Preferred North American species are hemlock, Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, spruce and oak. The increased activity in the renovation sector has resulted in a higher frequency of special orders and demand for custom-cut components. Opportunities also exist for hardwood lumber and components for furniture and flooring. Italy Imports of semi-finished and customized wood products to Italy are expected to increase, particularly for use in windows and furniture. Italy is one of the largest producers of furniture in the world.
Opportunities exist for lumber and components of red oak, red alder, yellow-poplar.
However, there is an increased interest in alternative species since the wood quality of Douglas-fir has declined and the price has increased in recent years. Two alternative species of interest are hemlock and red cedar. The Dutch Timber Information Centre promotes U.S. species such as Douglas-fir, hemlock, southern yellow pine, red oak and white oak for increased use in such areas as construction, furniture and windows. Because 0.1 bans on use of tropical hardwoods for certain products, U.S. ash, white oak and red oak are increasingly substituted. Opportunities exist for use of three-layer components from Douglas Fir, western red cedar and hemlock.