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from WWPA’s Ponderosa Pine Species Facts
published August, 1995
©1995 Western Wood Products Association
Quick Index
Forest range, growth habits
Grading
Characteristics
Factory and Shop products
Treated products
Forestry
Range – Ponderosa Pine is one of America’s abundant tree species, covering approximately 27 million acres of land. Stands can be found from Canada to Mexico and from the Pacific Coast eastward to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Its growth range covers an area encompassing more than 35 percent of the total acreage of the U.S.
California, Oregon and Washington account for a major share of the annual harvest. Arizona and South Dakota are also important producing areas with lesser amounts coming from Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah and New Mexico.
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Growth Habits – Ponderosa Pine trees average 100′ to 160′ in height, with some exceeding 180′. The trees range from 2-4′ in diameter, with the rate of growth depending upon altitude, soil, temperature and rainfall.
Mature Ponderosa Pines can be easily identified by their distinctive orange-brown bark which is arranged in large plates. The dark yellow-green needles are 5-10″ long and grow in clusters of three. The cones, similar in color to the bark, are 3-6″ long and 2-4″ in diameter. Seeds are 5/16-3/8″ long with a 3/4-1″ wing.
In pure, or nearly pure, stands of Ponderosa Pine there is a standing inventory of approximately 188 billion board feet of lumber; in mixed stands there are additional billions of board feet in unmeasured inventory. Most Ponderosa trees grow, mature and survive for about 125 years before they are lost to natural causes such as rot, insect damage, fires or wind throw. Occasionally, a lone specimen will survive for nearly 200 years. Their typical site is on semi-arid plateaus and slopes, often surrounded by juniper and sage.
Ponderosa Pine forests are usually selectively harvested rather than clear cut. This method of logging removes only the mature trees and leaves the other trees to re-seed and mature. Selective harvesting often makes it difficult to identify a recently logged stand.
Ponderosa Pine (pinus ponderosa) is one of the Western pine species that includes Idaho White Pine (pinus monticola), Sugar Pine (pinus lambertiana) and Lodgepole Pine (pinus contorta). The Western pines are distinct from the Southern Yellow pines which are denser and pitchier, with widely different characteristics and uses.
Production
The annual production of Ponderosa Pine ranks third in volume after Douglas Fir and Hem-Fir (the two species preferred for structural framing), but second in total value. California and Oregon are the leading suppliers of Ponderosa Pine.
Ponderosa Pine is also sold in export markets, with Mexico the largest foreign customer, followed by Canada, China and Japan. The applications for Ponderosa Pine abroad are very similar to those in the United States.
Manufacturing
Seasoning – All Ponderosa Pine is dried before surfacing to assure uniformity of the finished size. It is seasoned in temperature and humidity-controlled dry kilns or stacked and air-dried until the moisture content reaches the desired level–from 12 to 19 percent.
As with other pines, Ponderosa can be subject to blue stain if a felled tree or green lumber becomes too warm before it is dried. Blue stain does not affect strength and is admissible in some of the lower grades. It can be hidden with paint or enhanced with clear finishes depending on user preference.
Shipping – Ponderosa Pine is usually milled and shipped as a single species and can be specified and bought as such. However, it is sometimes mixed with other species of similar design characteristics, such as ponderosa Pine-Sugar Pine, or Ponderosa Pine-Lodgepole Pine. It is also marketed under the name “White Woods”, which can include a mix of Engelmann Spruce, True Firs, Hemlock and any of the other pines.
Ponderosa Pine Grading & Quality Control
Grading – Lumber Grading Rules assure users of Ponderosa Pine and other softwoods consistent standards of quality, regardless of which mill produces the lumber.
In the 12 western states, the primary growth area for Ponderosa Pine, most pine production is graded under the supervision of Certified Inspectors from the Western Wood Products Association (WWPA), a grading and quality control agency. The most widely produced grades are Selects, Commons and Factory lumber.
Appearance Grades – Ponderosa Pine Boards are graded primarily on appearance for a multitude of applications. There are three grades of Selects and five grades of Commons(WWPA Rules) and there are also Alternate Board grades available (West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau Rules).
Structural Grades – Ponderosa Pine structural grades are used where light to moderate strength levels are required. The 2×4 and 2×6 sizes are especially popular as decking material, once the lumber has been pressure treated with preservatives for outdoor uses.
Factory Grades – Factory and Shop grade lumber products are intended specifically for manufacturing. The grades have evolved on the basis of millwork cutting sizes and are defined by the number of clear standard size cuttings which can be obtained by ripping and cross cutting the various grades.
Characteristics & Best Uses
Ponderosa Pine has a minimal amount of reddish-brown heartwood and an exceptionally wide sapwood which is honey-toned or straw-like in color. It has a straight, uniform grain which machines to a clear, smooth surface. When freshly sawn or surfaced, its pleasant smell is reminiscent of the forests where it grows. Ponderosa Pine is often specified when appearance rather than strength is of primary importance.
Dimensional Stability – All woods shrink and swell to some degree as their moisture content fluctuates with atmospheric conditions. However, Ponderosa is relatively unaffected by changes in humidity after drying, making it valuable for work that requires close-fitting joints. It has a uniform cell structure and shrinks only a moderate amount, in comparison to other softwood species. It seasons beautifully with minimal splitting, cupping, or warping.
Residential Construction – Appropriate applications for Ponderosa Pine include light framing, spaced sheathing, floor and roof decking. As a treated product, it is superb for decks and other outdoor projects. Although it is not as strong as some of the heavier, denser softwoods, Ponderosa’s combination of dimensional stability, strength and workability is well adapted to most light framing applications including joists, studs, rafters, plates and soffits. The wood resists splitting when nailed which allows for the use of larger nails and increases nail rentention.
Traditional outlets, such as retail lumber yards and most home improvement centers, usually carry and extensive inventory of Ponderosa Pine products. Both amateur and professional remodelers also find many applications for Ponderosa in home repairs, paneling, decks, renovation, retrofitting and room additions.
