Consumer and manufacturer perceptions of hardwood panels made from character-marked lumber

Abstract

Hardwood panels made from edge-glued material are a versatile product that could be within the reach of many smaller wood products firms. However, products would need to be accepted throughout the supply chain for this opportunity to be achieved. This study evaluated preferences of consumers and manufacturers towards edge-glued panels from Alaskan red alder and paper birch. A total of 11 panels were constructed, including different levels of character-mark features such as knots and natural stain. We found strong preferences for the birch panel having high levels of natural stain. This panel was also the highest rated panel on three attributes (character marks, grain consistency and overall colour). Both residential consumers and wood products producers preferred birch panels featuring natural stain to birch panels featuring knots. Both groups also preferred red alder panels that were either clear or with high levels of character (but not intermediate levels of character). Residential consumers favoured birch panels (versus red alder panels) to a greater extent than did wood product producers and generally were less familiar with red alder than were producers.