We’ve already explored the impact of weeping sap, rot-resistant extractives, and tannins on wood (see Part 1 & 2). In this final article of our series, we’ll take a look at the way oxidizing chromophores affect the appearance of wood. Oxidizing Chromophores can dramatically change the color of lumber boards. Chromophores are molecules located in […]
Construction
How Extractives Impact the Color & Stain of Wood – Part 2
It’s no secret that extractives can play a major part in protecting wood from the elements. Those same extractives can also cause complications when it comes to using the wood in various projects (see Part 1). In this article, we’ll take a look at the effects of two more types of extractives on wood stain […]
How Extractives Impact the Color & Stain of Wood – Part 1
Extractives are chemicals that are present in each species of wood. Their purpose is to help make the wood less susceptible to rotting or getting damaged by the elements. Some extractives, like Maple Syrup and Turpentine, have been harvested and put to good use. Other extractives are purposefully left in the wood in order to […]
The Color of Quality Decks: Addressing Natural Color Variation
Color matching can be a tricky subject when it comes to lumber, in general, and to tropical decking lumber, in particular. To some degree, it boils down to expectations, and we’ll discuss that. But there are also steps you can take in order to achieve a closer color match as you prepare for and install […]
The Color of Quality Decks: Realizing the Beauty of Truly Green Building Products, Part 2
We hope that you’ll agree with us that even more important than the actual color of decking lumber is the fact that it’s a truly green building product! In addition to the lumber industry’s capitalizing on lumber’s renewable nature through responsible replanting practices and contribution to forest health through adding commercial value to forests, the […]
The Color of Quality Decks: Realizing the Beauty of Truly Green Building Products, Part 1
As much as we love the rich reddish brown color of Ipe and the golden beauty of Teak, the true value of tropical hardwood decking lumber is found in a different kind of color consideration: it’s green. As a society that increasingly understands and appreciates both diversity and environmentally responsible practices like using sustainable, renewable […]
Excellent Tropical Hardwood Decking Species: 4 Options You’ll Adore
After our top 3 best-selling tropical hardwood decking species, you still have plenty of lesser-known options that are nearly as fabulous! They’re just not as popular as our front runners. Many boast some of the same prize-winning characteristics, and here at J. Gibson McIlvain, we’re glad to recommend them to you as alternative hardwood decking […]
Better Than Composite Decking: The Real Deal, Part 6
We’ve said it all along: Composite Decking has a big leg up on its competition, Exotic Hardwood Decking, in that it is far more realistic to color match. At the same time, though, it will become bleached over time, and you won’t have the option of refinishing it or replacing any boards that are subjected […]
Better Than Composite Decking: The Real Deal, Part 5
If you’ve had an “out with the old, in with the new” mentality where decking products are concerned, you may want to think again. While Composite Decking products certainly have their benefits (near-perfect color matching, for instance) it’s definitely not the ideal product which some manufacturers would have you believe. In fact, like anything new, […]
Better Than Composite Decking: The Real Deal, Part 4
We started out with Composite Decking in the lead; when it comes to color-matching, manufactured products definitely have a leg up on the competition. Then Exotic Hardwood Decking took the lead as we looked at other issues that specifically relate to safety and longevity: hardness and fire ratings, heat and slip resistance. Add in two […]
Better Than Composite Decking: The Real Deal, Part 3
When it comes to color-matching, Composite Decking wins. However, when we look at arguably more significant issues such as hardness, fire ratings, heat, and slip resistance, Exotic Hardwoods come out on top. So far, we’re looking at Composite Decking with a score of 1 versus Exotic Hardwood Decking with a score of 4. Let’s explore […]
Better Than Composite Decking: The Real Deal, Part 2
When it comes to comparing Composite Decking products with real Exotic Hardwood Decking, it may seem like Composite Decking must be the better choice simply because it’s newer. Well, just like there’s a definite distinction between worthless and priceless, there’s an important distinction between trendy and timeless. Of course, we argue that real, natural lumber […]