Why American Hardwood?

Hardwood grows all over the globe and can vary hugely in terms of size, colour, quality, composition, and sustainability. Here we list three key attributes that have contributed to the formidable reputation that American hardwoods currently enjoy.

Sustainability

No other country can boast the success the Americans have had in the sustainability of its hardwood forests. Because of the intensive application of Best Management Practices (BMP), the hardwood forests in America not only support a vibrant healthy stand of timber, but also huge populations of wildlife, clean rivers and streams, and a host of recreational activities. From the late 18th Century to the early 20th Century, the eastern forests of the USA were heavily cut, first for land clearance for agriculture and housing, and later for mining, railways and other industrial uses. The last 80 years of improved forest management and state and federal regulations, together with greater silvicultural understanding and public desire to conserve forests, have resulted in a dramatic recovery in American hardwood resources. For example, according to data from the US Forest Service, the net volume of hardwood growing stock in the USA increased from 184,090 million cubic feet in 1953 to just under 400,000 million cubic feet in 2007.

Variety of species

Hardwoods from America offer manufacturers around the world a wide variety of choices not equaled anywhere. From fine furniture woods such as Black Walnut, Red Gum, Black Cherry, and Tulipwood to heavy duty flooring woods such as Red and White Oak, Pecan, White Ash, and Hard Maple. There are over 20 commercial species alone in the AHEC's Species guide. And the real advantage for the manufacturer is that both veneers and solids are available in most species ensuring a good fit for any project

Standard grading

American hardwoods are traded under a Standard set of Grading Rules that have been accepted throughout the hardwood industry. These Rules were established over 100 years ago by the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) and provide stability and consistency. No matter the region of the country, species, or 'special' customer specifications, these Standard Grades provide a framework and common language that both buyer and seller can work within to produce successful transactions over and over again