A generic review of literature was undertaken to establish the broad changes in research emphasis in wood preservation between 1980 and 1987. An analysis of world literature showed no major changes over this time. In contrast, the selective papers of the International Research Group of Wood Preservation displayed increasing emphasis on wood preservative systems. Possible future trends in processing and preservation systems are briefly discussed with reference to application systems for antisapstain chemicals, just-in-time processing, boron-based preservatives, and chemical wood modification.