KD prices have risen by 5%. The price increases, primarily due to lower production, come as overseas furniture manufacturers return to work...
Do Record Low Hardwood Production Levels Foretell Upcoming Shortages?
This week’s Hardwood Market Report highlights record low production levels for Eastern hardwoods In today’s global economy, supply chain security for critical raw materials like lumber is under unprecedented strain. Historically, consumers and businesses...
Solid Wood Furniture Making A Comeback?
Lately, my wife has been pouring through design magazines, looking at ideas for our house. Looking through several recent House Beautiful and Architectural Design issues she had, the comeback of wood furniture was noticeable. This is excellent news for Alder as a...
Cascade Offers Band and Circle-Sawn Face Width Sorts
With many of our distribution and millwork customers focused on custom offerings, we now offer a cool solution to the growing demand for nickel-gap, shiplap, and v-joint paneling with an old-time circle-sawn or band-sawn face. More and more houses use feature walls...
The Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471) Passes the House – Heads to the Senate
Forest management has become a topic of interest for many Americans in the aftermath of the tragic fires that have plagued Southern California. Introduced in the last Congress in 2024 by Rep. Bruce Westerman, [R-AR-4], the House has passed this bipartisan,...
Shipping Advantage of Alder
It’s all about the cost of delivery to distributors and manufacturers. Because lumber does not transport easily as it is bulky, heavy, and you are transporting a portion of what will be lost in manufacturing processes. Alder use creates an advantage, as it can ship up...
Cabinet Plus (CBP) Alder Grades Evolve to Meet Market Needs
We pride ourselves on our ability to be nimble at Cascade and not stick with things like grades just because it has “Always been that way.” We recently changed our grades, which might be a great fit for all or part of your Alder needs. To fully explain the change, we...
The Size & Scope of Alder Insures A Reliable Supply Chain
Distributors and manufacturers looking for a species that can be assured of supply in a wide array of thicknesses and grades should look at Cascade Alder very closely. Few other companies cut any species where they can offer buyers the number of options Cascade can...
Cascade Width Sorts Have Become “Go-To” In Many Markets
We take imitations as a compliment. It means we are doing something right, and we will continue to innovate. In 2019 Cascade pioneered a full-line Alder width sort program in both Superior and Premium grades. Since then, many distributors and manufacturers have...
