Skip to main content

The Pier Review

Hi there!

Hope this newsletter finds you well, safe, and healthy. In this issue, you’ll find our featured products and updates on how well the woodworking industry is recovering from the effects of COVID. And, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at my email, charlie@usfutaba.com.


Product Highlight

ADA Toe Kick Bracket

  • Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
  • Provides unimpeded access for wheelchairs to sinks, counters, desks, etc.
  • Allows for fully accessible counters
  • 18 gauge steel powder coated
  • Applications: hospitals, restaurants, schools, nursing homes, restrooms, ADA access points

Wall Mount Shelf Bracket

  • Application: floating shelves, outdoor, cleaning rooms
  • Load capacity: 30 lbs.
  • 6063 aluminum
  • Finish: white

Be sure to check out the Functional Hardware Section of our Online Catalog for our entire selection of brackets!


Woodworking Industry Is Seeing Recovery From The Pandemic

A survey of the Woodworking Network revealed that most woodworking manufacturers have returned to full production after shutting down due to the pandemic. 

Business has since spiked because with people spending so much time in their homes, they are getting the urge to remodel. According to a Harvard study, while the US economy shrank by 3.5% in 2020, spending on home improvements went up more than 3% to nearly $420 billion as homeowners modified their living spaces to accommodate work, school, and leisure.

Growth in these improvement and remodeling expenditures is expected to continue throughout the year and well into 2022 according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA). 

Many of the trends being seen in the industry come as a result of this phenomenon. Let’s discuss…

Top Design Trends Taking Over The Woodworking Industry

Gold Hardware

Despite the fact that hardware in recent years has been trending toward matte and satin black finishes, it seems to have come full circle in 2021 with satin brass becoming popular again. A brushed, matte finish conveys a feeling of luxury and warmth that black hardware does not quite give.

New Coatings

Healthy.Wood from Milesi is a line of polyurethane, acrylic, UV, nitrocellulose, waterborne and solvent-based coatings that offer sanitizing features. Lab tests show that bacterial growth is reduced by more than 99.9% on surfaces coated in this product. This is an ideal choice for situations that need hygienic conditions like restaurants and medical facilities.

Additional Trends

Duotone cabinetry is seeing a rise in popularity just as modern, minimalist, European-inspired, flat-paneled cabinets are as well. The kitchen to the left combines all of these elements seamlessly in addition to another trend that seems to have reached its peak: open shelving.

The trend of open shelving seems to have hit a plateau as homeowners have started to realize just how difficult it is to keep them looking nice and tidy.


Industry News

Wood Production Hits 13-Year High

Loggers are working to chip away at the nation’s pandemic-spurred timber shortage and they’re certainly making progress. 

The US industrial production index for wood topped 134 in January and 132.5 in February up from 111.6 in April of 2020. The strong rebound puts the January figure at its highest level since December of 2007!

Timber Thefts on the Rise in Tennessee as Prices Rise

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture reports that rising lumber prices have led to an increase in timber threats throughout the state. The department is urging landowners to take extra precautions to protect their property. They have recommended that landowners mark their property boundaries and have a plan of attack in the case of timber theft.

Timber theft comes at a grave cost with the value of timber not being the only loss. The thieves often damage property and negatively affect the environment, wildlife, and conservation efforts.


We’re Showing at AWFS Fair 2021

We will be showing at the  Association of Woodworking Furnishings & Woodworking Suppliers AWFS Fair this year in Las Vegas from July 20-23. 

If you are planning to attend, please let us know; we would love to meet you there! You can register to attend at 
this link. And then email or call me if you wish to see us or discuss anything related to the show:

We will be at booth #3713 if you want to come see us!


Please contact me for additional information or any questions you may have

Charlie Fournell-Ferrall

Email: charlie@usfutaba.com
Mobile: (757) 478-5587
Work: (757) 549-0036