Production of Eastern Cottonwood 2 By 4 Lumber

The increasing pressure on softwood lumber supplies in the United States has focused attention on the potential for substituting underutilized hardwoods for softwoods. This substitution may be one method for lowering costs and improving supplies of housing materials. A study was conducted on one such underutilized hardwood, eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.), to determine the feasibility of utilizing it for the production of lumber, specifically 2 by 4’s. Forty-five logs in three diameter classes were obtained from three cottonwood-producing regions in Iowa and sawed by the scragg pattern at a commercial mill. The 2 by 4’s were air- or kiln-seasoned, machined on a double surfacer or molder, and graded under Light Framing and Stud grade rules. No significant statistical difference in the number of Stud grade pieces was found between the various processing techniques or variables. The Light Framing and Stud grade working stress values for eastern cottonwood have been developed and officially approved. The economics of cottonwood 2 by 4 production by sawmills typical of those found in Iowa were determined from several sources. Twenty-five logs were sawed at each of two sawmills, the costs recorded, and the resulting material graded and used. A cost-revenue survey was designed and sent to Iowa sawmill managers. The economic data indicate that there is a potential 20.58 percent before-tax rate of return associated with cottonwood 2 by 4 production by small sawmills. A potentially large market was located for Stud grade cottonwood 2 by 4’s.

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