As wonderful as Ipe is, there are plenty of reasons to consider alternative hardwood decking species. When Ipe shortages and climbing prices become issues, it’s always helpful to have alternative species to recommend to your customers. Jatoba may not be the most well-known … [Read more...]
Guide to Lesser-Known Species: Jatoba, Part 1
While the popularity of some lumber species seems to be highly motivated by changes in style, the widespread appreciation of Ipe is a bit more understandable. The characteristics of this lumber species make it extremely resilient to the elements and impeccable in its longevity. … [Read more...]
Guide to Exotic Hardwoods: Spanish Cedar, Part 3
More customers for high-quality Spanish Cedar could help create a stronger market for it, generating greater demand and leading to lower prices. In the meantime, though, there are difficulties involved in importing Spanish Cedar. Lower availability and rising prices combine with … [Read more...]
Rethinking Composite Decking Materials for Boardwalks, Part 3
One of the major selling points of composite decking material is that it’s assumed by many people to be better for the environment than wood. However, there are some inconvenient facts that may cast some doubt on this widely-held opinion. In this last installment of a three-part … [Read more...]
When Bigger Is Actually Cheaper, Part 3
We’ve all heard the adage,”less is more.” Well, whether or not you think there’s truth to that statement, it’s definitely rare for more high-quality lumber to actually cost less. We’ve already looked at why that can be the case when it comes to thinner boards (see Parts 1 & … [Read more...]
When Bigger Is Actually Cheaper, Part 2
In Part 1, we looked at why thicker boards can sometimes be more available than 4/4 boards, which the US lumber market considers standard thickness. But we haven’t yet gotten to the part we hinted at in the title — how bigger (or, really, thicker) can be cheaper. But don’t worry … [Read more...]
When Bigger Is Actually Cheaper, Part 1
Buying short boards might be a great way to save your customers money and even secure higher-quality lumber than you thought your budget would allow. In addition to getting more for your money, though, you’ll also help reduce lumber waste. But as much as you had to think outside … [Read more...]
Sustainable Lumber Practices Depend Upon Wise Stewardship, Part 4
In our last article, we started looking at some of the ways everyday people, either at the consumer or supplier end of the lumber industry, could help to keep our forestry practices sustainable both now and in the future. Not only does maintaining healthy forests help protect the … [Read more...]
Sustainable Lumber Practices Depend Upon Wise Stewardship, Part 3
Though the lumber industry has a checkered past marred by corruption and irresponsibility, valiant efforts have been made to better conserve our natural forestry resources for the future. So what should you, whether you’re a contractor, lumber dealer, or consumer, take away from … [Read more...]
Sustainable Lumber Practices Depend Upon Wise Stewardship, Part 2
In our first article in this series, we pointed out the fact that many people have an inaccurate picture of what goes on in today’s lumber industry. Their ideas are, understandably, negatively impacted by the harmful and unsustainable practices of past centuries. It’s important … [Read more...]
