The sawmill at Sierra Cedar Products, located in Marysville, Calif., is designed particularly for small-diameter Cedar logs.
New Line of Wood Fencing Introduced by Sierra Cedar
Marysville, Calif.—“When wholesalers think of desirable wood fencing,” said Jim Haas, “we want them to think of Sierra Cedar Products.” To that end, the company recently introduced a line of high-concept fence boards.
Sierra Cedar Products, LLC, has been profiled previously in The Softwood Forest Products Buyer. Based in Marysville and the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains north of Sacramento, Sierra Cedar was purchased by Soper-Wheeler Co., a venerable California firm whose experience in forest products dates back more than a century.
Jim Haas, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Sierra Cedar, explained that his company was formed in 2005 to take advantage of the locally available supply of an under-appreciated species, Incense Cedar. “This wood has qualities ideal for fence boards. We acquired a custom sawmill designed particularly for small-diameter Cedar logs.”
Since its founding, Sierra Cedar has expanded its offerings to include other species, including Chinese Fir, Radiata Pine from Chile, and tropical hardwoods. But, Haas emphasized, “Our focus is on fencing.”
Sierra Cedar recently introduced a line of high-concept fence boards that are manufactured at the firm’s California site.
Haas expects his new Heartwood Fencing line will interest distributors throughout the West, and his definition of “West” extends to the Mississippi River Valley and beyond.
“We have a fence innovation that we believe is unique. Homeowners like it for its attractive appearance; dealers like it for its longer shelf life and for the high level of customer satisfaction,” he said.
The line is called Heartwood Fencing because it has characteristics of all-Heartwood grades, yet it is made from less expensive lumber.
Buyers can choose between Incense Cedar and Whitewood (various western Softwoods), typically 6-foot lengths of 1x4s, 1x6s, and 1x8s, along with 2x4 rails. This wood is dipped, dried, trimmed, stained and sealed. The result is fencing with consistent color and resistance to organisms that harm the appearance of wood.
There are five main steps in the production process, each providing a useful feature.
Dipped. All fence boards are treated with AntiBlu® XP, an anti-sapstain solution that also imparts mold resistance.
Unstained/natural condition Cedar is stacked and ready for market at Sierra Cedar.
Rather than being hit with a light coating as they pass through a sprayer, Heartwood fence boards are dipped in a bath of the solution, allowing for greater absorption of the liquid. Three active organic pesticides provide for cleaner, more appealing wood in store inventories, and the benefits carry over to installed fences.
Dried. Boards are then air-seasoned, giving the protective chemicals time to become embedded in the wood before the next step. Perhaps more important, drying at the production facility reduces the warping that can occur in a dealer’s store or a homeowner’s fence when wood dries there.
Trimmed. Fence boards are precision end-trimmed for uniform, square edges. Tops can be straight or dog-eared.
Stained. Boards are individually stained on all surfaces, using one of three colors. Most popular is Redwood. Also available are Sierra Cinnamon, Sahara Gold, and a clear coating. The stains provide an even color to the wood. They also contain a fungicidal ingredient for extra protection against deterioration.
Sprayed. Finally, both ends of the boards are sprayed with H2O Block. In use, fence boards are oriented vertically where end grain, especially at the skyward end, is vulnerable t
This wood is dipped, dried, trimmed, stained and sealed. The result is fencing with consistent color and resistance to organisms that harm the appearance of wood.
o moisture damage from precipitation. H2O Block is a sealer that inhibits entrance of water. It, too, contains a mild fungicide.
The sapstain control, stain, and sealer are all products of Arch Wood Protection, Inc., an international company with expertise in wood preservation and anti-microbial products.
Fencing is then packaged in self-contained bunks bound by plastic straps with corner protectors. Paper wrapping is available. Units are shipped by truck or rail as appropriate.
“Our Heartwood Fencing is an attractive product with benefits beyond its good looks.” Adds Haas, “Distributors get a product that remains marketable for a longer period than typical wood fencing.”
