Murray’s Winter Musings
- scott3199
- Jun 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Winter has come again with mud, rain, and economic turmoil. Is it all doom and gloom? We at MacDirect don't think so! We are bucking the trend with spring around the corner. We've seen a lift in sales over the last four to five months, and we are preparing for an amazing summer! We can’t wait!
The Reasons Behind Our Growth
There’s a reason for this growth and warmer horizons. No, not climate change, but rather some exciting product developments and customer support tools. As always, our stunning Mac timber is a key player in this success.
The main driver of increased sales has been our cladding. We have seen a surge in popularity for MacDirect cladding. Its visual appeal, durability, and the quality of timber produced from top-grade plantation trees have garnered attention from many architects. They are specifying MacDirect cladding more than ever.
Exciting News: Masterspec Partnership
We are thrilled to announce that we are now a “Masterspec Partner”. This fantastic architectural tool provides all the necessary code of compliance documentation. It makes project management much easier for architects and builders alike.
First supplying cladding over 30 years ago, I recently caught up with a homeowner who clad his house with lusitanica (Mac) three decades ago. He has never had to replace any boards. It is still standing strong, even without any protective coating.
While Mac can be left uncoated, we do recommend that our customers apply quality wood oil for added protection. Giving your timber some extra love and care can significantly extend its lifespan, and thanks to our partners, we can coat this for you.
Innovative Framing Solutions
Our in-house stress-tested SG8 framing has become popular among homeowners who want to avoid chemical use during construction. We are proud to offer pre-nailed framing and trusses to order, catering to specific building needs.
Additionally, in collaboration with a major timber laminator, we supply large-size Mac laminated beams, which can be band sawn, D4S, or sanded. With cypress timber costs slightly exceeding chemically treated options, both builders and homeowners still find it worth the investment.
Building Naturally with MacDirect
Using MacDirect timbers for framing, cladding, lining, and joinery enables you to build and complete your home in a completely natural way. Our NZ-grown exotic cypress meets all compliance requirements, ensuring a safe and sustainable building process.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call Scott or Cindy in our office. They are always ready to provide expert advice and support.
A Team Committed to Excellence
Scott manages day-to-day operations at MacDirect, although he still interrupts my semi-retirement now and then. We are currently experiencing new developments aimed at increasing our capacity and saving costs to meet market demands. This responsibility is something I enjoy and represents another step in the original vision I had for MacDirect many years ago.
Our team at MacDirect is fantastic. All members are integral to our business and proud to be part of our success in the market. Together, we look forward to reaching even greater heights in the future.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
We wish our customers success in a world that often sounds dismal. We DON’T believe it! The future is bright, and we are committed to helping you build your dreams using our quality products. Together, we will navigate these challenges and emerge stronger.
Let’s make this summer one to remember!






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