Grade distribution and drying degrade of sweetgum and yellow-poplar structural lumber

The fact that the supply of southern pine timber is changing to include more lower quality plantation stock may provide incentive for utilizing lower density hardwoods for structural lumber. Yellow-poplar and sweetgum are potential substitutes for southern pine. A major problem in utilizing soft hardwoods for structural lumber is the difficulties associated with drying. A study of the grade distribution and drying degrade of yellow-poplar and sweetgum structural lumber was completed. The results indicate that grade distribution was much higher for yellow-poplar than for sweetgum, and grade loss after drying was lower for sweetgum. Proper drying is especially critical for reducing degrade of hardwoods.

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