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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]