Factory and Shop Products – Ponderosa Pine is well suited for remanufacturing which requires clear, splinter-free wood, with a minimum of knots, resin and other unwanted characteristics. The large trees include substantial volumes of virtually clear sapwood with relatively few, widely-spaced knots. Shop and Factory lumber is graded to yield standard cuttings of clear material suitable for fabrication. Such wood is selected to be almost completely free from pitch and resin pockets, has an even grain and is dimensionally stable. Ponderosa also ranks moderately high for ease of gluing and is used for all types of products where glued-up construction is required.
The species is prized for moulding and for doors, windows, frames and drawers where durability under movement is essential. It has the ability to withstand scuffs, shocks and jars without spliting, which makes it the premier wood for these and other applications such as sashes, jambs, shutters, screens, columns, stairwork and fascia.
Paneling – Pine paneling is often associated with Early American decor in kitchens, family rooms, dens and bedrooms. However, new finishing techniques and patterns make it appropriate for contemporary or traditional settings.
Many patterns are reversible, offering a choice of pattern or surface finish in a single panel. However, it’s important to remember that paneling boards are inspected and graded on the patterned or face side; the back or reverse side may have characteristics which would make it a lower grade, but desirable for a specific design effect.
Most lumber dealers carry a limited selection of paneling patterns in stock, but can special order any of the standard patterns. Some dealers will arrange to have a unique pattern custom milled.
Woodworking and Furniture – Many of the properties that make Ponderosa Pine a first choice for paneling also put it at the top of the list for furniture and architectural woodwork such as built-in bookcases, benches, cupboards, desks and kitchen cabinets.
Cabinetmakers and woodworkers appreciate the wood’s uniform cell structure, scarcity of resin pockets, and resistance to splitting. Finished parts fit together snugly without binding. The lumber is easy to work with either hand or machine tools and converts readily into fine mouldings and cabinet work.
In the last few years there has been a resurgence in the popularity of pine furniture–antique pieces, new pieces from old pine and new pieces from new lumber. Honey-toned Ponderosa Pine is a natural accompaniment to the country look, while simply-styled bleached pine is appearing with increasing frequency in contemporary furnishings. Ponderosa Pine furniture is available both finished and unfinished, in a variety of styles and qualities.
Finishing – Ponderosa Pine takes most finishes beautifully, including paint, stain, lacquer and varnish. Unlike some of the heavier woods, paints and stains do not raise the grain; however, knots should be sealed before painting to prevent them from bleeding through the finished surface.
Treated Products for Outdoor Projects – The use of treated Ponderosa Pine continues to increase particularly in the western and upper mid-western parts of the country. It can be used for fences, planters, storage sheds, play structures, decking, deck railings, benches and other outdoor projects.
The large proportion of sapwood in Ponderosa makes it well suited to pressure treating because the preservatives can penetrate the sapwood cells deeply and uniformly. Only seasoned (dried) lumber is used in the treating process and after treatment, the wood should be allowed to reach equilibrium moisture content with the surrounding atmosphere before it is installed in its permanent location. The quality-control mark, shown right, should appear on treated lumber.
Ponderosa Pine can be treated for above-ground or in-ground contact, and unlike some softwoods, it can be pressure treated for in-ground use without incising (perforating) the wood. The waterborne preservatives leave a clean, dry, odorless surface ready to be painted or stained. The treated product holds up well in storage, making it easy to yard for distributors and retailers, which in turn, makes it readily and widely available.
In addition to the standard dimensions, treated Ponderosa Pine is also available in two WWPA radius-edged decking grades, Patio I and II, which are milled expressly for use as outdoor decking.
The American Wood Preservers Association (AWPA) provides treating standards and retention levels for a number of preservative and fire-retardant chemicals. All pressure-treated wood should bear the mark of a quality control agency approved by the American Lumber Standard Committee. Chemical retention is stated in terms of the weight of the chemical retained (in pounds) per cubic foot (pcf) of wood after treatment; the larger the number, the more chemical retained.
For more information refer to the Western Wood Preservers Institute’s brochure Guide to the Characteristics, Uses and Specifications of Pressure Treated Wood.
Industrial Uses – Industrial uses for Ponderosa Pine include pallets, concrete forms, crates and boxes, dunnage, hives, partitions and foundry patterns. It is also used for a wide variety of wood packaging and novelty items such as boats, wagons, toys, window shade slats, rat and mouse traps.
Additional Information
For additional information on grades, design values and spans, refer to WWPA’s Product Use Manual. For additional four-color pictures of Western lumber in a variety of species and grades, refer to the following Western Wood Species books:
Volume 1: Dimension Lumber
Volume 2: Selects-Finish/Commons-Boards
Volume 3: Factory Lumber
For additional information on WWPA pattern options, in profile, refer to WWPA’s Standard Patterns.
For additional information on treated lumber, contact the Western Wood Preservers Institute.
Quality control
The WWPA grademark identifies Western Lumber products backed with assurances for quality, performance and technical support. WWPA maintains a team of lumber inspectors throughout the Western region to monitor the grading and quality control of Western Lumber products from WWPA Member mills, ensuring products consistently meet grade specifications. Additionally, WWPA has technical experts on staff with training and work experience in design, engineering, lumber specifications, code conformance, construction, manufacturing, wood technology and forestry. From the Association’s headquarters, these experts offer technical assistance in all aspects of Western Lumber end use for WWPA Member company products.
For a list of WWPA Member mills that produce Ponderosa Pine lumber products, go to the WWPA Members section.
