Latest Articles
The Three-Legged Stool of Sawmilling
The decline in paper demand and shifting packaging trends are reshaping the hardwood industry. With fewer outlets for chips and sawdust, sawmills face pressure to find new markets for lower-grade logs. This could lead to higher prices for clear lumber and expanded use of hardwood in products like OSB, mouldings,…
New Planing and Gang-Ripping System
Since launching our state-of-the-art planer and gang rip saw system in June 2025, Cascade Hardwood has been running at full capacity for a month, with many customers already returning for reorders. Installed at our Chehalis facility, this cutting-edge setup, powered by a smart robotic...
Superior 1 Face Alder
Superior 1 Face Alder is a clearer grade of Red Alder (Alnus rubra) lumber, and is widely used overseas in trim and furniture applications where one face of the board is seen. It combines boards graded as “Select & Better” and FAS (Firsts and Seconds) on the front face, yielding…
Exploring Alder Color
In the Alder sawmilling business, the term “Alder Color” denotes lumber that meets grade standards but features visual imperfections like log stain or sticker shadow, differing from Alder's typical bright, uniform tone. At Cascade Hardwood, this designation offers manufacturers a valuable, budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing quality.
Archive
Alder Market Sees Steady Growth Amid Economic Uncertainty
Following the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association convention the first week of February, business in Alder has been steady and has slightly improved. Most of the distributors and manufacturers we met with in Indiana look for a gradual improvement in business...
Alder Market Starts 2024 Stronger Than Expected
The Alder sales and pricing outlook was more positive than budgeted for January. As the first month of 2024 comes to a close, we have found business slightly better than expected, with both shipment volumes and average sales prices running better than forecasted. We...
Optimism Grows for 2024 as Housing and Hardwood Markets Show Signs of Strength
As we move into 2024, some signs are on the horizon that the New Year may bring better business to our hardwood customers. The stock market is pointing towards some interest rate relief over the year, with several analysts forecasting up to 125 basis point...
