Top exotic African hardwoods for exterior applications. Two of the top exotic hardwoods used for exterior applications are Utile (or Sipo) and Sapele. Both woods hail from Africa and are part of the Meliceae botanical family. Both Utile and Sapele woods are stable and … [Read more...]
Marine Grade Plywood Solutions from Bruynzeel
While we certainly don’t want to be accused of playing favorites, our boat building customers hold a special place in our lumber yard. Truly, these builders amaze us with the level of expertise and craftsmanship which these dedicated professionals bring to the deck. We realize … [Read more...]
Do You Have Concerns About Sapele?
Even if it’s as available, stable, and beautiful as can be, you may be wondering how responsible the harvesting of Sapele is. And that’s a valid concern. Once you understand the fact that buying lumber actually increases its value, you’re still right to be concerned about … [Read more...]
Lumber Thickness and African Hardwoods, Part 2
In Part 1, we explained why African sawmills simply don’t produce 4/4 African hardwoods. Now we’re getting to the part that’s more practical for you as a builder: your options. No matter what you choose, we’re here to make your wishes our reality. But we also believe in making … [Read more...]
Lumber Thickness and African Hardwoods, Part 1
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...]
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...]
Sapele: Great Availability, Stability & Appearance
Sapele Gaining Popularity as Prime Alternative to Genuine Mahogany. As Genuine Mahogany prices continue to climb, Sapele has emerged as the primary alternative species, to date. Why is Sapele beating out both Utile and African Mahogany? It’s somewhat linked to Sapele’s … [Read more...]
Will Sapele Work Well for Your Next Job?
Continually increasing in popularity, Sapele has become a favorite among many builders who were once die-hard proponents of Genuine Mahogany. Ideal for many and varied applications, Sapele is well known as a species used by manufacturers of doors, windows, and siding. Should you … [Read more...]
Lumber Market Issues: North American Size Preferences, Pt 2
If you’re looking for African hardwoods in thicknesses like 4/4, 5/4, 6/4 thicknesses, you’ve probably received some bad news: It’s difficult to source, because it simply doesn’t make sense for African mills to saw those sizes. Ready for some good news? J. Gibson McIlvain has its … [Read more...]
Lumber Market Issues: North American Size Preferences, Pt 1
As a North American lumber supplier, we sell more 4/4 lumber than any other lumber thickness. As African species such as African Mahogany, Sapele, and Utile continue to grow in popularity, we’ve begun to have trouble keeping enough 4/4 thicknesses on hand. What that doesn’t mean … [Read more...]
