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...]

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...]

The first article of this three-part series explored some of the safety hazards associated with using composite decking materials to construct boardwalks. This next installment will explain some of the other structural problems with this type of material that could make it an … [Read more...]

Strolling along boardwalks is a time-honored summer tradition. Over the years, due to natural disasters or general wear and tear, these iconic landmarks sometimes need to be replaced. Environmentalist organizations continue to aggressively promote the use of composite decking … [Read more...]

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...]