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 exotic and domestic lumber has been used for historical restoration, modern designs, and a variety of high-end architectural projects.
Millwork Distinctions
Because architectural millwork requires a higher grade of lumber than most applications, even a FAS-quality board may not be quite what’s required for long moulding runs. The NHLA’s rating system was originally designed for the furniture industry, so it’s limited in its usefulness for other niches, such as millwork.
With lengths commonly surpassing 12 feet and consistent grain required for smooth milling, J. Gibson McIlvain uses FAS ratings as a starting point in determining the suitability of a board for millwork. Of course, the lumber itself is only part of the equation.
Millwork Quality
Keeping cutting tools sharp and machines running properly provides a good starting point, but quality control surpasses those basic steps. We believe that the key to providing millwork of exceptional quality is the multi-step process we employ.
Starting with our careful selection of lumber suitable for millwork, as lumber enters our yard, our expert staff assists customers in selecting species for each job and laying up moulding profiles for individual applications. We fastidiously aim for the goal of no knife marks at all.
Millwork Variety
From paneling to flooring and decking, chair rails to casings, and bases to crowns, we run a wide variety of moulding types to suit customer needs. Our existing millwork catalog includes 48 pages of designs, but that’s just the starting point.
We prefer to work directly with the architect or project manager in order to make sure that every detail comes together seamlessly. We work hard to accommodate even the most detailed requests and deliver your order to the job site on time, according to your specifications. View our shipping timetable.
Custom Millwork
We can also work from your own custom design, whether its your own original modern style or a restoration piece. We start with your carefully designed blueprint and create a plastic die from which a metal knife is ground. After it’s inspected and re-inspected, we can use that knife to create whatever moulding you’ve ordered, constantly adjusting and sharpening it between moulding runs to ensure optimal precision.
Modern Millwork
Unlike when we started our first mill over a century ago, today’s architectural millwork includes more than hardwood species. Quality hardwood plywood is an increasingly popular choice for paneling, and our customers save by using a supplier that can provide both plywood and solid wood, shipping all their lumber needs together.
Our current millwork operation includes far more advanced machinery than what was around when we first entered the millwork aspect of the lumber industry. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about how we can assist you with your project.
