Building a complete spray finishing system requires careful planning, from capturing sanding dust to selecting the right booth and equipment

Today’s wood manufacturers need systems that match their specific production
reality, from flexible job shops to high-volume automated lines.

Manufacturers refine dust control, motor consistency and guide systems to enhance workflow in professional and small woodworking shops.

Bess Naylor reflects on four decades at the bench building and teaching about period furniture.

Soft maple remains a popular choice for cabinetry and furniture projects due to its versatility and lower price point compared to other hardwoods. It is favored for paint-grade projects and custom moldings, and is particularly sought after for its figured varieties like curly and bird’s-eye. While sales are steady, some suppliers note a slight decrease compared to last year.

Black walnut hardwood sales remain steady as 2026 begins, with consistent orders for FAS and premium grades. Suppliers report steady demand, driven by walnut’s unique color and versatility in furniture, millwork, and craft projects. Prices for FAS walnut in 4/4 thickness range from $10 to $13.25 per board foot.

Cherry hardwood sales have been sluggish for over a decade, despite its competitive pricing compared to other domestic hardwoods. While demand for standard cherry remains low, highly figured cherry, especially matched sets from the same tree, continues to be popular. The shift in market trends towards brown woods over red woods, coupled with the influence of marketing buzzwords, is believed to be contributing to the decline in cherry sales.

Tariffs have not impacted raw exotic lumber, but challenges remain in sourcing exotic species due to scarcity and regulatory measures. Zebrawood and yellowheart are particularly difficult to source, with zebrawood facing a global shortage and yellowheart impacted by a Brazilian export ban.

Old-growth heart pine, prized for its rich hues and rustic appeal, is driving the reclaimed wood market. Customers seek hand-hewn beams and boards, often sourced from old barns, for decorative purposes.

Powermatic, the premium woodworking machinery brand of JPW Industries, is launching a brand revitalization focused on product innovation, user education and enhanced customer support. “The Powermatic Difference reinforces the company’s…

Keystone Wood Specialties has revamped its finishing pricing structure, aiming to simplify cost estimates for remodeling professionals and custom cabinetmakers, and added new stain and paint colors for 2026. The…

The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers has launched the 2026 Design-it-Digital Student Competition, an online CAD design challenge for middle school, high school and post-secondary students across the United…

AlignOps BusyBusy has introduced resource planning functionality within its operations module, giving construction teams visual project representations to improve planning and implementation. According to the company, the digital format allows…

Rev-A-Shelf has expanded its Craftsman Collection with a line of walnut cabinet organization products. The walnut line builds on the company’s existing maple Craftsman Collection. The new products are designed…

Osborne Wood Products introduces two new table leg designs, Tahoe and Sonora, featuring traditional Mission elements.

Felder presents the KV 925 vertical panel saw to the U.S. market after its premier at LIGNA 2023.

Grizzly Industrial presents a new 8” jointer with a spiral cutterhead, model G0490ZX, and a parallelogram table adjustment mechanism.

Wood Environmentally Adaptive (EA) Hydroplus technology in a new waterborne wood coating that can be applied in a variety of conditions.

WHITESIDE MACHINE CO. is introducing two new CNC router bit sets aimed at production shops and the discerning woodworker. The General Purpose CNC Set (Item No. 709, $232.90) is a…