While conventional wisdom says that the number of plies is the greatest indicator of quality when it comes to plywood, the reality is that there’s much more involved in evaluating plywood quality. Instead, you have to consider the manufacturing process as a whole. While that … [Read more...]

In addition to solid hardwoods and softwoods, J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber proudly carries high-quality plywood. We carry both marine-grade and hardwood plywood for our customers. Why would we carry plywood, when it’s so readily available elsewhere? We carry it as both a convenience … [Read more...]

Once we understand the reality that wood moves, we can appreciate the significance of proper drying. After that, we can see the need for slow and steady air drying that flies in the face of our have-it-now culture. When quality is desired above speed, however, there is no … [Read more...]

Because of the reality of wood movement and the potential problems tied to improperly dried wood, proper drying is an extremely important component in high-quality lumber. At J. Gibson McIlvain, we’re serious about achieving quality, and part of that is taking the time to ensure … [Read more...]

Safety is emphasized throughout the timber and construction industries during the first full week of May each year. Workshop and equipment safety are frequently highlighted during what is known as Woodworker's Safety Week. While workshop and equipment safety are significant … [Read more...]

If you read the first post in this series, you realize that 4/4 lumber is essentially a U.S. product. As a result, most mills around the world saw 8/4 and thicker boards. Adding an extra bump in the road, U.S. window and door manufacturers don’t like using 4/4 or 8/4 lumber. Like … [Read more...]

Like short lumber and odd-length decking, 4/4 lumber is kind of a U.S. thing. It’s definitely the most popular thickness we sell. Other markets are willing to accept a greater variety of widths, so mills outside the U.S. are used to turning out a variety of widths. Because … [Read more...]

J. Gibson McIlvain is a company that specializes in architectural millwork in addition to exotic hardwood lumber. Baseboards, panels, doors, and window casings are examples of woodwork that is normally constructed by lumber mills and delivered to the job site. As you can see … [Read more...]

First, let’s define exactly what we mean when we use the term “short lumber.” Here in the U.S. lumber industry, “short” is used to describe the entire category of boards that fall below the 8-foot length. Most of them are actually longer than 7 feet, and the rest are typically 6 … [Read more...]

Like short lumber is for all imported lumber, odd-length decking is a by-product of exotic decking lumber: It’s here, it’s perfectly good lumber, and most builders are afraid to touch it. Will you dare to be different? Keep reading to find out what’s in it for you, if you … [Read more...]