Hardwood specialty buyers representing 1600 home centers and lumberyards including the Top 100 home centers according to 1985 sales were surveyed. The objectives of the survey were to characterize the home center market for hardwood specialty products and to obtain an idea of the future direction of this market regarding hardwood specialty products. The results of the survey indicated that a new potential market for hardwood manufacturers exists. For example, the total home center market for the four major hardwood product lines was approximately $1 billion in 1986 and the hardwood board market segment is predicted to grow at a 12% compounded annual growth rate from 1986 to 1991. Oak is the dominant wood species in this marketplace. Merchandising strategies between typical firms and Top 100 home centers varied considerably. Top 100 home centers were merchandising standardized product lines in display racks with available point-of-purchase literature, but the majority of typical firms were not. These typical firms have a need for standard products, display racks, and point-of-purchase literature. Currently, the home center market is fragmented with a large percentage of home centers having annual sales of less than $3 million and owning only one store. Future demand for hardwood products should be greatest for moulding, plywood and boards. Future demand should be greatest in the urban and suburban market segments. The most important customers in this marketplace were the Do-It-Yourselfer and the professional-remodeler. High price and poor quality were common customer complaints. Lack of reliable suppliers and inconsistent quality were prevalent purchasing difficulties for hardwood specialty buyers. / M.S.