As a General Contractor for a major job, shopping for lumber can be an intimidating and very time-consuming process. If you put the necessary time and effort into shopping for a lumber supplier instead, you’ll eliminate wasted time and worry over whether the lumber you select will make the grade. In Part 1, we looked at the importance of finding a supplier with a proven reputation and an extensive inventory. Now, we’ll look at a few more qualities you’ll want to consider as you evaluate prospective lumber suppliers.
Reliable Connections and Processes
While there is no substitute for a trustworthy reputation, such history is best complemented by consistent and current quality sources and products. Especially in light of Lacey Act regulations, the necessity of finding a supplier that you can trust to reliably provide legally sourced lumber cannot be overstated
At J. Gibson McIlvain, not only do we covet our centuries-long reputation for quality, but we also depend on longstanding relationships with lumber mills all over the globe that have similarly proven their dependability. Just like you can’t examine and research each board, we can’t do that for all the exotic lumber that we source. That’s why our quality process includes extensive initial research into the mills with which we partner, as well as periodic third-party inspections.
Once boards arrive in our lumber yard, they go through our own intensive process. After being stickered, stacked, and dried, our lumber is hand-sorted and re-graded. Saw marks are then cut away, and lumber is re-stacked and moved under cover to await sale. Once an order is placed, the lumber is again carefully re-graded and selected with the unique specifications of the particular order in view.
Thorough Service
You could probably find four different sources for interior lumber, architectural millwork, decking wood, and plywood — each of which meet the above three criteria. However, when you find a single source for all four categories of lumber needs, you will benefit even more. For one thing, you’ll simplify your materials-sourcing process and save valuable time and energy by placing only one order instead of four. That benefit is intensified when you need to only follow up with and pay a single supplier, and all the lumber for the job will be delivered in a single order. For another thing, you’ll save money on shipping when all your lumber needs are delivered to your job site from a single supplier.
J. Gibson McIlvain can supply all your lumber needs, from decking lumber to architectural mouldings. Our knowledgeable staff can also work with you to determine the best species and products, considering the current pricing and supply issues at play, as well as your own project constraints. You can choose from a variety of species and sizes as well as finishes ranging from rough lumber to even primed or pre-finished boards. We ship anywhere in North America, including Hawaii and the Caribbean.
