The WPC, made up of APA – the Engineered Wood Association, the American Wood Council, Southern Pine Council, Canadian Wood Council, and the Western Wood Products Association, has already held a rebuilding summit in New Orleans, and plans a follow up meeting in Chicago shortly.
Dennis Hardman, president of APA and chairman of the WPC, said wood construction offers numerous benefits including strength, affordability, availability of products, fast construction schedules, durability and aesthetic appeal.
Assessments by APA after Hurricane Katrina confirmed other independent reports that wood frame buildings meeting recent code requirements performed exceptionally well under the wind forces of the storm.
The estimated wood product demand for rebuilding the 280,000 homes lost in the hurricane is 1.8 billion board feet of lumber, 1.5 billion ft2 of structural wood panels and 200 million board feet of engineered wood framing products. A further 20% could be added for non-residential construction and repairs.
However, the industry sees no problem in meeting demand.
“The forest products industry is particularly strong in the south-east, with ample timber supply, dozens of wood products manufacturing facilities, and an established transportation infrastructure and distribution supply chain,” said Jonathan Martin, APA board of trustees chairman.
