Lumber, Plywood, and Other Wood Products - Carpenter's and Builder's Math, Plans, and Specifications - page 82

recognize the importance by providing both paint-primed panels
and those completely finished with liquid paint systems or factory-
applied plastic films.
Lumber Distribution
Large primary manufacturers and wholesale organizations set up
distribution yards in lumber-consuming areas to more effectively
distribute both hardwood and softwood products. Retail yards draw
inventory from distribution yards and, in wood-producing areas,
from local lumber producers.
Retail Yard Inventory
The small retail yards throughout the United States carry softwoods
required for ordinary construction purposes and small stocks of
one or two hardwoods in the grades suitable for finishing or cabi-
network. Special orders must be made for other hardwoods. Trim
items such as moulding in either softwood or hardwood are available
cut to size and standard pattern. Cabinets are usually made by mill-
work plants ready for installation. Many common styles and sizes
are carried or cataloged by the modern retail yard. Hardwood floor-
ing is available to the buyer only in standard patterns. Some retail
yards may carry specialty stress grades of lumber such as structural
light framing for truss rafter fabrication.
Some lumber grades and sizes serve a variety of construction
needs. Some species or species groups are available at the retail level
only in grade groups. Typical are house-framing grades, such as joist
and plank, which is often sold as No. 2 and Better (2&BTR). The
percentage of each grade in a grouping is part of the purchase agree-
ment between the primary lumber manufacturer and the wholesaler.
However, this ratio may be altered at the retail level by sorting.
Where grade grouping is the practice, a requirement for a specific
grade, such as No. 1, at the retail level will require sorting or spe-
cial purchase. Grade grouping occurs for reasons of tradition and
of efficiency in distribution.
Another important factor in retail yard inventory is that not all
grades, sizes, and species described by the grade rules are produced,
and not all those produced are distributed uniformly to all market-
ing areas. Regional consumer interest, building code requirements,
and transportation costs influence distribution patterns. Often small
retail yards will stock only a limited number of species and grades.
Large yards, on the other hand, may cater to particular construction
industry needs and carry drier dimension grades along with clears,
finish, and decking. The effect of these variable retail practices is