In addition to understanding lumber color change, in general, it can be helpful to understand the unique color-change scenarios of some particular species. Four lumber species stand out as having especially unique color-changing standard properties, varying greatly from their freshly milled color to … [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 realize that we also carry … [Read more...]

We all know how important first impressions are, especially when it comes to creating satisfied customers! So as important as it is to avoid bend or buckle and to smooth rough spots, none of those things will be as obvious as serious as appearance-only issues such as fluctuations in color, ground-in … [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 capillary action and … [Read more...]

After reading our first three articles in this series (see Parts 1, 2 & 3), you may feel ready to give up on color matching your wood. Not so fast! There’s plenty you can do to achieve your desired result of a near-perfect color-matched deck. Find a Reputable Lumber Dealer If you locate a … [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 Ipe or Cumaru. They … [Read more...]

Besides the wood grain itself, several things can impact the color of your lumber (see Parts 1 & 2). These include natural weather phenomena like rain, sunshine, and wind, regional climactic differences. In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways these factors come into play when it comes … [Read more...]

Once you realize what you’re up against (see Part 1), we hope you’re ready to take the steps necessary to convert your decking boards into a finished product. Grain-Related Issues As you work to transform your decking lumber into a finished product, one concern will be dealing with torn grain or … [Read more...]

Many people, even within the lumber industry, had not been too concerned about Lacey Act compliance until the infamous Gibson Guitar case. In 2011, the well known guitar maker’s Tennessee headquarters was raided, under the premise that its Madagascar ebony could have been illegally sourced. 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 first of these three … [Read more...]

How the lumber impacts the environment is definitely an important issue. If you’re a builder or end-use lumber customer in the US, it should be increasingly important to you, too. Combined with CITES regulations, Lacey Act regulations in the US have made everyone in the supply chain increasingly … [Read more...]

Sourcing and milling boards is definitely important, when it comes to wide plank flooring. However, even the most stable, carefully selected and milled boards can produce a sub-par wide plank floor if the installation is botched. Preparing for Long-Term Success Wood movement is a general issue to … [Read more...]

Theoretically, you could dry large timbers and use them in a way that prevents any cracks from occurring. You’d have to dry them in a vacuum kiln and use them indoors and away from direct sunlight. And avoid any jarring sounds or movements near them. And . . . you get the idea. Practically, checking … [Read more...]

Amid all the predictability and uniformity of our manufactured, well-planned society, we’re enjoying a renewed appreciation for the natural beauty and other qualities of organic materials like wood. At the same time, though, we can grow frustrated when those natural resources aren’t as uniform or … [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 cargo containers and … [Read more...]