Japanese SUGI as Exterior Timber
ADJapanese SUGI is one of the major coniferous trees in Japan. Akita is famous for SUGI plantation.From the forest stocking and raw material production volume in the following figure, it indicates that SUGI plantation in Akita is one of the leading forest resources for both size and quantity.
Currently, Worldwide depletion of wood resources has caused the structural changes in wood distribution. And global warming has made it difficult to sustain and update forest resources. The scarcity of wood resources are partly to blame for escalating prices of raw materials. While Japanese SUGI plantation in Akita, rich in forest stocking, has come to the logging period. So there is a lot of potential of Japanese SUGI for export.
Japanese SUGI plantation is more than 50 to 60 years old, so the number of large diameter logs such as 12 to 20 inches has been increasing, which makes it feasible to manufacture 2x8, 2x10 and 4x4 products. The small and middle diameter logs can be used for Picket. The heart wood part primarily be used for the products in North America.
The exterior timbers targeting for North America including KD rough timber series. There are sufficient supply with 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10 and 2x12. For decking timber, there are plenty of logs with more than 12 inch - diameters, and a sustainable supply can be maintained. Picket timber is one of the traditional products for Japanese fencing , so there is no problem with the supply.
It’s very unique for large diameter logs to the cutting layouts. For example, when cutting layout for posts, it can be made nine posts out of one log at a time.
End diameter: 15 /16 inches 4 x 4 x 8ft/10ft ( For North America)
While cutting layout for boards, the length can be supplied up to 16ft for 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10 and 2x12.
End diameter : 14 inches 2 x 4 x 8ft/10ft/12ft (For North America)
As mentioned before, there are plenty of logs with more than 12 inch-diameters, the decking timber is considered to the potential leading product.
End diameter: 13 inches 1.25 x 6 x 8ft/10ft/12ft/16f (For North America)
The following construction example is an application of Japanese SUGI in the North America produced by Kadowaki Lumber Corporation.
Kadowaki Lumber Corporation is located in the central area of Akita prefecture. Rich in forest resources, they operate the integrated production system from forest management to finished products.
Wood is the sustainable forest resource, and so is Japanese SUGI. By improving and updating the manufacturing line, Kadowaki Lumber Corporation are committed to ensuring the stable product supply by increasing production volumes, making the best use of large diameter logs from the plantations in Akita and expanding the supply of KD products to meet the future growth in domestic and American demands.
Click on the link below to view the video presentation delivered by Hitoo Nishimura from the Kadowaki lumber corporation.
To learn more about Japanese wood, please click on other two presentation links:
The Tategu and decorations with Japanese woods and Kumiko-Zaiku
Wooden House and Human Health