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...]
Can You Prevent Cracks in Large Timbers?
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...]
Understanding the Organic, Ever-Moving Nature of Wood
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...]
Climbing Walnut Prices, Part 2
As you begin to understand why Walnut is graded differently than other domestic species, you may wonder about how different the grading requirements really are and how to think about and order Walnut, as a result. Grading Specifications To compare typical FAS standards to the downgraded standards … [Read more...]
How to Properly Prepare & Maintain Tropical Hardwood Decking, Part 2
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...]
Lumber Grading Anomalies: Ebony, Guitars, and B Grade
President of Taylor Guitars, Bob Taylor, used a YouTube video to make a surprising but strong statement about the North American penchant for buying only A Grade lumber: It’s unnecessary and wasteful. Why does his opinion matter? Well, it might not, except when we’re talking about Ebony. Why? … [Read more...]
Constantly Shifting Grading Standards for Plywood and Millwork, Pt 2
One of the key characteristics that sets J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber apart from the competition is our commitment to quality. Since we’re so passionate about this issue, we’re also passionate about helping our customers understand how grading systems work. In recent years, we’ve noticed a confusing … [Read more...]
Wide Plank Flooring: What You Need To Know Before You Start, Part 3
Wide plank flooring. It’s gorgeous and incredibly in vogue. But it’s also kinda tricky. Don’t worry; we’re not trying to convince you not to do it. We’re just making you are well aware of the potential hurdles so you can avoid them and end up with the amazing wide plank flooring you desire! It … [Read more...]
The U.S. Logging Industry – A Brief History Overview
The logging industry is a traditional industry in the United States, dating back to the nation's formative years. The history of logging in the United States is a fascinating story of economic growth, technological innovation, and environmental awareness. In this short article, we'll look at a brief … [Read more...]
Wide Plank Flooring: What You Need To Know Before You Start, Part 2
There’s no doubt about it: wide plank flooring can definitely make an impressive design statement. But it also comes with challenges, starting with the natural limitations of various wood species (see Part 1). After you allow for and plan for those limitations, it’s time to consider the necessary … [Read more...]
Tips & Tricks for Color Matching Lumber – Part Two
When it comes to the color of lumber, there are several different factors to consider (see Part 1). In this article, we’ll go into greater detail about how each of these variables will impact the color of your lumber. Hopefully, this information will help you make the wisest choices when it comes to … [Read more...]
Wide Plank Flooring: What You Need To Know Before You Start, Part 1
Wide plank flooring can be especially attractive - particularly in large, open areas. Commercial as well as residential applications are leaning more and more toward this trend, with many adding reclaimed or rustic flooring into the equation. Like many attractive flooring options, wide plank … [Read more...]
Lumber Grading Anomalies: Changing the Grading Scale for Walnut
In the past, we’ve decried the problems with grading adjustments. Generally, the customer loses out, as do manufacturers that can still source or produce A-grade products. At the same time, poor manufacturing seems to be encouraged. It’s a lose-lose scenario. However, in the case of Walnut, we … [Read more...]
How to Properly Prepare & Maintain Tropical Hardwood Decking, Part 1
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 steps that have been … [Read more...]
Common Specification Mistakes When Choosing Wood (and How to Avoid Them)
Specifying hardwood for an architectural project often seems straightforward. Select an attractive species, choose a grade, identify the dimensions, and move forward with fabrication. In reality, successful wood specification is far more nuanced. Every year, architects, builders, designers, … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 4
- 5
- 6
