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...]

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 … [Read more...]

The unique and somewhat unpredictable nature of wood can seem frustrating, at times, but it’s also what makes it so beautiful and intriguing! When we approach wood color realistically, we can enjoy its natural coloring and learn how to accommodate it. Observing and Slowing Color … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]

Did you know that decking lumber isn’t actually a finished product? Sure, decking boards come to you planed on 4 faces and typically have sharp corners already eased (commonly abbreviated as S4S, E4E). If you’re using a clip system, your boards will also have a groove already … [Read more...]