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Environmental Benefits
Green by Design: Renewable, Durable, Sustainable Wood
The ATHENA™ Sustainable Materials Institute’s ultimate goal is to encourage the selection of material mixes that will minimize the environmental impact of a building over its life-cycle. The ATHENA computer model was used to compare alternative wood, steel and concrete structural designs for a three-story office building. The ATHENA findings are the result of a five-year research program involving architects, environmentalists, economists, engineers, and representatives from the steel, concrete and wood industries. ATHENA™’s life-cycle research found that wood building products have the lowest environmental impact when compared to other major building materials, based on raw materials and energy use, emissions to air, water and land.
What are the facts?
- Total energy use: The wood building used the least energy. The concrete option required 1.7 times the energy for wood. The steel option required 2.4 times the energy. Wood simply does not require much energy to manufacture.
- Greenhouse gases: The wood building had the lowest greenhouse gas emissions. The steel building generated 1.45 times and the concrete building generated 1.81 times the greenhouse gases for wood.
- Air pollution: The wood design had the lowest air pollution index. The steel building produced 1.42 times and the concrete building produced 1.67 times the air pollution index.
- Solid waste: The wood design had the lowest solid waste. This takes into account both manufacturing and on-site construction waste. Steel produced 1.36 times and the concrete produced 1.96 times the solid waste. This means there is virtually no waste during the manufacturing process and the use of engineered wood products has radically reduced the on-site construction waste.
- Ecological Resource Use: The wood design had the lowest ecological resource use index. Steel was 1.16 times and concrete was 1.97 times the index for wood. This factor compares the long-term effects of resource extraction. Although forestry affects a large area, reforestation means the effects are short term. Sustainable forest management practices help ensure that disruption is minimized.
- Conclusion: The office building built with wood had lower environmental impact for energy use, greenhouse gases, air and water pollution and ecological resource extraction than the steel or concrete building. A similar case study of residential buildings (comparing wood, steel and concrete construction) produced similar findings in terms of wood’s superior environmental performance.
These facts and others based on the ATHENA life-cycle findings can be found in a new primer put out by the Canadian Wood Council & the Forest Products Association of Canada have put out a primer, “Green by Design”.
“Green By Design: Renewable, Durable, Sustainable Wood.” Canadian Wood Council & Forest Products Association of Canada. (CWC & FPAC)
A primer on the environmental comparisons of wood and other materials in home and building construction.
This brochure explains why asking for Canadian wood products is the best environmental choice. It shows how taking a life cycle approach to building design will result in wood being the winner over competing products such as steel and concrete.
Addressing Negative Perceptions and Campaigns
According to the Wood Promotion Network, the last five years have witnessed mounting efforts by competing industries and environmental groups to reduce the market for wood. Their recent studies show that between 1997 and 2000 lumber alone lost 2.5% of the residential market for floors, walls and roofs. Significant environmental campaigns have been aimed at putting pressure on major corporate buyers of wood products. As a result, the public has been led to believe that forest are diminishing, that industry practices are not sustainable, and that the world needs to use less rather than more wood.
The Wood Promotion Network is N. America’s largest ever coalition of wood product and allied industry companies and related associations, representing more than two-thirds of N. American wood production. These companies have joined together to educate builders, DIYers and homeowners throughout North America on the benefits of wood building materials and the abundance of today’s North American forests.
Thus, the WPN goals are to secure and expand wood markets in N. America and to increase confidence about forest abundance and sustainability. While the goals may seem ambitious, the hard facts show that wood is the best environmental choice, hence it is not surprising that their campaigns to date have resulted in major achievements in terms of improving building and consumer perceptions of wood.
What are some of the messages that the Wood Promotion Network gets across:
- N.America’s forests are abundant and growing, based on satellite imagery.
- Wood is the best insulator against heat and cold, which makes it the most energy efficient material that can help keep home energy bills in check.
- Regardless of market volatility, wood is the most affordable building material you can use. Framing an average 3-bedroom home can cost up to 30% less with wood versus other framing materials.
- New innovations in engineered wood products and pre-made panels and trusses help builders and homeowners keep framing costs down. (WPN AR2001).
- The production and use of wood is easier on the environment than any other building material. It takes less non-renewable fossil fuels and less energy to produce wood framing materials than alternative framing materials. (WPN AR2001).
- Wood is the world’s only 100% renewable building material and is manufactured with the organic power of solar energy. (WPN AR2001).
- Wood is the only major building material that is renewable. Canada’s sustainably managed forests ensure that there is an ample supply. New manufacturing technology allows every part of the tree to be used so that nothing is wasted. Advanced engineered wood products make use of fast growing species to produce high strength products without requiring large dimension timbers to meet building needs. (WPN AR2001).
Build with Wood and Help Protect the Environment
Over 80% of Canadians believe that sustaining the environment is a major priority. Many of us do our part, by recycling newspapers, refusing or reusing shopping bags, and composting waste.
But we may not realize that we make a much bigger impact on the environment through our choice of building materials.
Due to sustainable forestry practices, the volume of wood in Canada’s productive forests increased by 35% between 1976 to 1991. Last year alone, over 700 million seedlings were planted. That’s about 25 trees planted for each Canadian.
But how do we replace the thousands of tons of ore that went into steel beams or aluminum siding, or the millions of litres of petroleum that went into making plastic components?
The answer is – we can’t. Those resources are finite. Once we consume them, they are gone forever.
A study by the Canadian Research Alliance examined the relative environmental impacts of various building materials. The results clearly demonstrate not only that wood is a renewable resource, but also that the manufacture of wood products is cleaner, less wasteful, and consumes less energy than the alternatives.
Life-cycle analysis shows that a steel wall requires 3 to 6 times more energy to extract, manufacture and construct than a wood wall. The steel wall also uses 25 times more water in its manufacture, and releases 3 to 6 times more carbon dioxide emissions.
The manufacture of concrete produces 2 to 3 times more carbon dioxide than wood, and results in 5 times more solid waste.
The production of aluminum generates 8 times more polluting emissions in the air and 300 times more in the water, than the manufacture of wood. The manufacture of aluminum siding requires 5 times more energy than wood.
