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Exotic Hardwood

Yasuni, Tropical Lumber, and You

Last updated on November 23, 2015 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

forestNearly two years ago, Rafael Correa, the President of Equador, announced that oil drilling in the Yasuni National Park would commence, despite the historical Yasuni-ITT initiative of 2006. While Correa had agreed to prohibit drilling in the incredibly biodiverse park (which is also home to two tribes that have little-to-no contact with other humans) if enough money were raised, the amount pledged only totaled 10% of the $3.6 billion required. According to Correa, the already impoverished nation simply cannot afford to go without the revenue promised by the oil. In 2014, nearly half of the signatures on a petition to stop the drilling were determined to be invalid, sparking protests across Ecuador.

Whether the Initiative’s failure did, in fact, “deal a body blow to conservation efforts and unleash a tide of oil development,” as a reporter from National Geographic predicted, it has certainly added fuel to the flames of international controversy regarding natural resources and human responsibility.

lumber jackThe Significance of Sustainability

Even if the Yasuni-ITT Initiative had succeeded in raising the funds required by Correa, there was a problem with the so-called solution from the start: It lacked sustainability. Oil, of course, generally lacks that characteristic, which is precisely where the forestry and lumber industries are distinct.

While lumber is, of course, a natural resource, it is also sustainable. Or at least it can be. Unlike the dilemma surrounding oil and other depleting natural resources, the way to increase the value and longevity of trees in tropical rainforests is actually not to stop buying lumber. By contrast, those who do buy imported lumber are actually the ones keeping those forests alive.

The Importance of Income

log mill trucksAs the Yasuni-ITT Initiative taught us, conservation pleas can go only so far: the bottom line is still the bottom line. Unlike the dilemma this presents regarding the oil industry, it’s actually good news for lumber.

As long as a country’s forestry industry remains healthy, it contributes to the GDP, providing revenue and jobs that give them value within the economy.

However, when lumber loses its monetary value, land owners are essentially forced to clear-cut forests and disrupt the entire ecosystem in order to pursue other means of revenue.

As land owners destroy what could have become a long term resource (lumber), they pick the “fruit within reach” (opting typically for cattle ranches and palm oil plantations) and hurt their chances of longer term economic growth.

lumber sawmillThe Reality of Renewal

Because lumber, unlike oil, is entirely renewable, today’s forestry management plans help ensure that those resources will not be depleted. By combining strategies for quality and yield increase with active replanting, property owners are able to do more than retain original value — they can see it increase!

For those who truly care about the environment, the beauty of wood lies beyond its aesthetics and resides chiefly in its renewable nature and quality contribution to the global ecosystem. Because of lumber’s unique renewable nature, it can both support local economies and contribute positively to our global health.

The bottom line is this: When you buy tropical lumber, everybody wins.

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

Picking lumber at J Gibson McIlvain
Picking lumber at J Gibson McIlvain

Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.

As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.

Contact a representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling (800) 638-9100.

Filed Under: Exotic Hardwood, Lumber

Top Three Exotic Hardwoods From Africa

Last updated on September 25, 2013 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

At J. Gibson McIlvain, we import many tropical lumber species, many of which come from Africa. We are serious about quality, though, so before we form a relationship with a new source, our highly trained experts visit the lumber mill personally. During those initial visits, we check for sustainability efforts, continuous supply, and premium quality. We also complete thorough research to ensure legal and responsible harvesting and check the paper trail to help guarantee an untainted supply chain. By exercising this kind of caution before we form relationships, we are able to promise our customers that the African lumber they purchase from J. Gibson McIlvain is absolutely the best wood that Africa has to offer. In addition to Ipe, currently our top African seller, we also carry a wide assortment of Sapele, African Mahogany, and Utile.

Sapele

Sapele is in the same genus as Utile and the same family as Mahogany. This African beauty has a unique appearance, consisting of interlocking grain patterns that give the appearance of light and dark ribbon stripes weaving throughout the board. Usually quartersawn to highlight its attractive grain patterns, Sapele is commonly used for plywood veneer. Also often used for doors, this stable species works well for many exterior applications.

Because of Sapele’s consistent appearance, flatsawn Sapele takes moulded edging well; at the same time, quartersawn Sapele boasts increased stability. On the soft side for a hardwood, Sapele is gentle on tools, a characteristic that most woodworkers find quite positive. The fine dust that Sapele produces, though, can sometimes cause skin irritation and respiratory problems if proper precautions are not taken. Harder than Mahogany, Sapele tends to cost approximately half the price of Genuine Mahogany and less than Utile (a lumber that will be discussed below).

