We get why pricing for lumber has a negative reputation. No, we really do. Everyone dislikes feeling as though they are paying more than they should, and it is simple to get skeptical when prices aren't clearly stated or displayed. Well, despite our best efforts, we are unable to … [Read more...]

We understand that wood pricing sometimes appears to be a puzzle that needs some sort of secret code to solve it. Although the various variables that affect lumber pricing are far from straightforward or constant, the typical buyer can understand them with a little advance … [Read more...]

The cost of lumber can be quite a mystery. We are making an effort to explain the mystery and encourage open communication between lumber suppliers and customers, but it is difficult for us to fully explain to customers the many elements that contribute to it. In "Lumber Pricing … [Read more...]

"What will my lumber cost?" is a difficult question to answer but quite a legitimate one to ask. From the perspective of the customer, it appears easy, reasonable, and uncomplicated. But from the perspective of the wood supplier, it's actually quite complicated and necessitates … [Read more...]

In addition to international regulation of tropical forests by international organizations such as CITES, in recent years a new form of regulation has been imposed by the U.S. The Lacey Act is unique in its expectation that anyone along the supply chain can be held accountable … [Read more...]

Sustainability is important for all of those who rely on lumber to make a living; as the optimal renewable resource, responsibly sourced lumber means that both our business and your business can have a future. If environmental concerns arise, we make it our business to look into … [Read more...]

In Part 1, we talked about some questions you can expect to answer as you discuss your next lumber order with your trusted lumber supplier. (And we hope that’s us, by the way!) We’re guessing you’d prefer that ordering lumber for any given project were more straightforward; … [Read more...]

Have you ever stopped to consider the amount of information that’s exchanged as you place an order from your lumber supplier? Maybe you think it’s just small talk or that your lumber supplier is simply nosy. But there’s a reason for all the questions that we typically ask when … [Read more...]

Lumber importing, along with governmental regulations, helps keep the rainforests well-managed and thriving. While dealing with governmental regulations is chiefly an issue for importers of record, lumber customers should also be concerned about how those regulations impact … [Read more...]

Especially in an election year, it’s a bit dangerous to mention politics. Tempers are more likely to flare. But before you start citing indictments against “big government,” please notice that in a future post, we’ll take a look at how government intervention can actually hurt … [Read more...]

Amid frustrations over decreasing quality of Genuine Mahogany and problems with sourcing African Mahogany, new markets for other African species such as Utile have emerged. Here at J. Gibson McIlvain, we’re glad this species is finally getting the attention it deserves. Although … [Read more...]

In Part 1 we made a case for the practical benefits of Sapele, and we’re guessing that you’re starting to appreciate what so many others have begun to see in this premium African hardwood species. Sustainable and Verifiable Many lumber species that quickly rise in … [Read more...]

Genuine Mahogany and African Mahogany are becoming difficult to source these days — especially if you require lumber that’s high quality, reasonably priced, and delivered on time. Partly as a result of the increasingly significant market for an alternative to Mahogany, Sapele has … [Read more...]