Recently the US Department of Commerce approved a 23% Countervailing Duty on hardwood import plywood that is imported from China. This is an effort by the US government to "protect" domestic manufacturers from import products that are subsidized by foreign governments. So import plywood prices have gone up at least by 23%. What no one seems to be talking about is the response from the domestic … [Read more...] about Import Plywood Prices Increase
J Gibson McIlvain News Blog
Welcome to our blog where we aim to inform about all things hardwood, plywood, and millwork. As importers of record we will throw in some import and regulation information as well and give you a peek behind the curtain of the lumber industry. Much of the content here is inspired by questions from our customers so feel free to drop us a line and ask a question. If we don't already have an article about it on our site, we may just write one in the future to address it.
Tips for Buying Spanish Cedar
In my Spanish Cedar Regulation article the case was made that the Spanish Cedar market has permanently changed and lower availability is the new normal. Spanish Cedar is still trickling out of South America but it is also now being grown on plantations in Africa. While still technically the same genus and couple of species, Cedrela odorata, fissilis, huberi, the quality and properties are not … [Read more...] about Tips for Buying Spanish Cedar
Spanish Cedar Is Regulated Out of Fashion
Update 9/19/20: Spanish Cedar Plywood Added to CITES Appendix II Long anticipated due to the ongoing shortage and regulation of Spanish Cedar lumber, now the manufactured Spanish Cedar plywood has been added to CITES appendix II. Up until now the distribution of manufacture of the plywood allowed for face veneers to be sourced from both Souther American Spanish Cedar, but also African sourced, … [Read more...] about Spanish Cedar Is Regulated Out of Fashion
Are We Overbuilding Our Boardwalks?
The mad scramble to rebuild the east coast boardwalks after Hurricane Sandy has begun. As usual, many municipalities dragged their feet during the winter, and with tourist season looming just a few months away, our phones are ringing off the hook with people looking for 2x4 and 2x6 Ipe for a boardwalk somewhere along the Atlantic coast. Ipe suppliers such as J. Gibson McIlvain and many of our … [Read more...] about Are We Overbuilding Our Boardwalks?
Custom Plywood for Architectural Millwork
Over the years we have supplied lumber and plywood to many companies working on some amazing millwork installations. Sometimes we just supply the materials, other times we run the millwork whether it be flooring, paneling, or moulding. Many times it just comes down to plywood for the panels. We pride ourselves on the quality of the plywood we sell and these high standards lead to a lot of … [Read more...] about Custom Plywood for Architectural Millwork
Lumber is the Ultimate Green Building Material
Green building and sustainability are some of the most popular concepts in the design and construction business these days. It is rare to find any new construction without some specification for LEEDS rating or at least a concern about building a green structure. New products enter the market every day claiming to be the next best thing for environmentally aware construction. In reality the … [Read more...] about Lumber is the Ultimate Green Building Material
Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Floors Blend Seamlessly into Jatoba Decks
One of the hottest design trends these days is blending the inside living spaces with the outside living space. It is common to see beautiful outdoor rooms that seamlessly dissolve into beautiful landscaping. Many architects are now designing movable glass walls that can open wide and remove any barrier between the inside and outside. This trend has grown so much on the simple principle that … [Read more...] about Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Floors Blend Seamlessly into Jatoba Decks
Shipping Improvements for Caribbean Contractors
J. Gibson McIlvain has been shipping material to the Caribbean for some time now. We service a lot of builders and contractors from the Virgin Islands and Bermuda to the Bahamas and the West Indies. Our large, on the ground inventory of a huge variety of hardwoods, softwoods, and plywoods means we can ship much faster than the island brokers that these customers rely on normally. A nice bonus … [Read more...] about Shipping Improvements for Caribbean Contractors
Give Your Lumber Room to Move
Winter is just around the corner (less than a week according to my calendar), and while many of us are staying indoors to ride out the colder temperatures, armies of builders and contractors are braving the elements in their day to day jobs. Whether the job be renovating a summer home to get it ready for the next beach season, or making needed repairs to keep the cold out in the coming … [Read more...] about Give Your Lumber Room to Move
Plenty of Ipe to Rebuild East Coast Hurricane Damage
I have written in the past about the difficulties that come with buying Ipe, due to distinct seasons created by the rainy season. Additionally, there is global competition for the resource, and we have had to get more and more savvy about when we buy and how to extend our buying season in order to take best advantage of sizes that quickly become scarce. This year the playing field was set, as it … [Read more...] about Plenty of Ipe to Rebuild East Coast Hurricane Damage
Do I Need Air Dried or Kiln Dried Ipe Decking?
