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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

Afromosia has a whole host of positive qualities that make it a viable alternative to Teak (see Parts 1 & 2). With the skyrocketing demand for Teak leading to higher and higher prices in recent years, this African hardwood could be the solution for your next home exterior or … [Read more...]

In our first article in this 3 part series, we explained how high demand for Teak due to recent home design fashions has highlighted the need to find a viable Teak alternative. One of the most promising options that have come to the forefront in recent years is Afromosia, a West … [Read more...]

When it comes to the world of home construction, styles tend to come and go at an almost dizzying pace. Just as different models of homes and exterior and interior designs rise and fall in their appeal to consumers, so wood species also tend to wax and wane in their level of … [Read more...]

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...]