Spanish Cedar — despite the ironies involved in its name — can provide a stable, exterior lumber option. At the same time, though, there are some difficulties in sourcing high-quality Spanish Cedar. Let’s explore the issues surrounding the sourcing and pricing of today’s Spanish … [Read more...]

Here at J. Gibson McIlvain, we truly believe that knowledge is a good thing. The more informed you are about lumber itself and the way the lumber industry operates — including the many factors that influence grading, prices, etc. — the more effective you’ll be as a builder and a … [Read more...]

Did you know that just because something is common in the U.S. lumber market doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best (or only) option? Like particular lumber thicknesses, it seems that the preference for even-length decking is unique to the U.S. market, presenting a quandary for … [Read more...]

The lumber ordering process needs to be approached as a conversation, rather than a simple transaction. Only then can a lumber supplier like J. Gibson McIlvain ensure that you’ll receive all the lumber you need and no more, making sure to meet your customer’s needs and … [Read more...]

Ipe is an amazing species; no one is debating that. However, if you fail to anticipate potential issues — many of which are directly related to precisely the characteristics like hardness and density that make Ipe such an excellent decking choice — you may be less than pleased … [Read more...]

Sometimes, certain lumber species are faddishly popular for no good reason. Not so with Ipe. This remarkable hardwood decking species is truly second to none. Yet it does come with its unique set of potential problems, particularly during the installation process. Most of these … [Read more...]

There’s no doubt about it — there’s a lot to love about Ipe! But this premium tropical decking species comes with a few extra challenges you’ll want to know about before you install your first Ipe deck. As long as you anticipate these differences that come with working with such … [Read more...]

The lumber industry is unique in many ways. Because we are selling organic materials, no two boards are exactly alike, and so many factors affect a board’s grade and price. Because of those issues, both lumber grading and lumber pricing can be complicated; complexity, however, … [Read more...]

The color change of Cherry isn’t the only one that has mystified many. Teak, Purpleheart, and Mahogany are some other special cases. We’ll look at how those unique species change color later on, but first we’ll consider exactly what contributes to the kind of extreme color change … [Read more...]

While there’s no substitute for good, old fashioned weathering via wind, sun, and water to mature your new exterior wood, did you know that dirt may be the secret force behind achieving the interior wood color you like best? If the famous rich color of antique Cherry furniture … [Read more...]