There is no question that the primary use for Ipe is as a decking material. As a decking product, Ipe is surfaced on 4 sides (S4S) and eased on 4 edges (E4E) which prevents splintering and sharp edges in this very, very hard wood. Depending on how our clients choose to install the Ipe decking, we may have to rout a groove for clip fasteners, but at most, that is all we are doing to the wood … [Read more...] about Do I Need Air Dried or Kiln Dried Ipe Decking?
Inland vs Coastal Cedar
Western Red Cedar is one of the most popular exterior species in use in North America these days. The lower cost, rot and insect resistant, and easy availability in all sizes, including large timbers, makes it an obvious choice for projects from decks to pergolas, siding, flooring, ceilings, and paneling. Like all softwoods, there is a standard grading system in place to designate how clear a … [Read more...] about Inland vs Coastal Cedar
Lacey Act Compliance Becomes a Little Less Cloudy
It has been more than a year since we wrote about the Lacey Act. What then was something not many people had heard about, let alone understood, has now become front page news since the seizure of material from Gibson Guitars. With 60% of our business in importing exotic hardwoods, we were riveted to the details of this case and wondered how the vaguely worded legislation would be enforced. The … [Read more...] about Lacey Act Compliance Becomes a Little Less Cloudy
Bruynzeel Marine Grade Plywood
We have carried Bruynzeel plywood for a while now and our boat building customers have always been very pleased with the high quality of the product. With 100% weather resistant plies and BS 1088 certification, you cannot ask for a panel more perfectly suited to boat building. The exciting news is that J. Gibson McIlvain is now an exclusive North American distributor of Bruynzeel plywood and we … [Read more...] about Bruynzeel Marine Grade Plywood
The Lumber Industry is Poised on the Cusp of a Market Change
Recently I wrote about the shortage of African Mahogany and how the plummeting market price has essentially killed the lumber mills that harvest it and now there isn't enough supply to meet the demand. Unfortunately it is a growing trend not unique to the lumber industry and I made a passing comment about North America's penchant for this price reduction frenzy. Lumber and many other raw … [Read more...] about The Lumber Industry is Poised on the Cusp of a Market Change
Tru-Dry Radio Frequency Dried Timbers
It has long been established that the only way to dry lumber is slowly with long heat up and cool down times. The maximum temperature and the rate of heating and cooling will vary from species to species. In fact, specific schedules have been published to guide kiln operators, but many kilns have their own practices which they follow, hard won through years of experience. Mixing species is a … [Read more...] about Tru-Dry Radio Frequency Dried Timbers
African Mahogany Shortage is Indicative of a Larger Global Issue
Before anyone gets too excited, there is not a shortage of African Mahogany (Khaya spp) due to over harvesting. There is still plenty in the forests and the species is not endangered at all. The shortage comes from a lack of people harvesting, sawing, and seasoning it. If you read my article about Poplar price increases then this article may give you some deja vu. In the last few weeks and … [Read more...] about African Mahogany Shortage is Indicative of a Larger Global Issue
The Recession Hits Poplar
Poplar is a great utility species and probably one of the best hardwoods when you want a painted finish. It mills really easily, comes in all kinds of widths and lengths, and is dirt cheap. Or is it? It seems that the species that everyone want to use to save money is climbing in price pretty rapidly to the point where we have to question whether it is the economy wood to use anymore. Since the … [Read more...] about The Recession Hits Poplar
The Slippery Slope of Grading Adjustments
I'm knocking on wood as I say this but it does seem that business is picking up and this recession may be waning. However there are some alarming things happening in the building trade that we see as a supplier of everything from plywood to rough lumber. Manufactured and engineered products like moulding and plywood prices seemed to have stalled over the last 5-8 years while hardwoods and … [Read more...] about The Slippery Slope of Grading Adjustments
Plus Sized Decking
In the decking market there are generally 2 thicknesses available for the decking boards: 1" and 5/4. The nominal sizes are 3/4" and 1" respectively. The idea here is that the thicker cut boards are more stable and best used in climates "adverse" to wood. Extreme dry or wet climates and harsh day/night temperature swings puts your decking to the test so the extra thickness can ameliorate this … [Read more...] about Plus Sized Decking