Construction is a $25 billion a year industry in Canada. That’s the equivalent of almost $900 for each Canadian, much of it spent on building materials.
Source: http://www.cwc.ca/environment/green_facts/
Selecting Environmentally Friendly Flooring
| Wood flooring is renowned as a feature that wears well and minimizes the accumulation of dust and microbes. And the engineered wood products used for sheathing and for beams and joists are made with glues that don’t contribute to allergies. |
Thinking of replacing that worn flooring in the front hallway?
By shopping around, you can get information about the price, style, and maintenance of commonly-used flooring products.
It is much harder to learn about the hidden impact of these products on the environment. To make an informed choice, consumers also want to know about the composition and manufacture of various flooring materials.
Synthetic sheet flooring, such as cushion flooring, is made from non-renewable petroleum resources. Because it is non-biodegradable, scraps cannot be recycled. The manufacturing process is energy-intensive, depleting the supply of fossil fuels.
Ceramic tiles are made by firing clay, a plentiful resource. However, the kilns used to fire the clay consume large quantities of energy. Ceramic tiles are not recyclable.
Linoleum is made with renewable ingredients (linseed oil, cork, wood dust and dyes) that have been heat-cured and sealed, but it is not recyclable. Various chemicals are used for manufacturing, although less than are required for synthetic floor materials.
So what can you select that is environmentally friendly as well as being durable, easy-to-care-for, beautiful and affordable?
The answer is wood. Oak and maple hardwood flooring – solid plank, pre-finished wood flooring systems, parquet tiles and veneer – comes from wood, a renewable resource. Part of the energy used in the manufacturing process comes from wood waste materials.
Veneer flooring is comprised of a surface of high quality hardwood laminated to a plywood or particle board backing, and packaged as tiles. Wood fibre waste from low grade wood is used in the backing, and high-grade wood is used in the surface veneer.
When you’re shopping around, ask your retailer or contractor for more information from the flooring manufacturer. That way you can select a product that is attractive to the environment AND to your home.
Source: http://www.cwc.ca/environment/green_facts/
Build that New Fence with Wood and Help Protect the Environment
When you shop for materials to build your new fence or deck, you probably think about things like appearance, ease of installation, and cost. But what about the cost to the environment of the building materials that we buy?
Over 80% of Canadians believe that sustaining the environment is a major priority. Many of us do our part by recycling newspapers, adding extra insulation in our homes, and walking to the video store at the corner instead of driving. But we also make a major impact on the environment when we choose building materials, often without realizing it.
Wood is a popular and attractive choice for many outdoor landscaping projects. Due to sustainable forestry practices, the volume of wood in Canada’s productive forests increased by 35% over the last 20 years. Last year alone, about 700 million seedlings were planted. That’s over 20 trees planted for each Canadian.
But what about that chain-link fence, those concrete patios stones or that vinyl lounge chair? How do we replace the thousands of tons of ore that went into the manufacture of steel, or the millions of litres of petroleum that went into making plastic components?
The answer is – we can’t. Those resources are finite. Once we consume them, they are gone forever. And the manufacturing process has added to the world’s pollution problems.
A study by the Canadian Research Alliance examined the relative environmental impacts of various building materials. The results clearly demonstrate that the manufacture of wood products is cleaner, less wasteful, and consumes less energy than the alternatives.
Life-cycle analysis shows that a steel wall requires 3 to 6 times more energy to extract, manufacture and construct than a wood wall. The steel wall also uses 25 times more water in its manufacture, and releases 3 to 6 times more carbon dioxide emissions.
The manufacture of concrete produces 2 to 3 times more carbon dioxide than wood, and results in 5 times more solid waste.
The production of aluminum generates 8 times more polluting emissions in the air and 300 times more in the water, than the manufacture of lumber. The manufacture of aluminum siding requires 5 times more energy than lumber.
So when you go to buy the materials for that new fence or deck, consider the alternatives – and make an informed choice.
Source: http://www.cwc.ca/environment/green_facts/
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Key Facts on Sustainable Forestry in Canada
Size
About half of Canada’s land mass is covered by forest, that is approximately 417 million hectares. Only ¼ of Canada’s forests are dedicated to forest management (119 million hectares), the remainder, for example, is either protected from harvesting, is of a non-commercial quality, or is commercial but not yet accessed or allocated.
Ownership
94% percent of Canada’s forests are publicly owned, while the remaining 6% is private property belonging to more than 425,000 landowners.
Harvest Levels
Canada harvests less than ½ of 1% of its commercial forest area each year, or ¼ of 1% of its total forest area. Moreover, it grows twice as much timber as it harvests. About ½ of the Canadian forest will NEVER be harvested. That never-to-be-logged Canadian forest is larger than California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana combined.
Fire, Insects & Disease
Did you know that Canada harvests less of its commercial forest each year (0.4%) than is taken by fire, insects and disease (0.5%).
Regeneration
By law all forests harvested on Canada’s public lands must be replaced. . More than half of the area harvested in Canada is left to regenerate naturally. Many tree species can reestablish themselves on a site without planting or seeding. These natural mechanisms include seeding from the adjacent forest, suckering of stumps and roots, and growth of young trees remaining on the harvested area. In summary, regeneration is accomplished by natural regeneration (53%), planting (43%), and aerial seeding (4%).
An Abundant and Growing Forest
The area of trees growing in Canada is growing not shrinking. In fact, during the 5 year period, 1990-1995, the United Nations FAO estimated a net increase of 4% in the area of trees growing in Canada’s commercial forests.
Helping Our Climate
Trees are living plants that ‘breathe’ to help them grow. As they breathe, they remove unwanted carbon dioxide from the air – a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming – and replace it with life sustaining oxygen.
Park System
Canada is the world leader in terms of area dedicated to its national and provincial park system for the use and enjoyment of Canadians and citizens around the world. Its national and provincial parks alone occupy some 56.8 million hectares. Compare that to the area of forests managed primarily for wood production in Canada – 119 million hectares – and one can quickly see that Canada’s forests are maintained for a variety of values and uses.
