Did you know that lumber thickness is in many ways a matter of preference and market trends? While the thicknesses you consider “standard” may be difficult to come by in some lumber species, those commonly accepted norms might not be all that important after all. When you’re … [Read more...]
Is Plantation Teak a Viable Alternative to Old Growth Teak?
It's difficult to plan with the future of the Teak market in doubt. Plantation Teak is gaining popularity as a result of the frequent restrictions on timber exports from Myanmar. For as long as we can lawfully import this highly renowned wood, we at J Gibson McIlvain Lumber have … [Read more...]
Lumber Drying, 102
In Lumber Drying 101, we examined the benefits of proper drying as well as pros and cons of kiln drying. Here at J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber, we use a time-tested drying process that leads to optimal lumber stability. Since quality is our main priority, we’re willing to take the … [Read more...]
Lumber Drying, 101
Organic and hygroscopic, wood moves in predictable ways and requires careful drying. Basically performing as a bundle of straws, wood absorbs and releases moisture in its environment through capillary action. As the surrounding moisture level increases, the fibers swell, causing … [Read more...]
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding FEQ Teak Lumber
Teak lumber is an increasingly popular exotic hardwood that's used for everything from indoor furnishings to boat decking. However, not all Teak is created equal. Only FEQ Teak lumber with consistent coloring and grain patterns is purchased by quality lumber specialists like J. … [Read more...]
Exotic Hardwood Lumber from McIlvain
The word "exotic hardwood" has a somewhat ambiguous definition. The vague but widely recognized characterization of "strange woods from afar" falls short of expressing the exotic woods' distinct, high-end appearance and increased density, which distinguishes them from their … [Read more...]
Color-Matching Lumber, Demystified
Are you the type who has to have a very precise color match, like I am? Sometimes I can even get pretty obsessive about it. In our day of Pantone color matching, working with organic products like wood can be a bit frustrating. Like most of life’s disappointments, though, we can … [Read more...]
Sapele: Verifiable & Sustainable
Sapele - A Verifiable & Sustainable Alternative to Genuine Mahogany. In addition to its stability, availability and appearance, Sapele is a highly verifiable, sustainable species — a quality that makes it an excellent alternative to Genuine Mahogany — as well as a great … [Read more...]
Avoiding Installation Issues with Ipe Decking, Part 3
Along with accommodating shifts in moisture levels and the extreme hardness and density associated with tropical decking lumber species, you’ll want to make sure you understand the unique challenges these species pose when it comes to color matching. Even if you have generally … [Read more...]
Avoiding Installation Issues with Ipe Decking, Part 2
Ipe decking is amazing. So are other species of tropical hardwood decking. But that doesn’t mean they don’t come with a few challenges. Some of those are related to moisture content, as we discussed in a previous post. But that’s not the only area in which they can cause … [Read more...]
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