Vision Tally System
In the past year we have upgraded our inventory software and hardware, added new lumber storage, and added new trucks to our fleet. This week we are taking another exciting step forward that will not only make us more efficient but it will ensure greater line of sight into our inventory and be able to increase the accuracy of our shipments outbound to you, our customers. This week with a new … [Read more...] about Vision Tally System
Millwork Quality Control
Starting with top quality lumber and carefully choosing colors is only the beginning when making mouldings and millwork. Even the most choice piece of Mahogany can be ruined if your moulders and planers aren't making quality cuts. Details like blades, feed rate, and board support all work together to make a beautiful cut or a terrible one. Millwork installations place the wood in highly visible … [Read more...] about Millwork Quality Control
Afromosia Wood is Gaining in Popularity
Popularity of wood species comes and goes just like architecture and fashion styles. In fact, these elements usually feed each other. As styles change, materials and industries shift to meet the demand for raw materials. Over the last few years we have seen a growing demand for Teak beyond the boat building industry. Minimalist Asian and Scandinavian influenced interior designs are using Teak … [Read more...] about Afromosia Wood is Gaining in Popularity
Ipe Siding As Rainscreen Cladding
While not a new idea, it is becoming more and more common to see tropical decking and exterior wood species climbing the walls and becoming rainscreen siding. And why not? These weather resistant woods that we trust for our decks will do an even better job of cladding our homes, acting as a rainscreen siding to lock out the moisture and making them beautiful. It seems like a perfect … [Read more...] about Ipe Siding As Rainscreen Cladding
Vague Plywood Grading Leads to Pricing Confusion
What are you paying for plywood? Ask this question to 10 different people and you will get 10 different answers. You will also find that those 10 people have 10 different products even though they are calling them the same thing. The issue is that plywood grades are just not simple and leave a lot of room for interpretation. This means you can have 2 sheets of plywood with the same grade and … [Read more...] about Vague Plywood Grading Leads to Pricing Confusion
Paint Grade Material
For most of us when you think of painting wood you think of Poplar. This is probably the best species around for taking paint well with it's good base color and close pores. Very little if any priming is necessary and the paint flows smoothly across the surface. Plus you just can't beat the price of Poplar! This is great for interior work but once you head outside Poplar doesn't do so well. … [Read more...] about Paint Grade Material
Lumber Sustainability and Stewardship
Whenever someone learns that I work for a lumber company I am often greeted with questions about where our lumber comes from or how we are coping with waning supply. The general perception is that loggers clear cut every tree in the last 200 years and there are so few trees left that how could an industry such as ours continue to operate. Whether this is because of an exhausted supply or in good … [Read more...] about Lumber Sustainability and Stewardship
Teak Specifications are Different from Other Wood Species
Lumber users have come to expect certain general specifications from their wood such as commonly available lengths and widths. However when talking about Teak those specifications play by their own rules. The reality is that is not so much the tree's natural limitations but the market driven price point that effects how Teak is available. Between sheer distance from forest to lumber yard and … [Read more...] about Teak Specifications are Different from Other Wood Species
Choosing the Best Wood: A Special Customer Request
One of our core value adds here at J. Gibson McIlvain is that we know a LOT about wood. Every day we help our customers pick the best species for their project and advise on care, installation, and maintenance. Recently it seems one of our would- be customers decided to test us to see how good we really are. It was a few weeks ago when one of the jolliest people you have ever heard called in. He … [Read more...] about Choosing the Best Wood: A Special Customer Request
Why J Gibson McIlvain
Over the last 6-8 months I have spoken with many of our customers and our sales staff in an effort to understand our place in the market and why people buy from us. The stories and feedback I got were powerful and helped to crystallize some points that have been running around my head for several months relating to why someone should use J Gibson McIlvain as their wood supplier. In every … [Read more...] about Why J Gibson McIlvain
What Story Does Your Lumber Tell?