Original Forest Cover
Almost half of the Earth’s original forest cover is gone, much of it destroyed within the past three decades. In contrast, Canada has maintained over 90% of its forest cover and it has done so while being one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality forest products.
Forest Certification
Certification provides proof that forests are being managed by an independent 3rd party audit. Currently, if including CSA, SFI, FSC and ISO 14001 certifications, Canada has certifications covering some 115 million hectares of forest land- the largest certified forest area in the world! If however, one considers only those certifications to forestry-specific standards such as CSA, SFI, FSC, Canada has over 25 million hectares of forest land certified – of which 1 million is certified to FSC (see next bullet). However, the area of certifications to forestry-specific standards (CSA, SFI, FSC) is scheduled to grow considerably by 2006 given a new commitment by the Board of FPAC. It is also important to remember that the vast majority of wood coming from Canada’s forests are well-managed, certified or not. For more information on the forestry specific standards noted above or on forest management certification status in Canada, visit www.CertificationCanada.org.
FSC Forest Certification
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is not practical for small 10-100 acre parcels of land which are the primary source of high value hardwood in Canada. Costs to implement and maintain an FSC certification would be higher than the value of product derived. To be brief, FSC on small private lands managed for timber is conceptually unworkable in Canada. This point is made given that many environmental organizations lobby purchasers of Canadian forest products to specify FSC certified wood – this is an unrealistic demand for most small private woodlots in Canada. It should also be noted that even large scale commercial forestry operations in Canada for the most part are not pursuing FSC certifications for a variety of reasons. To date, 1 million of 25 million hectares of certified forest land in Canada is certified to the FSC Principles.
Key Facts on Sustainable Forest Products in Canada
What are the ATHENA™ Sustainable Materials Institute’s Life Cycle Facts in Support of Wood over Competing Products?
Total energy use: The wood building used the least energy. The concrete option required 1.7 times the energy for wood. The steel option required 2.4 times the energy. Wood simply does not require much energy to manufacture.
Greenhouse gases: The wood building had the lowest greenhouse gas emissions. The steel building generated 1.45 times and the concrete building generated 1.81 times the greenhouse gases for wood.
Air pollution: The wood design had the lowest air pollution index. The steel building produced 1.42 times and the concrete building produced 1.67 times the air pollution index.
Solid waste: The wood design had the lowest solid waste. This takes into account both manufacturing and on-site construction waste. Steel produced 1.36 times and the concrete produced 1.96 times the solid waste. This means there is virtually no waste during the manufacturing process and the use of engineered wood products has radically reduced the on-site construction waste.
Ecological Resource Use: The wood design had the lowest ecological resource use index. Steel was 1.16 times and concrete was 1.97 times the index for wood. This factor compares the long-term effects of resource extraction. Although forestry affects a large area, reforestation means the effects are short term. Sustainable forest management practices help ensure that disruption is minimized.
Conclusion: The office building built with wood had lower environmental impact for energy use, greenhouse gases, air and water pollution and ecological resource extraction than the steel or concrete building. A similar case study of residential buildings (comparing wood, steel and concrete construction) produced similar findings in terms of wood’s superior environmental performance.
What are some of the key sustainable wood product messages that the Wood Promotion Network?
N. America’s forests are abundant and growing, based on satellite imagery.
Wood is the best insulator against heat and cold, which makes it the most energy efficient material that can help keep home energy bills in check.
Regardless of market volatility, wood is the most affordable building material you can use. Framing an average 3-bedroom home can cost up to 30% less with wood versus other framing materials.
New innovations in engineered wood products and pre-made panels and trusses help builders and homeowners keep framing costs down.
The production and use of wood is easier on the environment than any other building material. It takes less non-renewable fossil fuels and less energy to produce wood framing materials than alternative framing materials.
Wood is the world’s only 100% renewable building material and is manufactured with the organic power of solar energy.
Wood is the only major building material that is renewable. Canada’s sustainably managed forests ensure that there is an ample supply. New manufacturing technology allows every part of the tree to be used so that nothing is wasted. Advanced engineered wood products make use of fast growing species to produce high strength products without requiring large dimension timbers to meet building needs.
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Sustainable Forest Management
Canada’s Forests – So Little Used – So Much Protected
How big are Canada’s forests?
- 417 million hectares of forested land – the boreal and temperate forests cover approximately half of Canada’s landmass, about 417 million hectares.
- 234 million hectares of forest with commercial potential – occupying a space about as large as the Mediterranean Sea.
- Only ½ of the commercial forest, (or about ¼ of the total forest) are managed primarily for timber production, while the rest remain inaccessible or have not been allocated for that purpose.
- What is harvested? Only 1 million hectares per year, that is less than ¼ of 1% of the total forest area.
- How much parkland? Canada is the world leader with its national and provincial parks alone occupying some 56.8 million hectares. Compare that to the area of forests managed primarily for wood production in Canada – 119 million hectares – and one can quickly see that Canada’s forests are maintained for a variety of values and uses.
Source: Based on info found in the State of Canada’s Forest Report 2001/2002 produced by NRCAN.
How Much Wood Is Harvested in Canada Annually?
- Did you know that the forest industry harvests less wood each year than is destroyed by wildfire, disease and pests?
- In fact, Canada harvests only about ¼ of 1% of its forest lands.
- Did you know that the Canadian forest sector harvests four times less (proportionally) than the five largest European forest nations combined?
- Due to ever improving sustainable forestry practices, the volume of wood in Canada’s commercial forests just keeps on growing. In fact between 1976 and 1991 it increased by 35%.
| Country |
Volume Harvested |
Total Forested Land |
| Canada |
190 million m3 |
417 million hectares |
| Europe* |
195 million m3 |
100 million hectares |
* Sweden, Finland, Norway, France & Germany combined
How Extensive is Canada’s Original Forest Cover and Park Lands?
