The Appalachian Standards

Demand the Appalachian Standard

"The Appalachian Standard" identifies the four key aspects of Appalachian Hardwood species and what these attributes mean to wood manufacturers. These are sustainability; consistent quality; greater yield; and Made in the United States of America.

On their own, each of these standards are important. The combination of these four make Appalachian the point of comparison for all hardwood lumber needs.

Sustainable Forests

The AHMI Board of Trustees defines the Appalachian Hardwood Forest as those counties in the Appalachian Mountains with an average elevation of 1,000 feet above sea level or higher. There are 344 counties in this designation in 12 states from northern Alabama through western New York.

The U.S. Forest Service completes a survey of public and private forests each decade to establish the growth, harvest and mortality of trees in each county in the country. The report for the Appalachian Hardwood Forest is phenomenal.

Data from these 344 counties shows 8.4 billion board feet of hardwoods and 1.6 billion board feet of softwoods are growing annually. The research reports that 1.9 billion board feet of hardwoods and 154 million board feet of softwoods are harvested annually. The data finds that 584 million board feet of hardwoods 85 million board feet of softwoods are dying annually.

After 75 years of forest management and utilization, the Appalachian Hardwood Forest is more than sustainable: it is adding more than 6 billion board feet of hardwood lumber annually. That is the net growth after 2 billion board feet is harvested and another 669 million board feet dies annually in the forest.

Since the 1930s, AHMI has had an active Forestry Division made up of private and corporate foresters committed to active management of forestland. The division works extensively with landowners to educate them on issues and practices that improve the forest.

Appalachian Hardwood producers also have a long-standing devotion to the principles of sustainable forestry. Pioneers before the modern environmental movement, Appalachian Hardwood producers understand the role healthy forests contribute in providing clean air and water, habitat for wildlife and unique recreational opportunities.

The first measure for all lumber resources should be sustainability. The Appalachian Standard is a high mark.

Consistent Quality

The species may change from oak to maple to cherry to poplar, but one characteristic of Appalachian Hardwoods remains the same: consistency. Appalachian Hardwood lumber is world-renowned for its machining properties and excellent appearance.

The second element of The Appalachian Standard for hardwood lumber is consistent quality. Manufacturers have learned that Appalachian hardwood lumber provides this time and again. This consistency is found in stable results from drying, gluing and processing, all of which are crucial in the production of finished goods.

Every load of Appalachian hardwood lumber is consistently what a manufacturer who is focused on quality should demand.

Greater Yield

The third element of The Appalachian Standard is mathematical. Appalachian Hardwood lumber is delivered in longer lengths and wider widths than lumber from other regions of the United States and world. The reason? The trees.

The Appalachian Mountains provide the ideal environment for temperate hardwoods. The number of days in the growing season, adequate rainfall, and soil composition combine to produce "mountain grown" trees.

These trees make boards that average 12-14 feet in length and widths exceeding eight to 10 inches on average. That means increased yield for the end user and more lumber going into a finished product and less scrap on the floor or sent to the boiler.

The gain in yield quickly multiplies into increased profits. More manufacturers demanding specific lengths and widths because they have learned that with a little math and The Appalachian Standard, the sum is high quality savings.

Made in the United States

Location. Location. Location.

Vital in real estate and extremely important as the fourth component of The Appalachian Standard. The Appalachian Forest, as defined by AHMI, extends from northern Alabama into western New York, in the heart of the eastern United States.

This area is the birthplace of forestry in the U.S. and home to the hardworking families of Appalachia. These third and fourth generations of families have learned from experience what the forests in their backyards provide.

This Appalachian location renders easy access to markets across North America and quick links to ports for distribution worldwide. The fourth and final component of The Appalachian Standard is American made.

No other lumber offers the sustainability, strength, beauty and durability of The Appalachian Standard. That is a distinction that nature, a long history of commitment to forestry, and advanced harvesting and manufacturing technique can provide.

Your best work begins with the industry’s premier source of lumber - Appalachian Hardwoods. Please give your next project the unmatched advantage of the world’s finest wood. Hit Counter