For more than 70 years, Disdero Lumber Co. has been a defining force in the Western United States lumber industry — a name synonymous with craftsmanship, reliability, and a deep-rooted commitment to quality.
As a distributor serving the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii, Disdero brings expertise that stretches far beyond product knowledge. They understand their region, they understand the challenges builders face, and they’ve earned the trust of architects, contractors, and homeowners for generations.
Thermory is proud to spotlight their story, their people, and the role they play in bringing high-performance products to some of the most demanding climates in the country.
A Legacy Built on Quality
Founded in 1953 by Al Disdero, the company began in a modest tin-covered building in southeast Portland — but its ambition was anything but small. He believed Portland builders deserved better than cheap, commodity lumber. From that mindset grew a wholesale distribution business stocked with meticulously selected clear lumber and specialty products. Today, the Disdero team continues to honor that standard — delivering premium material, competitive pricing, and standout service that has defined their reputation for decades.
A Territory Like No Other
Disdero’s region spans three dramatically different environments: the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Few distributors successfully serve territories this diverse — and fewer still do it with the level of precision and consistency that Disdero does. Their understanding of climate, project types, and customer needs is what elevates them as a partner.
Charlie Hanson, VP of Sales at Disdero Lumber Co., explains exactly why Thermory fits so well into their region:
“Thermory products excel in the PNW due to the diverse climates that we have here. Freezing and snowing one day, 70 and sunny the next day. Being that Thermory products are so adaptable, they do very well here. Thermory’s thermal modification process significantly influences its customers by allowing them to use real wood in climates where it would traditionally fail. This process enhances durability and stability by removing the wood’s moisture and sugars, preventing warping, shrinking, rot, and insect damage.”
From the cold, wet winters of Alaska to the sun-drenched humidity of Hawaii, their customers rely heavily on Disdero’s guidance when selecting materials that can handle extremes.
As Charlie notes:
“Thermory handles all types of environments very well. You don’t see or experience issues with cupping, twisting or movement. All Thermory products are very stable and handle the extremes very well, from the coldest of the cold to the hottest of the hot.”
Standout Thermory Projects Across the West
Disdero sees Thermory used across a wide range of project types — residential homes, commercial builds, destination properties, and large-scale outdoor living environments.
A project in Idaho stands out for Charlie:
“There are too many to list, but I would say an entire development in Idaho that had over 3 containers (and counting!) of Benchmark Pine. The project is still going and could easily eclipse 6+ containers of Thermory products. Each home is different but you will find Thermory on every one of them.”
Their influence in the region ensures that materials are not only supplied — but thoughtfully matched to the demands of each environment.
What Customers Value Most
With decades of customer relationships behind them, Disdero has a clear pulse on what their market values.
Charlie shares:
“Our typical Thermory customer is sophisticated, high-end, and excited.” These customers choose Disdero not only for product access — but for expertise, trusted recommendations, and a service approach refined over seven decades. “They respond to the sustainability aspect behind Thermory, and the availability.”
When they weigh Thermory against traditional wood options, he puts it simply:
“Thermory is the leading innovator in technology and having the ‘right’ recipe for the modification process. With Thermory, you get a consistent product with consistent quality.”
Disdero’s ability to communicate these values — backed by real-world experience in harsh climates — has been an essential driver in helping Thermory grow across the West.
A Partnership Built on Shared Standards
Although Disdero only began distributing Thermory products in 2024, the alignment was clear from the start.
As Charlie puts it:
“We were drawn to Thermory as the innovator of thermally modified products and the high quality of their materials aligns with other high-end products that we sell at Disdero. Having 2 ‘leaders of the pack’ driving and selling products seemed like the perfect marriage between companies.”
Thermory Territory Manager Steve Butler, who works directly with the Disdero team, echoes that sentiment — and emphasizes their impact:
“I love working with Charlie and the team at Disdero. They are really growing with us. They just started with us in 2024 and finished the year as one of our leading distributors in sales. Disdero is a perfect match to represent and distribute Thermory materials – they value craftsmanship, culture, and expertise. It’s been a really great partnership.”
Their rapid growth reflects not just the quality of the products — but the quality of the distributor behind them.
Market Trends: Growth in Outdoor Living & Pre-Finished Products
Trends across the West continue to evolve — and Thermory is meeting the moment.
Charlie notes increased demand for:
- Benchmark Pine Cladding (C19)
- Kodiak Spruce Cladding (C15)
- Custom color runs and pre-finished Vivid products
- Outdoor living spaces with custom benches, railings, and cladding
As for his personal favorite product:
“Kodiak Spruce Cladding because there are so many options with brushing, sanding and pre-staining such a beautiful, wider substrate.”
Where else would Charlie and his team like to see Thermory grow?
“We don’t exactly have our eyes on a dream project – but we would love to see Thermory used in more commercial, large-scale projects.” With Disdero leading specification conversations across the region, these ambitions are well within reach.
We can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us in the future. Visit Disdero in person, or at their website, Facebook, or Instagram.
