CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report dated February 2, 1998, included in this Form 10-K for the year ended
January 3, 1998, into TJ International, Inc.'s previously filed Form S-8
registration statement (File No. 2-96065); the registration statement on Form
S-8 (File No. 2-96821); the registration statement on form S-8 (File No.
2-96964); the registration statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-4704); the
registration statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-21870); the registration
statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-22186)); the registration statement on Form
S-8 (File No. 33-54582); the registration statement on Form S-8 (File No.
333-04713); the registration statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-18425); the
registration statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-18427); the registration
statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-32659); and the registration statement on
Form S-8 (File No. 333-32665).

                               /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
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