Plywood is confusing. There, I said it. Especially when it comes to how the sheet of plywood is constructed. You can have 2 panels of identical species and thickness, but is one sheet the same as the other? Is a 3/4 sheet with 12 plies actually better than a 3/4 sheet with 6 plies? As always, the answer is a frustrating and maddening, "maybe." In theory, more plies is better and not because the veneers are cut thinner and their movement is less. Actually, it is because more plies … [Read more...]
How to Prevent Cracks in Your Large Timbers
Easy answer: you can't... That's not entirely true. You could dry the timbers in a vacuum kiln and definitely not use them outside and keep them away from direct sunlight. Probably a good idea to speak in low, soothing tones around those timbers too. I joke, but the reality is that these cracks or checks are just the nature of wood. Checking can be controlled in "regular" sized 4/4 through 8/4 or even 10/4 lumber, because this thinner stuff is easier to dry. But when you get into … [Read more...]
Wood Color Changes Explained
One of the things than can be very difficult when working with wood is the range of colors you find within a single species. What makes it even more difficult is that all woods will change color throughout the process from sawmill to finished project and then years down the road. Wood like all materials fades in the sunlight, but some woods also undergo actual chemical changes that change the color. The one thing you can count on is not to get too attached to a specific color as it is bound to … [Read more...]
The Salk Institute Teak Restoration Project
We are fortunate to get the opportunity to consult on and provide materials for a lot of cool and even historic projects. The Salk Institute in San Diego, designed by renown architect Louis Kahn in 1965, was just such a project. Kahn's creation of concrete with Teak window walls is striking but in recent years that vision has been blemished by the fungi staining and highly weathered appearance of the Teak wood. The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) took charge of this historic restoration … [Read more...]
Walnut Grades Explained
I have written briefly about how Walnut is graded differently from other North American hardwoods, but it seems that customers are still surprised by the apparent lack of quality in Walnut lumber. Usually these inquiries are met with surprise on the part of our grading team, as our graders were quite proud of the quality of Walnut that left our yard. What it really comes down to are two different expectations of what "good quality" Walnut actually is. So let's break it down according to NHLA … [Read more...]
Decking is Not a Finished Product
When you buy decking boards, they are already planed on 4 faces (S4S) and usually have the sharp corners eased (E4E). Depending on whether you are face screwing or using a clip system, there may or may not be a groove routed on the edges. This is a product ready to install right? But is it a finished product? Absolutely not, and this is where many homeowners and even contractors get confused and frustrated. Whether we are talking about Ipe or Cumaru or even Pressure treated Pine or Red … [Read more...]
Color Matching Lumber??
Color is a sticky subject for lumber dealers. More specifically, matching the color of different boards of the same species. Wood is an organic product. Maybe that goes without saying, but in today's engineered product world, it is important to realize that wood is unique. It isn't poured or extruded or dyed or infused or crackle painted (at least I hope not). Every piece you get is different. Sure, it has a general appearance from one species to the next, and I can look at a board and tell … [Read more...]
Teak Supply Pinch May Be Good News for Home Builders
As the log bans and export regulation changes in Myanmar continue to confuse the Teak market, there is a strong positive for home builders who use Teak that could make a lot of previously difficult-to-obtain lumber a lot easier to get. In general, the Teak industry centers around boat builders. These builders have understandably very high standards due to the dollar amount on their products and the extreme conditions that their products are subject to. To satisfy these high quality needs, … [Read more...]
Two Types of Marine Grade Plywood to Solve Many Problems
Our customers build some truly beautiful things. They are an uncompromising bunch that require the finest quality and grade of lumber for their projects. The same holds true for the plywood they use, and this is one of the reasons our Bruynzeel line of marine plywood is so popular. I truly believe there is not a finer made panel out there, and this is one of the reasons we have built out such an extensive product line with both Okoume and Sapele marine panels. This enables us to solve a … [Read more...]
Lumber Grades Tell Only Half the Story
"I need some Teak for an upcoming project." "Great, how much do you need and what kind of specs?" "800 board feet of at least 6" width, and I want it to be A grade stuff." "Okay, we have FEQ, that's First European Quality, Teak and the width isn't a problem; any length spec?" "At least 12 foot lengths." "Okay, great, let me work up a quote, and I'll get you some numbers..." This conversation happens every day between lumber buyer and dealer hundreds of times. The species and … [Read more...]
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