If you read Part 1, you understand the relationship between the lumber industry, the value of rain forests, and land owners’ decision-making process. While it is true that the lumber industry helps rain forests continue to thrive by giving them continued value, it’s also true that the industry hasn’t always been kind to the forests […]
Lumber
The Lumber Industry That’s Good for Rainforests, Part 1
While it is true that the lumber industry is what gives wood value and promotes proper protection of trees and forests, it is also true that not all lumber practices are equally beneficial to rainforests and the species that comprise them. While logging bans are almost always counterproductive for the forests, most governmental intervention works […]
Swells, Cups and Warps! Oh My!
The ability of wood to adapt to climate change is one of its more admirable qualities. Understanding this quality is essential to a sturdy lasting structure. Every species of wood will move differently and every cut of wood will move on its own. These movements are predictable and controllable if not altogether preventable. Wood is […]
Appreciating Lumber Market Fluctuations, Part 2: The Good News
After reading Part 1 of this series, you may think the future of the lumber industry is looking pretty bleak. The only good news presented there was lower prices, so the idea of buying up all the lumber you can now before prices spike may seem like a good idea. At J. Gibson McIlvain (website), […]
Appreciating Lumber Market Fluctuations, Part 1: The Bad News
While the North American quest for reduced prices is certainly not limited to the lumber industry, at J. Gibson McIlvain, that’s where we live. Our perspective is probably quite different from that of our customers: When see various exotic lumber prices plummet, we know it’s really not good news. By contrast, when we see them […]
Alarming Trend in Wood Product Grading
As the recession has had an impact on the wood working industry, the professionals at J. Gibson McIlvain (mcilvain.com) have seen a very alarming trend in the building trade among lumber suppliers. In the last several years, the price for manufactured and engineered products has stayed roughly the same, while the price for the woods […]
Terms for Lumber Grading
When it comes to understanding the NHLA grading standards for hardwoods, it’s helpful to understand a few key terms and exactly what they mean in regards to these specific standards. While the guidelines help standardize the wholesale lumber industry and help determine pricing, many woodworkers and craftsmen don’t completely understand the basis for the system. […]