1, Most have been warned that kiln-dried lumber supplies are tightening, but they simply don't have enough business from cabinet, furniture and millwork shops to justify increased purchasing.

2, They will also buy a bit more kiln-dried lumber, particularly items with hard-to-find color, length and width specifications.

3, The Weekly Hardwood Review Kiln-Dried Price Index climbed 13% between mid-2009 and last week, during which time the Green Price Index increased 16%.

4, Many Red Oak and White Oak items will see green price firming without corresponding increases in kiln-dried prices, at least not this summer.

5, An uptick in 8/4 Hard Maple demand, for example, would lead to an immediate increase in green 8/4 Hard Maple production and adequate to abundant supplies of kiln-dried stock within a few weeks.

6, Many of the larger distributors in those areas have their own dry kilns and rely more on green than kiln-dried lumber suppliers.

7, As October kicks off, most flooring plants still have their gates wide open for green lumber, and several are also increasing kiln-dried lumber purchases to augment inventories.

8, A further premium is also paid for the highest-quality air-dried staves (as opposed to kiln-dried) and expert cooperage.

9, Likewise, some Middle Eastern buyers that prefer shipping dry will instead order kiln-dried stock.