What’s wrong with short boards? The answer may surprise you: Usually even B grade “shorts” actually have fewer flaws than A grade longer boards! So there’s definitely nothing wrong with them! We could make an argument for the fact that there’s something wrong about a grading … [Read more...]
Why Exotic Lumber in 4/4 Thicknesses Can Be Scarce
When it comes to the U.S. lumber market, 4/4 is the most popular thickness by far; however, that same preference is not the case across the global market. As African species such as African Mahogany, Sapele, and Utile have become more popular in the U.S., they’ve run into … [Read more...]
Decking Choices: Plus Size Decking
In the wonderful world of decking two standard thicknesses are sold: 4/4 and 5/4, which end up being close to ¾” and 1” respectively once they’re finished. These thicker boards provide stability, whether the climate is wet or dry, even amid extreme swings in temperature and … [Read more...]
Why Walnut Lumber Deserves a Break, Part 2
An FAS Maple or Oak board will look significantly different from an FAS Walnut board. The former may actually be longer, in addition to having fewer knots and other “defects.” Not only is the term “defect” a bit of a misnomer in the opinion of many wood enthusiasts, but Walnut … [Read more...]
Why Walnut Lumber Deserves a Break, Part 1
Walnut lumber might be considered one of North America’s greatest treasures in the way of natural resources. This deep, chocolate-colored wood is strong and still widely available. At the same time, today’s Walnut isn’t quite what it used to be. Some customers have a hard time … [Read more...]
The Price of Building Green
It probably comes as no surprise to you that lumber is the ultimate green building product! As the green building movement continues to gain momentum, some clarification on exactly what “green building” entails might be helpful. For instance, it might surprise some builders … [Read more...]
Higher Quality Lumber, Lower Prices, No Gimmick
Lumber pricing can be complicated, and sometimes higher prices can be the sign of a healthy market. Of course, none of us wants to sacrifice quality. For those interested in the long-term health of rain forests and the global ecosystem — and the lumber industry, a high quality … [Read more...]
Value Engineering and Beautiful Millwork
As the ultimate green building material, natural wood is far superior to manufactured building materials, such as composite decking. Not only is the lumber industry actually good for the health of rain forests, but natural wood possesses a unique beauty that simply can’t be … [Read more...]
Lumber Color Demystified: That Cherished Cherry Finish
All lumber undergoes color change after it’s milled. A freshly milled board will demonstrate the most significant observable color change in the first few hours or days after it’s cut or planed, but it will also continue to change color over time, and some species of wood will … [Read more...]
Lumber Color Demystified: Getting Even with Teak
Did you know that if you sanded a piece of board that was sawn 200 years ago back to raw wood, the color-change process would begin anew? Several factors influence wood color change, including exposure to the elements and chemical components unique to each lumber species. Many … [Read more...]
