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IN THIS ERA of inflation and shortages, wood veneer, because it is a renewable resource, has perhaps been affected less than many other products. Shortages and inflation do exist, but their effect has been uneven. Some species from some parts of the world have been affected far more than others. To the architect and designer, this means that by proper selection and specification of species, one can insure a quality installation at the best possible price to the client.
In looking at the market for wood, one must remember that it is a world market and carries both economic and political considerations. The world's largest sources of high quality hardwood timber are now located in the "under-developed" lands. In many instances, timber is a major export product and a large source of hard currency. Understandably, these countries have sought ways to reap maximum benefit from a natural resource. In some there has been an attempt to force further local processing by installing complete or partial log export embargoes. Others have resorted to artificial price-setting. The result has been both shortages and high prices for the species affected.
Physical extraction of timber can still be a problem in some parts of the world. Adequate roads do not exist and the necessary equipment is not always available. This places an additional limitation on the availability of some wood species, and adds to the cost.
A general increase in the prosperity and living standards of people all over the world has led to an increase in demand for all wood products, and in particular high quality hardwoods. This has created increasing scarcities and high prices in the wood hungry lands. As an interesting facet of this condition, a demand for walnut and oak in western Europe in the last few years, resulted in sharply increased prices and reduced supplies of these species here. Logs and veneers from the U.S. have been flowing into western Europe in substantial volume, since prices there are generally higher. The above described conditions developed rapidly, and still exist.
These problems are not unique to our industry nor our time. As a matter of fact, the art of veneering may well have been fostered by economic considerations -- the desire to yield more return from an expensive log. We have evidence of veneered furniture items dating back to the Egyptian dynasties. It was known to Rome, and was developed to a considerable degree during the Renaissance. Graceful, highly decorative pieces of furniture literally demand veneer. Now, it has become as much a conservation measure as it is an economic necessity. Fortunately, the rapid development of reliable and easy-to-use adhesives during and after World War II has made wood veneer an accepted product.
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