You know the old adage, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” While we probably all know of DIY projects gone wrong, and we all benefit from being humble enough to ask for help when we need it, we also have our own areas of expertise. Here at J. Gibson McIlvain, we’ve been […]
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Decking Considerations: Ipe Quality Control, Part 1
If there’s one thing J. Gibson McIlvain would love to be known for, it’s quality control. We don’t aim to offer the lowest prices around or the most extensive inventory or even the largest number of species; we do, however, aim to offer the highest quality lumber possible in each of the species and products […]
Decking Considerations: Ipe Installation Tips, Part 2
In Part 1, we examined the potential for Ipe decking lumber to be rough and have the potential for warping, as well as steps that can be taken in order to ensure its stability. Now we’ll look at a couple other potential problems you may encounter when working with Ipe and how you can avoid […]
Decking Considerations: Ipe Installation Tips, Part 1
Ipe, for all its excellent durability and beauty, presents some unusual dilemmas when it comes to installation. For those who don’t realize the potential problems that can come up when working with this extremely hard and dense species, we’d like to help you avoid some not-so-pleasant surprises as you install a new Ipe deck. Our […]
Today’s Trends in Hardwood Flooring
Interior design trend forecasters are noticing that flooring retailers need to realize that flooring is “the stage on which their customers’ décor dreams are realized.” What are those dreams? While they might vary from person to person and from home to home, most people who are planning home renovations want their new flooring to reflect […]
X10 Home Automation Wall Switches: The Decorator Collection
In addition to lamp modules and appliance modules, the X10 Home Automation product line includes a wide variety of automated light switches. In this post, we’ll focus on the three wall switches in our decorator lineup. Decorator Dimmer Switch The WS12A Decorator Dimmer Switch is a simply but elegantly designed wall switch that coordinates with […]
Guide to Decking Installation: Eccentricities of Ipe, Part 2
We’re not just talking about Ipe, here; many of the same points could be made about other tropical decking species, such as Cumaru, Massaranduba, Tigerwood, and others. Like most tropical species, Ipe is extremely dense and hard, creating a unique set of challenges for those who work with them. We looked at a few of […]
Guide to Decking Installation: Eccentricities of Ipe, Part 1
We’ve touched on some of the unique issues that come up as a result of working with Ipe and other extremely hard tropical decking lumber species, before, but it bears repeating — and going into more detail. Getting the Right Cut A lot of decking lumber is quartersawn, in order to accomplish two goals: achieving […]
Rehmeyer Hardwood Floors: A Family-Friendly Option
If you’re a parent, or about to become one, you may see images of perfectly decorated and organized homes and think that hardwood floors are for those people — you know, the ones without kids, or at least without the rugged, messy, all-in brand of kids you have or plan to have. While hardwood floors […]
How You Can Love Forests Better by Buying Lumber
Builders, furniture makers, and even weekend hobby woodworkers all have one thing in common: respect for wood. Unfortunately, a by-product of that respect can easily be fear — fear of buying lumber because of rumors of a waning supply. Isn’t that part of being a responsible citizen and member of the planet? Maybe it seems […]
Teak Wood – Facts about Tectona Grandis Lumber
Teak wood is an exotic hardwood native to Southeast Asia that has been used for centuries for its durable and decorative qualities. It is known for its resistance to rot, decay and insect infestation, as well as its attractive appearance. Teak wood has a range of properties that make it a favorite among woodworkers and […]
Why You Should Ditch the Baby Monitor, Reason #3: Value
While the baby stage may last a year or two longer than a wedding celebration, you’ll likely rue the day you spent so much money — or registered for so many pricey items — you used only a handful of months. Babies really do grow very quickly! We’ve already discussed two reasons you should ditch […]
Why You Should Ditch the Baby Monitor, Reason #2: Quality
Not only are many traditional baby monitors overpriced — the #1 reason to consider an alternative — but often, they also use inferior technology. Inferior to what, you might ask? Inferior to what most of us use for other functions in our lives and throughout our homes. In a day when we use our smartphones […]
All About Meranti – the New Philippine Mahogany
If you’re familiar with the boat building industry, you probably associate Philippine Mahogany with the iconic Chris Craft boats dating back to the 1930s. Of course, the fact that this unusual species works for boats means that it’s more than suitable for other exterior projects, too. Philippine Mahogany works well for exterior applications such as […]
Recommended Bookcase Beds for Kids, Part 3
Bookcase Beds don’t always have a bookshelf or two built into the headboard; sometimes, they offer more traditional bookshelves positioned beneath the bed itself! If you haven’t found the perfect match for your taste and your child’s bedroom quite yet (in our first or second posts), we think these next three options are worth a […]