Low-grade and character-marked hardwoods: A research review and synthesis of solid wood manufacturing and marketing

Abstract

There is a substantial body of research from the past half-century addressing hardwood utilization and markets in North America. This synthesis is the first to our knowledge to consider two major (and related) aspects of this research concurrently: low-grade hardwood utilization and marketing of character-marked wood features. We first consider low-grade hardwood resources, products, and key challenges in processing and utilization researched since the 1970s. We then discuss several themes influencing marketing of character-mark products, including product development and consumer and retailer response. This review (considering 119 scientific papers) should help guide future research and value-added utilization of low-grade hardwoods, as it identifies important research results, needs, and gaps yet to be filled. These findings are important in an era of structural changes in the North American hardwood industry and increased pressure to maximize economic value from all hardwood resources.