In a recent post, we mentioned the idea that contrary to popular belief, composite decking is not actually more environmentally friendly than tropical hardwood decking. A key factor in understanding this issue is to realize that buying exotic lumber actually benefits the … [Read more...]

There’s no question about it: Plywood pricing and grading can be confusing. The core matters, when it comes to finding quality plywood. It’s not just the materials that comprise the core, but the number of plies and quality of glue that makes a difference. Let’s read between the … [Read more...]

For both environmental reasons and plenty of practical ones, we generally steer away from composite materials. We realize that composite products are gaining popularity, but we just haven’t been comfortable entering that market — until a few years ago. Problems with Most … [Read more...]

If you’re installing a new deck and you’d like it to have a state-of-the-art appearance, you may want to consider hidden deck fasteners. This relatively new method is often used in deck construction for high-end properties. Hidden deck fasteners are normally made from materials … [Read more...]

So you’ve decided to install a new deck. Design plans and measurements are already completed. You’ve done your homework and chosen high-quality, tempered wood. You know which top-notch stain you’re going to use to make the deck aesthetically pleasing. Now, in order for your … [Read more...]

While hardwoods certainly have their place, don’t neglect to use softwoods for appropriate projects! After supplying only hardwoods for centuries, J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber began sourcing quality softwoods just over a decade ago. While the process did require a bit of a learning … [Read more...]

We’ve already looked at Red and White Oak and two types of Maple. Rounding out 5 of the most significant North American hardwood species, we’ll take a look at Poplar and Cherry. Really, these species don’t have much in common besides the fact that they’re both North American … [Read more...]

In continuation of Part 3, we’ll look at the remaining 4 standards that resulted from the U.S. Department of Justice working with Gibson Guitars to create lumber usage policies to reflect “due diligence.” We’re delighted to share, alongside those policies, J. Gibson McIlvain’s … [Read more...]

In addition to clarity from the European Union’s Timber Regulation (EUTR) and its inclusion of guidelines for a Due Diligence System (DDS), an additional document has provided clarification about what comprises “due diligence,” according to the Lacey Act. In response to the … [Read more...]

Clarification regarding “due diligence” for Lacey Act compliance for the U.S. lumber industry has come from an unlikely source: Europe! Because the European Union’s Timber Regulation (EUTR) includes specific guidelines for a compliant Due Diligence System (DDS), it can help … [Read more...]

Be aware that Lacey Act legislation applies to all lumber species, not just those protected by CITES. If the offending party is not in the U.S., the Lacey Act may be unable to hold them accountable; however, if you’re the first player in the U.S., you may be the one … [Read more...]

The great diversity of American forests can be credited to temperate climates, and because of the special conditions that contribute to thriving hardwood forests, most of them grow in the Eastern U.S. Of course, that comes in handy for us here at J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber, since … [Read more...]

North American forests are home to more than 20 unique species, and J. Gibson McIlvain keeps an inventory of the 5 species that make up 75% of domestic hardwoods. Whether you’re looking for hardwoods for flooring, cabinetry, furniture, or millwork, we won’t be surprised if one of … [Read more...]

Don’t let wide plank flooring's current popularity lead you to believe that it’s easy to achieve. Choosing, sourcing, and preparing wide plank lumber for installation is the easy part; the installation itself is pivotal. Because every step along the way to achieving a wide plank … [Read more...]