Examining the factors which affect how much you pay for your lumber. In your lumber-shopping expeditions, you may experience frustration over what seems to be random pricing. Here at J. Gibson McIlvain Lumber, we believe that an educated customer is a strong customer, and we … [Read more...]
Understanding Factors Affecting Lumber Pricing, Part 1
Examining the many variables which affect the cost of lumber. You know the feeling, down deep in the pit of your stomach. The suspicion — or even conviction — that you’ve been had. It brings back all those other sinking-feelings-in-the-pit-of-your-stomach moments, like being … [Read more...]
Precision Millwork at J. Gibson McIlvain
Millwork: A process involving adjustments and quality control measures. Even though you may have spent days, even weeks, choosing the perfect quality lumber and perfect color for your millwork project, you can quickly become dismayed when milling the wood and noticing … [Read more...]
Supplying Luthiers with Premium Quality Wood
Among the many skilled craftsmen and types of businesses to whom J. Gibson McIlvain supplies lumber, luthiers may be the most unique. Not only do guitars require a particular caliber of lumber, but they also necessitate lumber with a specific appearance as well as a specific … [Read more...]
Hardwood Lumber Grading, Part 2
Distinguishing wood with defects from defect free clear lumber. In spite of the apparent imperfections and limitations in the NHLA grading system, it serves the industry by providing a standard starting point from which conversations and negotiations between buyer and … [Read more...]
Hardwood Lumber Grading, Part 1
Examining some of the most common grades of hardwood lumber. The grading standard established by the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) has been in place since 1898. While the hardwood lumber industry has undergone many changes, the same basic standards set over a … [Read more...]
Need Custom Plywood? No Problem!
Plywood with high quality cores & customized veneers in exotic woods. As a purveyor of fine lumber, J. Gibson McIlvain gets its fair share of custom requests. From millwork and moulding to flooring and paneling, we provide high-quality materials for many intriguing … [Read more...]
All About Plywood, Part 3
As confusing as grading and lumber pricing can be for hardwood lumber, navigating the plywood market can cause even more frustration. While we all wish it were simpler than it is, in Part 1 we debunked the concept that you can determine the level of quality simply by counting … [Read more...]
All About Plywood, Part 2
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...]
All About Plywood, Part 1
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...]
Why Lumber Is Slowly Dried in a Kiln
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...]
The Importance of Slow & Steady Air Drying for Lumber
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...]
Keeping Safety a Priority in the Lumber Yard
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...]
The Wonder of Lumber: What’s the Deal with Shortages of 4/4 Lumber? (Cont)
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...]
The Wonder of Lumber: What’s the Deal with Shortages of 4/4 Lumber?
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...]