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and we are thankful for many things at J. Gibson McIlvain. It is a blessing to be surrounded by so much beautiful wood and to be able to work with so many customers who are passionate about what they do. Whether it be boats, homes, or furniture we are all bound together by the medium we work with: wood. So thank you to all our suppliers, partners, and certainly our … [Read more...] about What Story Does Your Lumber Tell?
Sapele Wood is the Cream of the African Mahogany Market
Easily one of the most popular hardwoods in our inventory in the last year has been Sapele. Each day we get requests for quotes and the Sapele species page on this site is one of the most clicked on. In my opinion all of this attention is justified as Sapele is an outstanding African species that is only gaining in popularity because of it's ease of use in so many applications. Sapele has long … [Read more...] about Sapele Wood is the Cream of the African Mahogany Market
Value Engineering Millwork and Mouldings
I'm decidedly biased in this statement but I'll say it anyway. Wood is beautiful. Natural wood mouldings make an incredible statement in any home. I think many will agree with me as we are seeing an increase in millwork jobs and the design styles in vogue are starting to feature more natural wood. The issue however is that for several decades the growth of composite and engineered materials … [Read more...] about Value Engineering Millwork and Mouldings
Fijian Mahogany Alternate to Genuine Mahogany
OK I admit maybe the title of this post is a bit much but there has been a lot written on this blog in the past about finding good alternatives for difficult to obtain and expensive species. Mahogany is often the subject of this search. Since being listed as a CITES protected species, Mahogany availability and price has become an issue. Additionally, the reputation (whether true or not) of … [Read more...] about Fijian Mahogany Alternate to Genuine Mahogany
LEED Insists on FSC Lumber and Nets the Opposite
In the construction trade whether commercial or residential, luxury tropical resorts, corporate offices, or single family homes every one is seeing green. The green building movement is here to stay and is only gaining in popularity. The Green Building Council's LEED certification program is adding certain legitimacy to these green construction efforts by awarding levels of certification … [Read more...] about LEED Insists on FSC Lumber and Nets the Opposite
Kiln Drying Wood
Wood is an organic and hygroscopic material. Think of it like a bundle of straws. It will take in moisture and expel moisture as the humidity of it's environment changes. The capillary action of the wood takes in the moisture causing the fibers to swell and the wood moves across the grain. It is this essential element of wood that makes working with it so wonderful and at … [Read more...] about Kiln Drying Wood
Ipe Wood Decking Quality Control
We pride ourselves on high standards for quality control. Every stick of lumber we sell has been thoroughly inspected and graded multiple times for stability, appearance, and consistency. In many instances we inspect our lumber with customer specifications in mind to exactly meet the demands of the particular job. Decking products pose a problem however as they are milled and moulded in Brazil … [Read more...] about Ipe Wood Decking Quality Control
Just Because it is FSC Certified Doesn’t Mean It’s Legal Lumber
Much ink has been spilled in the last week on the raids at the Gibson Guitar factory over "illegal" Indian wood. The most startling element is that the wood in question was FSC certified and had all of it's CITES documentation. This begs the question, "Do I need alternate or additional certification to protect myself?" This is something that J. Gibson McIlvain has been looking in to … [Read more...] about Just Because it is FSC Certified Doesn’t Mean It’s Legal Lumber
The Best Decking Materials are Odd Lengths
Several weeks ago we wrote about the issue of thinner and odd thickness stock that the US market demands versus the much larger demand for thicker stock in the rest of the world. This week we will take a look at length of Ipe and similar decking products and how buying odd lengths can end up saving the US buyer money. Less Waste Makes the Best Decking Materials Traditionally, the U.S. … [Read more...] about The Best Decking Materials are Odd Lengths
Ipe Clip: Hidden Fasteners vs Deck Screws
Installing a tropical hardwood deck with a species like Ipe or Cumaru is done the same way as your typical pressure treated Pine or even composite deck: Ipe clip and other hidden fasteners or face screwed. Each deck fastener system method has pros and cons. Face screwing is fast and secure but it leaves exposed screw holes that many find unattractive. Hidden fasteners leave an unblemished … [Read more...] about Ipe Clip: Hidden Fasteners vs Deck Screws
