Lumber

The saying “less is more” is one that we have all heard. Regardless of whether you believe that assertion to be accurate, it is uncommon for higher-quality lumber to really be less expensive. With regard to thinner boards, we’ve already discussed the reasons why that might be the case (see Parts 1 & 2). But […]

In Part 1, we looked at why thicker boards might occasionally be more accessible than 4/4 boards, which is the thickness typically regarded by the US lumber market as “normal” thickness. But the topic we alluded to in the title – how bigger (or, really, thicker) boards can be cheaper – hasn’t yet been covered. […]

A wonderful approach to helping your customers save money and possibly even receive better-quality lumber than you thought your budget would allow is by purchasing short boards. In addition to receiving better value for your money, you’ll also contribute to lowering lumber waste. But even though you already had to think outside the box (or […]

Many people who choose to work with wood do so because of the natural beauty of this organic material. It comes in a variety of different hues from light yellows to rich reds to deep browns and even purples. Though the natural look of wood is charming, there are some applications where you may desire […]

As prices climb for certain exotic hardwood species and availability becomes scarce or even nonexistent, alternatives to these species begin to grow in popularity. A species of wood known interchangeably within the lumber industry as either “Utile” or “Sipo” has found a growing market as an alternative to Genuine Mahogany. This Mahogany-like species originates in […]

It has been said that a halftruth is often more dangerous than a lie. That’s because a halftruth is able to deceive more people, since it usually has a grain of truth in it. While it is true that there have been some abuses by irresponsible rogue rainforest logging operations, for the last several decades […]

Lumber importers who deal in exotic hardwoods have often been unfairly painted with a broad brush by environmentalists. They portray us as uncaring ogres who are all too willing to strip the rainforests bare in selfish pursuit of profits. This caricature of our entire industry is far from the truth. In this two-part article series, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]