Now that you know the difference between European and North American kiln-dried lumber standards (see Part 1), it’s up to you to make sure the lumber you buy is appropriate for your particular climate. If you’re working with an African or European species, you’ll want to be … [Read more...]
Is Your Kiln-Dried Lumber Dried to North American or European Standards? Part 1
Most people who deal in lumber and purchase it for their construction projects know the importance of kiln drying. Properly kiln drying lumber can prevent all sorts of problems, such as warping, cracking, and cupping in the future. North American vs. European Moisture … [Read more...]
Buying Tropical Lumber Is Good for the Rainforests
Truth: Buying Tropical Lumber Is Actually Good for the Rainforests. Perhaps no other myth surrounding the lumber industry is as widely held — or as far from the truth. Perhaps it would be true, or could be true, in an imaginary world in which money did grow on trees — except, … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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