Oak Wilt Quarantine Affects Woodworkers
Entire towns in Ontario County, New York were placed under quarantine due to an oak wilt outbreak, potentially affecting woodworkers who rely on local hardwoods. UFP Industries showcased new products at NAHB 2026, including Deckorators' Summit decking with patented SureStone technology. Homebuilders face uncertainty from tariffs compounding material costs and financing challenges.
- Oak wilt is caused by the fungus *Bretziella fagacearum*, which spreads through the water-conducting tissues of oak trees, blocking the flow of water and nutrients. Red oaks are particularly susceptible and can die within a few weeks to six months of infection. - The quarantine in Ontario and Yates counties now includes the entire towns of Middlesex, Italy, and South Bristol, plus parts of Bristol and Naples. Under the quarantine, oak logs and branches, and any wood pieces less than 29 inches long (regardless of species), are prohibited from leaving the area to prevent the spread of the disease. - The disease is primarily spread above ground by sap-feeding beetles attracted to fungal mats on infected red oaks, and below ground through interconnected root systems. To combat this, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is removing infected trees, treating stumps with herbicides, and will conduct aerial surveys for at least five years to monitor the situation. - Deckorators' Summit decking, featured by UFP Industries, utilizes a patented mineral-based composite material called SureStone technology. This technology combines crushed limestone and advanced polymers, resulting in a deck board that is 35% lighter than traditional composites but offers superior strength. - Key features of the SureStone technology include enhanced durability, resistance to moisture and microbial growth, and minimal thermal expansion or contraction. This allows the decking to be installed in direct contact with the ground or water. - In addition to the Summit line, UFP Industries is also using SureStone technology in its new Edge Arris mineral composite trim. The company also unveiled Altitude decking, which has a fire-resistant core and a Class B flame-spread rating. - Homebuilders are currently facing significant tariffs on a range of imported building materials. As of early 2026, these include 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum, a 35.2% tariff on Canadian lumber, and a 10% tariff on softwood lumber and timber. - These tariffs are estimated to add between $9,200 and $17,500 to the cost of a new single-family home. This increase in cost is projected to result in approximately 450,000 fewer new homes being built over the next five years.