Almost half of the Earth’s original forest cover is gone, much of it destroyed within the past three decades. In contrast, Canada has maintained over 90% of its forest cover and it has done so while being one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality forest products. The CLA considers this fact to be instrumental in getting across the message that Canada is a leader in sustainable managing the natural forest, and it continues to improve based on the integration of new knowledge, information, research and development.
Not only does Canada maintain the highest percentage of original forest cover and untouched forests in the world, the reality is Canada’s forest industry has spent the better part of the last two decades making enormous strides in its forest management techniques, in lessening its environmental footprint – all in recognition of its role in the stewardship of a valued world resource. These achievements point to our ability to continue to be leaders in the management of natural forests using all three pillars of sustainable development: social, economic and environment.
Likewise, Canada is the world leader in terms of its national and provincial park system which now occupies some 56.8 million hectares. Moreover, this network of national and provincial parks continues to expand. For example, in October 2002, Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced that Canada plans on creating 10 new national parks over the next five years to protect unique landscapes and animals in the world’s second largest country. The total area covered by the 10 new parks will be around 100,000 square kilometers, almost doubling the area occupied by the existing 39 national parks.
“Canada is blessed with exceptional natural treasures. We owe it to Canadians and to the world to be wise stewards of these lands and waters,” Prime Minister Jean Chretien said in a speech to mark the announcement.
Forest Types, Ownership & Legislative Approach
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Forest Types There are more than 30 species of softwoods and 100 species of hardwoods in Canada. Most of Canada’s commercial lumber and wood products come from softwoods, which are more plentiful, however, there are numerous high-end, value-added products predominantly produced from Canada’s hardwood forest resource.
Softwood is the term commonly used for coniferous trees. These are trees that bear cones and have needle-like leaves which generally remain green throughout winter. Softwoods include spruce, pine and others.
Hardwood refers to deciduous or broad-leaved trees, such as maple and oak. The leaves change colour in autumn and are usually shed before winter. Hardwoods tend to be denser and therefore harder than softwoods. |
| Source: State of Canada’s Forests Report 2001 – 2002. NRCAN. |
Source: CWC web-site (see links section) |
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Forest Ownership & Responsibility Public Lands – Canada is unique in that 94% of its forest lands are publicly owned. Under the Canadian Constitution, the provinces have ownership over most publicly owned forest land—71% of the total forest land—and are legally responsible for it. The federal government’s responsibility for forests is based on its ownership of 23% of Canada’s total forest land, most of which is located in the territories. The federal government has, however, devolved responsibility for management to the territorial governments (devolution to the Government of the Yukon is to be completed in 2003).
Private Lands – Six percent of Canada’s forest land is owned by an estimated 425 000 individuals, families, communities and forest companies. Click here for more information on private lands in Canada.
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Legislative Approach – Today, each province or territory has its own legislation, regulations, standards and programs through which it allocates forest harvesting rights and management responsibilities. About ¼ of 1% of Canada’s forests or about one million hectares are harvested annually. Each province or territory establishes Annual Allowable Cuts, which are based on the average volume of wood that may be harvested under sustained yield management. More than half the harvested area is left to regenerate naturally, usually after some form of preparatory site treatment. The remaining areas are seeded or replanted. Roughly 1.6% of Canada’s forests are affected by fire, insects and disease each year, and they are also left to regenerate naturally.
In addition, many provinces and territories have legislation that provides for public participation as part of the forest management planning and allocation process. The broad spectrum of forest user—the public, forest industries, Aboriginal groups and environmental organizations—are consulted in order to ensure that recreational, cultural, wildlife and economic values are incorporated into forest management planning and decision making.
To learn more about each of the Ministries across Canada responsible for forest management, click here.
In addition to provincial forestry legislation, there is federal legislation to ensure water quality is maintained and it is also working towards introducing federal legislation for species at risk. For example, in 1992, Canada became the first industrialized country to ratify the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity. In doing so, Canada committed itself to ”Develop or maintain necessary legislation and/or regulatory provisions for the protection of threatened species and populations.” To fulfill this commitment, Canada has been working toward an improved protective framework for species at risk. In October 1999, the federal government committed itself to bringing in a new Species at Risk Act (SARA) as one of its first environmental priorities for the new millenium. Bill C-5 the Species at Risk Act, was passed by the House of Commons and tabled in the Senate in June 2002. The law is expected to be passed by the end of 2002″.
Source: Based on information in The State of Canada’s Forests Report 2001 – 2002. NRCAN.
Focus On Hardwoods From Canada
Canada has a large hardwood resource. The Allowable Annual Cut (AAC) has been calculated and set at 65 million m3 per year. The harvest level is approximately 35 million m3 per year or 55% of the AAC.
There are two broad categories of hardwoods in Canada:
- Aspens and poplar (which require full sunlight to grow) – used mainly for wood- based panels, such as plywood and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and for hardwood Kraft pulps and papermaking.
- Tolerant hardwoods (so called because they are tolerant of shade. They also regenerate naturally when managed under partial-cut or selective harvesting systems). -used for lumber, veneers, furniture, cabinet making, flooring, and other value-added products with the low-grade logs being used for pulpwood or fuel wood depending on the marketing.
Canada has about 25 commercial species of tolerant hardwoods. 15 species are found in small quantities. Approximately 10 species are of significant economic importance.
Tolerant hardwoods found predominantly in Canada’s three eastern Forest Regions:
| The Deciduous Forest Region- predominantly hardwood |
0.4 million hectares |
| The Great Lakes- St. Lawrence Region- a mixed-wood forest |
24.5 million hectares |
| The Acadian Forest Region- a mixed-wood forest |
8.8 million hectares |
| Total Area |
33.7 million hectares |
Of Canada’s multiple-use forest land, approximately 23.4 million hectares, or 11% is in private ownership. 18 million hectares of the privately owned forest land lies in 5 of the eastern provinces with the vast majority falling within the three forest regions where the Tolerant Hardwoods grow.
