Are you starting to understand why lumber suppliers have no choice but to seem like wishy-washy politicians, when asked about lumber pricing? When we say “it depends,” there’s a lot behind our words. From grade and board size to seasonal and geographic issues, Part 1 and Part 2 gave you a glimpse … [Read more...]

Lumber drying is one of the most important factors in achieving high-quality lumber that will perform well during and after installation. In many ways, it’s even more important than species or grade. Air drying is one drying method which we looked at in a previous article. Many people may not … [Read more...]

Hopefully after reading Part 1, you’re starting to realize why lumber suppliers are hesitant to list pricing in a straightforward format. So much goes into determining exactly what your lumber order will cost. In addition to grade and board size, the origin of your lumber plays a major role in the … [Read more...]

I get it, I really do. You ask a simple question like, “How much will my lumber cost,” and you don’t get a simple answer. You grow frustrated, untrusting. After all, most industries indulge your desire for straightforward pricing. Why does the lumber industry take exception to such “normal” pricing … [Read more...]

The idea of outlawing tree-cutting everywhere has a simple moral appeal: protect forests, preserve biodiversity, and lock away carbon. In practice, however, a blanket ban would produce a mix of ecological gains and unintended harms. The outcome would depend heavily on how the ban was written and … [Read more...]

Both consumers and producers are at the mercy of trends. Consumers often feel the need to upgrade or update everything from their technology to their wardrobes, based on current trends. Producers often redesign or rebrand products in order to gain alignment with trends. The lumber industry is no … [Read more...]

Today’s homeowners and business owners care about their carbon footprint and are increasingly concerned with green building and LEEDS ratings. This trend makes environmentally responsible practices increasingly important to builders. As a result, new products are constantly entering the market, each … [Read more...]

The drying process is fairly straightforward, yet many lumber suppliers are willing to cut corners in order to respond to customer demands for less expensive lumber. Improperly dried lumber usually isn’t easy to identify until after installation — and that’s never a good thing. So how can you be … [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 exotic and domestic … [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, we looked primarily … [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 inch to 1/2 inch to … [Read more...]

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 difference in how … [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 comes to a quality … [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 relevant, not just to … [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 preparation and … [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 visual appeal. But … [Read more...]