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...]
Lumber Pricing: Factors To Consider, Part 1
As a naturally occurring resource, wood defies any hard-and-fast attempts to be put into a box. In our modern age of mass-production and cookie-cutter synthetics, issues such as color matching and species distinctions can be frustrating. But perhaps no issue is as frustrating to … [Read more...]
Why Genuine Mahogany Isn’t What It Used To Be
Genuine Mahogany has long been a favorite of furniture makers and woodworkers in general — and for good reasons, too. Its workability is second-to-none, and after finishing, the color and depth are simply breathtaking. Those aspects of the species have not changed. However, in … [Read more...]
What Lumber Grading Can and Cannot Tell You
When it’s time to place a lumber order, we all know the basics that need to be covered: species, size, and grade. But did you know that those things should just be a starting point for the conversation? If you give any lumber supplier only the basics, and they give you a quote … [Read more...]
Would Utile/Sipo Lumber Be a Good Mahogany Alternative for Your Project?
As popular as Genuine Mahogany remains with many craftsmen, interrelated issues like availability, sustainability , and affordability are making alternative species increasingly important to consider. At J. Gibson McIlvain, we have researched the issue thoroughly and believe that … [Read more...]
Spanish Cedar Is an Easy-To-Work-With Genuine Mahogany Alternative
The furniture and cabinet-making industries have long-term relationships with Genuine Mahogany. Also called Honduran Mahogany, this species boasts unrivaled beauty and workability. At the same time, its reputation has been blighted in recent years, being considered by many to be … [Read more...]
