Even though we gladly carry and sell several other tropical hardwood decking species, Ipe is by far our #1 choice. With a lifespan topping 4 decades, this Brazilian species will outlast your mortgage — and then some — providing the backdrop of family barbecues and more! Whether … [Read more...]
Plywood That Meets Our Standards & Yours
A long-time supplier of premium hardwood and softwood lumber, J. Gibson McIlvain is a still relatively new player in the hardwood plywood market. Our previous hesitancy to enter the market was the fact that the only plywood we could find failed to meet our high standards of … [Read more...]
Getting Straightforward Answers on Pricing in the Lumberyard
Whether you are a home owner building your dream deck or a contractor collecting materials to build someone’s dream home, ultimately, the question always comes down to “what is this going to cost me?” A customer wants to know immediately, up front, how much an order will cost at … [Read more...]
Economic Forces Causing Shortages with Mahogany & Its Alternatives
Genuine Mahogany logs In addition to understanding the distinctions between so-called “Genuine Mahogany” and African Mahogany, being a knowledgeable lumber customer means being aware of the availability and other issues relating to each of those species. As we raise … [Read more...]
The Secret to Finding Premium African Mahogany
When it comes to African Mahogany, there’s a reason many consider it inferior to its South American cousin. African Mahogany is actually just as much part of the Mahogany family as so-called Genuine Mahogany. Despite the misnomer, the clarifying name "Genuine Mahogany" originated … [Read more...]
Ecology, Economy & Tropical Forestry
Thursday, August 16, 2013, President Correa of Ecuador announced a landmark decision to promote oil drilling in the Yasuni National Park, an area carrying the designation of being a ‘strict protected area’ — a rare category, setting it apart from the rest of the Western Amazon … [Read more...]
Top Exotic Hardwoods Imported from South America
At J. Gibson McIlvain, we’re direct importers of exotic hardwoods from across the globe. Many of our most popular species hail from South America, where our specially trained experts visit each lumber mill in person before we begin relationships with them. During their on-site … [Read more...]
Lumber Pricing: Factors To Consider, Part 3
Grade, size, species, season, origination — all these characteristics of lumber contribute to the number you’re quoted when you request a price. Hopefully after the first and second posts in this series, you’re starting to understand why we can’t just come up with a simple price … [Read more...]
Lumber Pricing: Factors To Consider, Part 2
We don’t want lumber pricing to seem like a complete mystery to our customers. Nor can we make it simpler than it is. But we can help you understand the factors that contribute to it. And anytime you want to ask us about specific pricing variations, we welcome your questions and … [Read more...]
Introduction to Tropical Decking Materials, Part 2
Tropical decking materials are a premium choice if you’re interested in constructing an eye-catching, durable, high-end decking project (see Part 1). If you’re thinking about installing a tropical hardwood deck, but you’re not sure you’re able to afford Ipe, the most popular of … [Read more...]
