Wood processing and products

OSU Extension supports wood products businesses and forest landowners with research-based information on wood processing, product quality and value-added opportunities. We offer resources and technical assistance to improve efficiency, sustainability and market potential in Oregon’s wood products sector.

Timber harvesting: A process of many decisions

Planning for a timber harvest? This overview can help prepare you to make informed decisions throughout the process.

View the resource

Photo Credit: dbvirago - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Wood Processing Resources

Oregon Wood Innovation Center

Oregon State University’s College of Forestry and Extension Service teamed up to create the Oregon Wood Innovation Center (OWIC). OWIC’s mission is to improve the competitiveness of Oregon’s wood products industry by fostering innovation in products, processes, and business systems. A key function of the Center is to serve as the primary link between university research and needs and opportunities in the forest industry.

Mar 2018 | Online resource

Wood-Based Composite Science Short Course Series

This Wood-Based Composite Science Short Course series, developed in partnership with the Oregon Wood Innovation Center and the Wood-Based Composites Center, provides mill operators as well as career professionals with a fundamental knowledge of wood as an engineering material in the manufacturing of wood-based composites. If you complete the series, you may be eligible for a Certificate of Completion through OSU's Professional and Continuing Education.

Jul 2024 | Online resource

Oregon Forest Industry Directory

The directory facilitates the establishment of business connections between the broad array of interests in Oregon's forestry sector.

Mar 2018 | Online resource

Latest Resources

Episode 69: In the Spalted Woods

Dr. Robinson discusses the art and science of spalting wood for decorative purposes. Spalting is a process where fungi react to environmental stressors, producing vivid pigments in the wood.

Scott Leavengood, Carrie Cantrell, Seri Robinson | Nov 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Episode 67: Think International (Airport) and Buy Local

Inside the Portland Airport Renovation: Sustainable Northwest Woods and Xena Forest Products

Carrie Cantrell, Scott Leavengood | Sep 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Episode 62: Exploring Forest Biotechnology

Join Scott Leavengood and guest-host Teagan McElliot as they delve into the topic of BioEngineering, and how it could be applied beneficially to healthy forests and timber products.

Scott Leavengood, Carrie Cantrell, Steve Strauss | Jun 2025 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Browse All Resources

Featured Podcasts

Episode 52: Cut-to-Length and Tethered Assist Systems: Jacob Putney hosts this episode of In The Woods, and interviews Matt Mattiota about the technological advancements of the forestry industry.
Episode 17: Mass Timber: In this episode, Scott Leavengood is joined by Iain Macdonald and Evan Schmidt to discuss how mass timber could play a role in solving climate change. Iain Macdonald is the director of the TallWood Design Institute and Evan Schmidt is the outreach and education manager.
Episode 10: Forest Products: In this episode, Jacob Putney discusses multiple interesting topics regarding forest products manufacturing with Scott Leavengood.

Latest News

OSU helps Oregon's forest products industry remain competitive

The Oregon Wood Innovation Center is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment for various research and testing needs.

Scott Leavengood | Feb 2025 | Impact story

All News

Explore more resources

Business management

Business marketing

Cutting and selling trees

Forest health and management

Nontimber forest products

Tree care

Upcoming Events

Mar 18

Forest Health in Oregon: State of the State 2026

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Corvallis, OR

Mar 21

Tree School Clackamas

8:15 am - 5:15 pm Oregon City, OR

Meet Our Experts

Scott Leavengood

Forest Products Manufacturing

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question