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 Certified Doesn’t Mean It’s Legal Lumber
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.
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
Is There A Shortage on Thinner Exotic Lumber?
4/4 lumber is probably the most common lumber thickness we sell. Lately it seems that an increase in popularity of African exotic species like Sapele, Utile, and African Mahogany (Khaya) has run into shortages in 4/4 thicknesses. This is in no way an indication that these species have limited supply. In fact getting 8/4 and 12/4 lumber is no problem at all. These African trees are plentiful … [Read more...] about Is There A Shortage on Thinner Exotic Lumber?
A Real Life Lacey Act Example
We have mentioned several times that we often visit our lumber mills around the world to ensure quality and legality. On a recent trip to Peru, our exotic buyer, Caroline McIlvain got a look at some beautiful Genuine Mahogany. She also came face to face with a pack of lumber that we bought but was never exported. This was some time ago so all the details are a little fuzzy, but I thought it … [Read more...] about A Real Life Lacey Act Example
Cost of Ipe Decking Price Study
For many people lumber pricing is a mystery. It varies widely from once supplier to another, one week to the next, and even within the same species. So many variables are in play and questions that have to be asked. Board foot or lineal foot? Widths, Thickness, and Length requirements? Specific grade or grain pattern? Delivery or pickup? Milling or moulding needed? All of these elements … [Read more...] about Cost of Ipe Decking Price Study
The Importer of Record
Over the last 4 weeks, we have talked about the regulations, obstacles, penalties, and relationships required to import lumber. It is a bumpy road from forest to your job site and to wrap up our series on lumber importing and the implications to the buyer and the environment, I wanted to offer a solution that should make all of this a whole lot easier. Buy your lumber from the Importer of … [Read more...] about The Importer of Record
The Lacey Act Holds Everyone Responsible for Legal Lumber
Last week we talked about regulating the tropical forests and international organizations like CITES. These factors are important to consider as the lumber is harvested, processed, and exported to the US. Once that lumber hits our shores, a different kind of regulation, called The Lacey Act, kicks in that is unique to the US. This regulation holds everyone in the supply chain … [Read more...] about The Lacey Act Holds Everyone Responsible for Legal Lumber
CITES and Lumber Import Regulation
Last week we talked about how the lumber import business is actually keeping the rainforests vibrant and well managed. As lumber importers we need to be very aware of how government regulation will change the way we do business. Not only how processes change, but who is responsible, and liable, for what. Navigating this quagmire is our job as the importer of record, but we also want our … [Read more...] about CITES and Lumber Import Regulation
Short Lumber is Undiscovered Gold
In the US lumber industry the term "short" refers to boards shorter than 8 feet longer. For us this means usually 6-7 feet long with the large portion of our stock falling in the 7 and change length. What's interesting is that this is really only a US market term. Americans have become accustomed to thinking that the minimum board length is 8 feet and most request 10-12 foot lengths. Europe is … [Read more...] about Short Lumber is Undiscovered Gold
Wood Dust Toxicity
The first week of May is always Woodworker's Safety Week. Nothing formal, but really the brainchild of woodworking new media savant, Marc Spagnuolo, of The Wood Whisperer. Four years ago, he gathered together as many bloggers he could reach to elevate awareness of safety in woodworking shops everywhere. So this week I want to take a look at a safety issue that is commonly known and heavily … [Read more...] about Wood Dust Toxicity
Ipe Markets Tighten
Importing exotic hardwoods like Ipe to the US market is an in depth process that not only needs to consider federal and foreign government regulations, but also cultural and climatic differences. In many cases we deal with a different hemisphere so while the US enters prime deck building season, much of South America is still in their rainy season. In fact most South American sawmills have been … [Read more...] about Ipe Markets Tighten
Increased Importing Difficulties Plague Spanish Cedar
Spanish Cedar is an excellent exterior grade species that is often viewed as a viable alternate to Genuine Mahogany. In fact the Spanish Cedar is in the same Meliaceae family that Mahogany resides so a case could be made for the similarities. The problem is that importing and sourcing it has become much much harder these days. The introduction of the species into a few new regions is helping, … [Read more...] about Increased Importing Difficulties Plague Spanish Cedar
FAS Downgrading for Walnut Lumber
Many of our customers are surprised by the rising cost of Walnut lumber. "Why is this more expensive than Mahogany!" is something we hear a lot. As a domestic species many think it should be easy to get and at least less expensive than some of the other popular, exotic furniture woods, like Mahogany. While Genuine Mahogany can be tough to source, nature has been kinder to that species than it … [Read more...] about FAS Downgrading for Walnut Lumber
Burmese Teak vs. Plantation Teak
This is a comparison battle that will continued to be waged for some time. J. Gibson McIlvain has decided to supply only authentic Burmese Teak for it's superior golden color and vertical grain that is so highly sought after by yacht builders and the marine industry. We have visited many plantations and have not been happy with the quality of the Teak and the inconsistent coloring. The fast … [Read more...] about Burmese Teak vs. Plantation Teak
Ipe Decking Buying Season in Full Swing
The countries in South America where we buy our Ipe Decking have very specific buying seasons regulated by governmental and environmental controls. This means we are buying all our Ipe lumber for the entire year right now and the yard is filling up fast. We are really excited about the quality of this Ipe and feel confident we will be able to supply all of our customers with the same sizes and … [Read more...] about Ipe Decking Buying Season in Full Swing
