Cedar is cedar, right? Right? Well, not exactly. Like any species, where the tree grows can often affect the characteristics of the harvested lumber. Knowing the differences can make all the difference in your next project. Western Red Cedar/Coastal Cedar Western Red Cedar has become one of the most popular species used in North America […]
Construction
Stock Hardwood Floors Without Compromising Quality
Since 1995, Rehmeyer Wood Floors have been providing custom wide plank custom flooring throughout the United States and Canada. Each board of our hand-crafted flooring is unique, and each board comes together for a truly one-of-a-kind work of art. Until 2009, the kind of premium wide plank hardwood flooring offered by Rehmeyer was unattainable to […]
Reclaimed Lumber: Durable Beauty with a Poignant Story
Originating in the 1970’s and 1980’s, reclaimed lumber has only grown in popularity, making it a hot trend in the current lumber industry. Increasing in desirability due to concerns for the environment, reclaimed lumber serves many purposes while offering durability, beauty, and a story to tell. Because wood can last for centuries given the proper […]
Ipe: Air Dried, Kiln Dried, or a Combination of Both?
J. Gibson McIlvain Company is one of the largest importers of exotic lumber in the United States. J. Gibson McIlvain ships nationwide. Call them today at (800) 638-9100. Ipe, used primarily for the construction of decks, has built a reputation as the only hardwood option that will last as long as you own your home. […]
Alternatives to Spanish Cedar: Cheaper, Readily Available & Weather Resistant
As many contractors call up their lumber wholesaler and order Spanish Cedar, they expect that like orders before, the wood will have a similar quality and workability; however, many contractors are finding that the wood ends up arriving in sub par quality. Those contractors then have to reject the Spanish Cedar due to its inferior […]
Tung Oil Finish: A Hardwood Flooring Option That Lasts for Years
Installing a hardwood floor is a flooring option that will require little maintenance and can last hundreds of years. So, while deciding what type of hardwood flooring and finishes to install, it is important to think of the future and the maintenance. You want your hardwood flooring to require little attention daily and throughout the […]
The Recession-Plagued Popularity & Pricing of Poplar
Long appreciated as a utility species ideal for projects intended to have a painted finish, Poplar has traditionally been a popular hardwood species available at bargain prices. However, with the Recession and a general movement toward thrift, good old supply-and-demand principles have come into play. With the increased demand for Poplar, the price of this […]
Hand-Distressed Customized Hardwood Flooring by Rehmeyer Floors
Chosen often by customers for its versatility and classic styling, the Old Trail collection of hardwood flooring offered by Rehmeyer Wood Floors in Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, is custom designed by a crew of skilled craftsmen. This one of a kind hardwood flooring is hand distressed using special tools that bring out the natural characteristics of different […]
Will the Government Shutdown Affect Tropical Lumber Sales?
For prime decking species like Ipe, Teak, and Cumaru, it’s just about time for shipping to ensue. Most exotic lumber species originate in the Southern hemisphere, where they have an extensive rainy season which dictates lumber availability and timing. As their rainy season and our summer come to a close, trees are sawn into lumber […]
McIlvain: A Reputation for Quality Hardwood Lumber
As a hardwood lumber supplier, J. Gibson McIlvain is committed to stocking a wide variety of both domestic and exotic hardwoods. We are careful to ensure that each board meets our high standards of both quality and supply-chain integrity, and that they are stored carefully and inspected repeatedly. To help you understand the kind […]
Hurricane Season Is Coming, Is Your Home Ready?
Everyone has heard the buzz about how powerful Hurricane Sandy was and how it impacted the Mid-Atlantic region. What will the next hurricane that hits be like? This hurricane season, expect extremely strong winds and heavy rains to hit your home. That means it’s going to get wet — very wet! Even if your home […]
A Different Type of Wood for Each Season
As the seasons change each year, we are reminded once again of the things that make each season unique. Summer, spring, winter, and fall- each of them have their own special traits that are valued by different individuals for different reasons. The following list, inspired by the vast selection of lumber at McIlvain Company, one […]
Choosing the Correct Flooring for Your Basement
Though basements are the bottom floor of your home, it doesn’t mean that they have to be cold and dingy. Many basements, finished or unfinished, have a concrete floor. Though concrete is strong and durable, it tends to be cold and difficult to maintain. Homeowners are often confused when it comes to adding flooring to […]
McIlvain Lumber: Sustainable, Legal, Affordable
The J. Gibson McIlvain Company has been providing wholesale exotic and domestic lumber to companies throughout the United States since 1798. They even supply wood to the White House! Three descriptions of McIlvain lumber include the following: sustainable, legal and affordable. Sustainable Sustainability begins in the forest. It would be easy to see a stand […]
Winter Savings: Keeping Warm & Saving Money by Insulating Your Basement
While the cooler temperatures that Fall brings are a welcome relief, it is also a reminder that winter is just around the corner. Now is the time to make sure that your home will be able to handle the harshness that winter weather can cause. One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to […]