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 … [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 … [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. … [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 … [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...]

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...]

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...]