In this series of articles (see Parts 1 & 2), we’ve been explaining some of the reasons why Ipe decking materials can vary so widely in price. We looked at a hypothetical scenario involving a contractor who made a purchase of Ipe decking early in the deck-building season. Because the timing was … [Read more...]
Excellent Alternatives to Mahogany: Utile
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 Sapele may be a more … [Read more...]
Tropical Decking FAQs, Installation 2
Tropical hardwood decking is different from many of the materials builders encounter on a typical deck project. Species such as Ipe, Cumaru, Massaranduba, and Tigerwood are exceptionally dense, durable woods, and some of the characteristics that make them desirable for exterior applications also … [Read more...]
Why Cheap Lumber Costs More in the Long Run
When planning a construction or renovation project, material cost naturally receives a great deal of attention. Lumber prices can vary considerably depending on species, grade, dimensions, drying, sourcing, availability, and the amount of processing that has already been performed. When two options … [Read more...]
We Supply Lumber – and So Much More!
J. Gibson McIlvain has been in the lumber business since 1798, but supplying lumber today involves considerably more than keeping boards in inventory and loading them onto a truck. The customers we serve include builders, architects, manufacturers, millwork companies, boat builders, deck and dock … [Read more...]
How Wood Movement Affects Your Project (and How to Plan for It)
Wood is one of the most beautiful and versatile building materials available. It brings warmth, character, durability, and natural variation that few manufactured materials can truly replicate. But wood also has a characteristic that every architect, builder, contractor, and homeowner must … [Read more...]
Lumber Pricing Explained, Part 5
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 offer a … [Read more...]
Save Money by Buying Short Exotic Lumber Boards
As we’ve discussed when it comes to odd-length decking, there’s another length-related issue which you may find in your best interest to consider: short boards. Used to refer to any board less than 8 feet in length, the term “short” in the lumber industry usually refers to boards that are longer … [Read more...]
Plus-Sized Decking Lumber Produces Waste & Costs More
As we continue to evaluate North American market norms when it comes to lumber size, we’re again looking at the issue of thickness — this time, particularly, as it relates to plus-sized decking. While it measures about 2 mm thicker than standard ¾” thickness, plus-sized decking actually starts out … [Read more...]
Moisture Content in Lumber: Why It Matters More Than You Think
When it comes to choosing high-quality lumber - especially for demanding exterior applications like decking - most people focus on species, grade, or appearance. While those factors are important, there’s another critical variable that often goes overlooked: moisture content. Whether you’re … [Read more...]
Thinner Lumber Requires More Time & Labor and Costs More
Following up on our previous post, we’re going to continue explaining the possible options you have if you prefer North American standard thicknesses. As we’ve explained, the North American penchant for thinner boards is actually unique within the global lumber market. As we continue to explore this … [Read more...]
What Is Ipe Wood? Learn about Brazilian Walnut
Ipe Wood: Commonly known as Ipe, Brazilian Walnut, Lapacho Scientific Name: Handroanthus impetiginosus Ipe wood, often known as Ipe decking (pronounced e-pay), is a stunning but extremely hard exotic wood sourced from Central and South America. Because a large volume of Ipe wood originates in … [Read more...]
What You Need to Know About Marine Grade Plywood, Part 2
The term Marine Grade Plywood isn’t quite as precise as you might think. As we discussed in Part 1, when you request Marine Grade Ply, you should expect your lumber supplier to ask you a few questions about your intended application and exactly what you’re looking for. Depending on the intended … [Read more...]
What You Need To Know About Lumber Ordering Conversations, Part 1
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 one of our customers … [Read more...]
Pay Less When You Choose Wide, Thick Exotic Lumber
Similar to the issue we’ve discussed previously regarding the North American market’s preference for even-length decking, lumber thickness can be an issue where you end up paying more for less overall lumber. And we’re thinking that’s not really what you want to do. If you’ve tried ordering exotic … [Read more...]
Unraveling the Mystery of Ipe Decking Prices, Part 2
Lumber wholesalers sometimes get an unfair reputation for charging prices their customers consider to be too high. As we mentioned in our previous article, that’s because many customers don’t realize how complex a process pricing lumber can be, especially when it comes to imported lumber. Let’s … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 6
- Next Page »