African Mahogany

Often compared to Genuine Mahogany from South America, African Mahogany is truly part of the Mahogany, or Khaya, family. The coloring is similar to the South American variety, a pale reddish brown,and the straight, interlocking grain and hardness of this lumber make it attractive on several levels. The variegated dark and light bands of color makes for an uncommon beauty, and the highest quality specimens machine and finish beautifully.

Well-suited to exterior applications, African Mahogany is commonly used for doors and windows and takes stain and paint quite well. Similar in stability to Genuine Mahogany, African Mahogany is much less expensive but similarly impressive.

Utile

Also referred to as “Sipo,” Utile is another African hardwood species often used as an alternative to Genuine Mahogany. Even more similar to the South American species than African Mahogany, Utile’s interlocking grain gives it the highly coveted appearance of tropical hardwood. Even though its light and dark bands lack the intense contrast of African Mahogany, Utile is easier to work with and has less of a tendency for tearout, making it preferable in many circles. With a hardness between that of African and Genuine Mahogany, Utile is increasingly plentiful due to responsible forestry practices.

The wide variability in terms of quality means that lumber mills must be careful when sourcing Utile, though, and because of this, J. Gibson McIlvain has spent much time carefully researching the import regions and lumber mills most likely to produce the best examples of Utile. Exterior uses, cabinetry, and millwork are common end uses for this prized tropical hardwood species.

One of the nation’s oldest and most reputable lumber importers and wholesalers, McIlvain Company is your go-t0 supplier for high quality hardwoods, softwoods, plywoods, millwork, and more. For over 200 years, McIlvain has been supplying some of the most discerning customers in America with the lumber they need for their projects, both large and small. And with McIlvain’s extensive inventory, nationwide shipping, and unmatched expertise, it’s no wonder they’re one of the nation’s top suppliers of high quality lumber. For more information on what makes McIlvain an industry leader or to request a free quote on your order, click here to visit our website. And for insider tips and woodworking tricks, check out these selections from our lumber blog:

  • Why Choose McIlvain?
  • Choosing the Right Plywood for the Job
  • The Lumber Drying Process

Filed Under: African Mahogany, Exotic Hardwood, Sapele

Unusual Hardwoods Available For Wholesale

Last updated on July 31, 2012 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

Looking for exotic hardwood to make a statement in your next project? Most wholesalers do not carry a large variety, meaning their selection might not meet your needs. McIlvain Company, on the other hand, has a vast inventory available and relationships around the globe to obtain exotic hardwoods for specialty projects.

Here is a snapshot of hardwoods J. Gibson McIlvain has in stock for wholesale. Inquiries about hardwoods not mentioned below are always welcome, as McIlvain is confident that with the right amount of time, they can supply the wood you need.

Zebrawood

Striking patterns belong to the Zebrawood alone. This unique hardwood, hailing from Central Africa, is heavy and coarse in texture, and its uses vary from furniture to musical instruments and gun or car accents. The alternating light and dark pattern is akin to the stripes of the zebra, hence its name, and quarter-sawing amplifies this dramatic patterning.

This is a difficult wood to work with, but when used correctly by skilled craftsmen, the beautiful Zebrawood is worth the trouble.

Purpleheart

Looking for vibrant color without the mess of staining? Purpleheart lumber is perfect for furniture, millwork, boats and decking. This straight-grained hard wood comes from Central and South America tropical regions. The heartwood is vibrant purple, which deepens into a rich purple-brown when exposed to the sun.

Purpleheart lumber displays great strength and stiffness, qualities that can make it difficult to work with. The hardness of the wood is also a concern, but this wood is also very resistance to decay or acid, ensuring a strong exterior structure. With patience and knowledge, this hardwood could be the right choice for your next project.

Tigerwood

For one of the most unique lumber patterns, turn to the Brazilian Tigerwood. The reddish-orange background and black stripes resemble the pelt of a Bengal tiger, and this dramatic pattern adds luxury and interest to any project.

The hardness and decay resistance of this hardwood make it excellent for decking, and movement in this wood is minimal because of its density. This natural resistance to movement and warping translates into durability for any surface. In addition, the strength in this hardwood helps it remain smooth and splinter-free.

A Tigerwood deck will weather naturally without a sealant or stain. Sun exposure will gradually lighten the vibrant colors, but this process can be slowed with oil.

Ordering any of the aforementioned hardwoods wholesale from J. Gibson McIlvain will guarantee that your lumber is excellent quality and has been harvested u sing eco-friendly forestry practices. McIlvain is able to offer such unique selection because of their vast knowledge and connections in the lumber community. Trusted by professionals and new comers alike for over 200 years, McIlvain is the best choice for your hardwood selection. To learn more about McIlvain and the lumber industry, visit them online today.

Filed Under: Exotic Hardwood

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