Approximately half of the area of these three forest regions is in private ownership. Families own almost 75% of the private land as farm woodlots that average 40 ha in size. These lands tend to be the most productive and produce large volumes of tolerant hardwood logs. The area that is in public ownership is managed under strict provincial government regulation that ensures respect for the AAC, environmental guidlines and prompt regeneration after harvest.
In Canada stands of tolerant hardwoods, whether in public ownership or owned by industry or families, are managed and harvested using several partial cut or selection systems. Little planting is required after harvest, as natural regeneration is usually abundant.
(Source: Tony Rotherham. Nov. 2002)
Focus on Private Woodlots
Private woodlots are an important part of the sustainable forest management (SFM) equation in Canada. There are an estimated 425 000 woodlot owners in Canada who collectively own more than 18 million hectares of commercial productive forest land, which represents more than 12 percent of Canada’s total. Woodlots are an important source of commercial timber providing an annual harvest of 39.6 million cubic metres, or 21 percent of the national harvest¹. Equally, if not more important to woodlot owners, woodlots provide habitat, biodiversity, clean water, and spiritual and recreational opportunities.
(Source: http://www.modelforest.net/e/home_/privwoodse.html)
- Six percent of Canada’s forest land is owned by an estimated 425 000 individuals, families, communities and forest companies.
- If we compare the size and annual production of Canada’s family owned private forests to the listing of forest statistics for member countries of the FAO we find that these forests would be 13th in area and annual production – somewhere between Finland and France. The wood from private woodlots forms an important part of the 180 million m3 annual raw material requirements of the Canadian forest products industry. The woodlots have a significant presence in the southeastern regions of Canada, and are the source of a high proportion of Canada’s tolerant hardwoods.
- These privately owned forests, of which 80% are located east of Manitoba and mostly in the Atlantic provinces, are generally productive and of high quality. They are the source of 19% of Canada’s industrial roundwood production (logs, bolts and pulpwood), 77% of maple products, 79% of fuelwood and firewood, as well as most of the nation’s Christmas trees.
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2008 © Copyright Canadian Lumbermen’s Association.
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by admin
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Garden Grades
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The garden grades, Deck Heart,
Construction Heart, Deck Common, Construction Common, Merchantable Heart and Merchantable, are offered seasoned or unseasoned. They are frequently specified for decks, fences and garden structures where knots or other characteristics have little or no effect.
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All Heartwood
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Construction Heart/Deck Heart
A heartwood grade containing knots of varying sizes and other slight imperfections. Available seasoned or unseasoned. This highly useful grade can be ordered surfaced or rough. Deck Heart has similar appearance and uses as Construction Heart but is also graded for strength. Deck Heart is available in 2×4 and 2×6 only.
Uses Decks, posts, retaining walls, fences, garden structures, stairs or other outdoor uses in contact with the ground.
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Merchantable Heart
This economical heartwood grade allows slightly larger knots than construction grades; holes limited to size of knots. Allows checks, some splits and some manufacturing flaws. Available unseasoned, surfaced or rough.
Uses Fences, retaining walls, garden structures or other outdoor uses in contact with the ground.
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Heartwood and Sapwood
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Construction Common/Deck Common
Same general characteristics as Construction Heart, but contains combination of heartwood and sapwood. Unseasoned or seasoned, it can be surfaced or rough. Deck Common is also graded for strength and is available in 2×4 and 2×6 only.
Uses Decking, fence boards and other above-ground garden uses that do not require heartwood’s insect and decay resistance.
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Merchantable
Has same characteristics as Merchantable Heart but contains sapwood in varying amounts. This economical grade is available unseasoned and can be ordered surfaced or rough.
Uses Fence boards, rails and other above-ground outdoor and garden uses. Also subflooring and temporary construction.
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Architectural Grades
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The architectural grades, Clear All Heart, Clear, Heart Clear, Heart B and B Grade, are normally sold kiln dried (preshrunk and stress free) for the finest exterior and interior architectural uses. No other wood equals these finish grades in beauty and dimensional stability. They are the choice grades for siding, paneling, trim and cabinetry where attractiveness and tight joinery are desired.
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All Heartwood
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Clear All Heart
Finest architectural heartwood grade, normally Certified Kiln Dried (also available unseasoned), well manufactured, free of defects one face (reverse) face may have slight imperfections). Available surfaced or saw-textured.
Uses Siding, paneling, trim, cabinetry, molding, fascia, soffits, millwork. Also fine decks, hot tubs, garden structures, industrial storage and processing tanks.
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Heart B
Quality heartwood grade containing limited knots and other characteristics not permitted in Clear All Heart and Heart Clear. Available kiln dried or unseasoned. This grade can be surfaced or saw-textured.
Uses Siding, paneling, trim, fascia, molding and other architectural uses. Quality decking, garden shelters and other outdoor uses in contact with the ground.
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Heartwood and Sapwood
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Clear
Same general quality as Clear All Heart
except contains sapwood in varying
amounts. Some imperfections not
permitted in Clear All Heart. Normally
Certified Kiln Dried (also available
unseasoned). Available surfaced or
saw-textured.
Uses Siding, paneling, trim, cabinetry,
molding, fascia, soffits. Also quality
decking, garden shelters and other
above-ground applications.
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B Grade
Quality grade containing sapwood, limited knots and other characteristics not permitted in Clear. Certified Kiln Dried; also unseasoned. Available surfaced or saw-textured.
Uses Siding, paneling, trim, fascia, molding and other architectural uses; quality decking, garden shelters and other above-ground outdoor applications.
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© 2005, California Redwood Association. All rights reserved.
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by admin
by admin
TIMBER PRODUCTS | GRADES
Clear Grades
Clear cedar has a limited number of natural characteristics and is specified when appearance of the highest quality is desired. Clear grades of timbers are normally supplied green (unseasoned). When required, seasoning is achieved by air-drying.
