Whether it’s domestic or exotic lumber, locally harvested or imported, we essentially use the same mode of operation to get the moisture levels to where they need to be. Of course, depending on whether a given board is starting out at 35% or 15% moisture content will make a big … [Read more...]

In any discussion of wood movement or gaps between decking boards, knowledge about the wood drying process — and the nature of how wood naturally soaks up and sheds moisture — is often assumed. Wood is hygroscopic by nature, as described in this video by Wood Work Web; the … [Read more...]

Providing quality hardwood and softwood lumber since 1798, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company is no stranger to the lumber industry. Offering custom millwork is one of the services we’ve been offering for over 100 years. Since we opened our first mill in the early 1900s, our … [Read more...]

Plywood greatly varies in both quality and cost — and the two usually go together. Here at J. Gibson McIlvain, we carry certain types of plywood to meet the needs of our customers. We also aim to help demystify the whole plywood-pricing scenario. In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, … [Read more...]

What determines the quality of any given sheet of plywood? Well, that’s a great question, but it doesn’t have a simple answer. Since plywood is often used for its relative stability (compared to solid lumber) that’s obviously going to be a distinguishing characteristic when it … [Read more...]

J. Gibson McIlvain has a long legacy of sourcing quality hardwood lumber, but in recent years we’ve also expanded into other markets to better serve the needs of our customers. We’ve ventured into the arenas of millwork and decking as well as softwoods. Many people may not … [Read more...]

Known for its strength and stability, plywood is manufactured from thin sheets of veneer wood and a binding element. This layering process is what gives plywood its exceptional strength. Typically manufactured in a 4’ X 8’ sheet, plywood can come in a variety of widths from 1/4 … [Read more...]

So far in our series, we’ve discussed the journey your decking boards take from the forest to the job site, as well as some ways to prepare the boards upon arrival (see Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4). Any discussion of this topic would be incomplete without covering one of the most basic … [Read more...]

If you use decking boards made from domestic hardwoods, such as Pine or Red Cedar, they require acclimation once they reach their destination (see Parts 1, 2 & 3 in our series). This is even truer if you go with tropical decking boards that originate in the Amazon, such as … [Read more...]

Once you have your decking boards at the job site and you’re ready to install them, it’s time to start doing what you can do to help them look their best (see Parts 1 & 2). This involves two main steps: sanding, acclimation, and cleaning. In this article, we’ll look at the … [Read more...]

In our first article in this series, we began looking at the journey that tropical hardwood decking boards such as Ipe or Cumaru make on their way from the forest to the job site. We mentioned how after they’re felled, sawn, and milled, they’re taken to port and loaded up into … [Read more...]

If you purchase decking boards, you’ll notice that they typically have their pointy corners blunted a bit. They already have their four faces planed as well. The boards may even have a groove already present depending on the type of fastening system you plan to use. All of these … [Read more...]

Of course, unless you’re looking at reclaimed barn wood or other repurposed lumber, your project won’t really have a slice of history in it. Aside from sentimental value, your chosen lumber supplier’s history might not be important to you. But maybe it should be. Maybe it is … [Read more...]

Color change isn’t the only issue that can make Teak a little tricky to work with. Trade embargoes continue to make Teak availability a major issue, and finding the sizes you need and making sure your Teak has been properly dried are important considerations as well. Barriers to … [Read more...]

While the limited availability and rising price point of Ipe can sometimes make it inaccessible or impractical, Ipe is still the best option out there when it comes to tropical decking species. This Brazilian beauty has a lifespan of more than 40 years, adding long-term value and … [Read more...]