Dispelling the Myth That Lumber Importing is Bad for the Environment
As an importer of record in many exotic species like Genuine Mahogany, Teak, and Ipe; J. Gibson McIlvain is acutely aware of the stigma attached to rainforest wood species and the spectre of global...
View ArticleWait Before Installing Deck Boards
You just bought some decking or flooring (or really any lumber) and one of the first things you hear is that it needs time to acclimate to its new surroundings before installing deck boards. The...
View ArticleOrganic Modern Should be Renamed Wood Design
Organic Modern style is all about clean lines and natural tones. But warmth is necessary. So is light. Actually the interplay of light on warm surfaces might be the better way to define Organic Modern...
View ArticleLumber Prices Explained
How Much Will My Lumber Cost? This question is asked several thousand times a second in the lumber business. Lumber prices cause a great deal of confusion and even anger. No matter whether the customer...
View ArticleBuying Lumber is more than the grade
“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...
View Article2023 Colors of the Year and the Woods that Make them better
When I was younger, I asked my parents if I could paint my room. They urged me to pick a light and unassuming color that I wouldn’t end up hating in a few years. I didn’t like that advice. As an adult,...
View ArticleIntroducing Alpha Wood Cladding
What is Alpha? J. Gibson McIlvain Co. proudly presents our line of branded products called Alpha. Specifically, we are starting with a wood cladding line that highlights superior woods and finishes....
View ArticleThe advantages of factory finished wood
Why factory finish? Because it makes for a better looking and better performing finish. Having your cladding or decking pre finished or factory applied provides so many benefits. Pre finished wood...
View ArticleBest Species for Wood Cladding
On the hunt for the perfect species of wood for exterior cladding? When taking on a large construction project as the architect, builder, or even homeowner, the selection of wood cladding can greatly...
View ArticleWater vs Oil Based Exterior Finishes
Even for an experienced woodworker or finisher, oil-based and water-based finishes can easily feel like two different worlds. Whether you’re a homeowner planning to spruce up your new deck or a...
View ArticleWood Cladding Choice Starts with Species
It seems obvious that choosing a great exterior species is the first and most important step in an exterior project. You’re either setting yourself up for success or immediate failure depending on the...
View ArticleWood Finish Opacity Changes Everything
Grain through the STain If you’re going out of your way to specify solid wood cladding when planning your next project, you really want it to look like wood. Otherwise, what’s the difference between...
View ArticleWood Grain can Make Your siding Unique
Wood grain. Most people have an image that comes to mind immediately when they hear that. But wood grain can actually be a very specific term that refers to how a board has been cut from a log. Flat...
View ArticleWood Texture is the secret sauce of finishing
Wood Texture adds interest On a large-scale project, especially when viewing the final product from afar, texture may not seem to be so important. It’s natural to think that texturing isn’t necessary...
View ArticleCladding Profiles can change finish appearance
The cornerstones of the Alpha brand all work together. Grain and texture affect opacity, species determines grain pattern and texture. Finally opacity can make or break the entire look if “grain...
View Article