Knotty Grades
Knotty cedar presents a more rustic appearance and is typically supplied green (unseasoned) in the appearance and structural grades. When required, seasoning is achieved by air-drying except for grades of Light Framing and Structural Joists and Planks which are available kiln-dried. |
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Surface Textures
Saw Textured The saw textured surface, obtained during the milling process which uses either circular or band saws, is present on all four sides.
Rougher Headed The lumber receives its texture from a milling process which uses roughened planer knives. The rough texture is clearly visible on all four sides.
Surfaced Four Sides (S4S) The smooth surface on all four sides presents a uniformly sized product with a high quality appearance. Sizes from 2×4 (51mm x 102mm) up to 6×6 in. (152mm x 152mm) are generally available. Larger sizes are produced on special orders.
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Grade
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Description
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| No. 2 and Better Clear |
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This grade should be specified when the finest quality rough lumber is desired. The lumber is sound and well manufactured. Its natural characteristics do not detract from the woods fine appearance.
Grading Rule Paragraph
Export R List 401 |
| D and Better Clear |
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This grade consists of D Clear, C Clear, and B Clear.
The C and Better Clear grade offers good appearance in high quality, well manufactured lumber. Suitable for high quality landscape structures and as exposed posts and beams in heavy timber construction. WRCEA members produce this grade without cut-outs. In most cases, this grade is sold with a specified allowance of D grade.
D Clear grade permits larger and more numerous natural characteristics which are widely accepted in the construction of outdoor structures. Some pieces of D Clear may require trimming to yield clear lengths for the intended use. Available surfaced or rough textured.
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| Appearance Knotty |
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A non structural product manufactured to meet the appearance requirements of quality projects. This material has highly restricted wane allowances to give well defined corners. Contains no holes or other characteristics. Represents good value for appearance end uses. Available rough sawn or rougher headed in nominal 2″ (51mm) and thicker sizes.
Note: Upon request, Appearance Knotty timbers are available with structural grading. Be certain to specify Appearance Knotty structural lumber when strength characteristics are required.
Grading Rule Paragraph
Proprietary |
| No. 2 and Better Structural |
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Material of this grade is evaluated for structural strength characteristics. The classification includes pieces meeting the grades of Select Structural, No. 1 Structural, and No. 2 Structural. Lumber of this grade is intended for engineered applications where strength is more important than appearance. Available surfaced or rough textured.
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by admin
INDOOR PRODUCTS | PROPERTIES
Resistance to Decay
Western Red Cedar heartwood is renowned for its high decay-resistance. This natural durability is attributed to the presence of extractives, mainly the thujaplicins, and to a lesser extent, the water-soluble phenolics which are toxic to a number of wood rotting fungi. Western Red Cedar has a durability Class 2 in Europe and Australia, the highest category for durability of any softwood listed. |
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Dimensional Stability
Western Red Cedar wood has excellent dimensional stability because of its low wood density and low shrinkage factor. A major contributor to this stability is the fact that its moisture content at the fibre saturation point is 18 to 23%, compared to 25 to 30% in most Canadian softwoods. As a result, Western Red Cedar shrinks and swells minimally, displaying only small movements with changes in humidity. Lower absorption of water is a result of the high extractive content blocking absorption sites. This property contributes to Western Red Cedar’s suitability for use in paneling, mouldings and a number of other applications such as saunas where dimensional stability and water repellency is important.
Thermal and Insulating Properties
Western Red Cedar has good insulation value because of its low wood density and coarse texture. It is the best insulator among the most common available softwood species and is far superior to brick, concrete and steel. This property ensures that homes built with Western Red Cedar will be cooler in the heat of summer and warmer in winter as opposed to homes using denser species or man-made products. Western Red Cedar’s ability to dampen vibrations is an important acoustical property which makes it particularly effective as paneling and moulding where it is desirable to reduce or confine ne noise.
Flame Spreading Rate
The flame-spread rating of Western Red Cedar is 67 to 73 (Class II rating) and the smoke developed classification is 98. Both of these are used to regulate the use of materials where potential to generate smoke or smoke control movement is important. Due to its low flame-spread rating, it will perform better than most dense softwoods which have flame-spread ratings around 100. Western Red Cedar has a flame spreading rate and a smoke-developed classification that are considerably below the maximum limits set by most building codes.
Finishing and Workability
The lack of pitch or resinous extractives that are soluble in paint vehicles contributes to Cedar’s good finishing properties. Cedar takes a variety of coatings, paints and stains exceptionally well, particularly when dried and properly primed. Western Red Cedar is among the easiest timbers to work with because of its straight grain and uniform texture. It planes and sands cleanly and, because of its low wood density, requires little energy to saw or otherwise work. Cedar also glues well with a wide range of adhesives and gluing conditions. |
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by admin
Q: What do you recommend for treatment of cedar siding?
— Mary, Kansas City, Missouri
A: Tom says: Cedar wood does contain a lot of tannic acids, especially red cedar, but in general, cedar doesn’t have to be treated that differently than other woods. But really I need to know whether you want to leave the cedar clear. If so, there are several excellent products out there for cedar siding and decks, which you should be able to find out about by consulting a professional at your local hardware store. One thing to remember is that you’ve got to make sure your cedar is clean and dry when you apply these finishes. On the other hand, if you want to paint the cedar siding, it’s got to first be primed, cleaned and prepped. As I said, the preparation is the most important step in any kind of painting you do: the surface has to be clean and dry. And depending on your situation, if you can get the cedar and let it weather a little bit, a lot of the tannic acids will come out, so it’ll be easier to paint. If not, and you painted it white for instance, sometimes the tannic acids will bleed through the white and that can be difficult to hide. A good primer followed by a latex top coat, or just a solid-body paint, or else a stain would be your best bets, being sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on all.
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