Teak wood has been used for centuries, due to its durability and resistance to rot and decay. In this article, we’ll give an overview regarding Teak, discussing its history, properties, applications, benefits and disadvantages, grading, origin, color variations, drying, installation, sizes, and how to properly care for it. Note: Teak can be purchased by visiting […]
Lumber
Going Beyond Lumber Grades, Part 2
When it comes to lumber dealers filling an order for a particular buyer, specificity is key to customer satisfaction (see Part 1). In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences in how builders perceive lumber grades and what the grading system actually entails. As a dealer, recognizing and explaining these vital distinctions […]
Going Beyond Lumber Grades, Part 1
If you’re a lumber dealer, you’ve probably been involved in countless discussions with builders who are looking for “Grade A” lumber of a certain species. Instead of getting specific about how they actually want the wood they’re ordering to look or perform, these builders, who are pressed for time, expect their suppliers to quickly and […]
What Teak Customers Need To Do in the Wake of the Myanmar Ban
In April 2016, newly elected government officials in Myanmar banned all logging activities for the country. While Teak is a major species affected, other species would be included as well. In addition to a much-needed 10-year ban on logging in the Pegu Yoma region, a 1-year national ban was scheduled to expire this past March […]
Thinking Outside the Trends: Utile as a Mahogany Alternative
Amid questions about Genuine Mahogany’s future, one species that’s an excellent Mahogany alternative deserves a little more attention. Referred to by both the name “Utile” and the name “Sipo,” this African species offers many of the same characteristics as Genuine Mahogany. Since it’s more readily available as well as more affordable than Genuine Mahogany, we […]
Thinking Outside the Trends: Red Balau Decking, Part 2
Red Balau may well be the best kept secret among tropical decking enthusiasts (see Part 1). Not only is it nearly as hard and durable as industry-wide favorites like Ipe and Cumaru, but its appearance is even more consistent! With the same reddish-brown coloring as other tropical decking lumber species, this gem from Indonesia is […]
Thinking Outside the Trends: Red Balau Decking, Part 1
While Red Balau is far from new to the decking market, it’s clearly not as trendy as Ipe or Cumaru. As part of the Shorea genus, Red Balau is related, so to speak, to species such as Meranti and Philippine Mahogany, both of which are commonly used for marine applications and other exterior work. An […]
What You Need To Know About Kiln-Dried Lumber, Part 2
Hopefully Part 1 helped you understand a little more about why it’s not quite enough to request kiln-dried lumber as well as how we ascertain the moisture content of imported lumber. Now it’s time to learn about the rest of our re-drying process. Re-Drying Without Compromising Quality Two major factors in determining the duration of […]
What You Need To Know About Kiln-Dried Lumber, Part 1
Throughout the construction industry, most people know to request kiln-dried lumber. What some may not realize, though, is that there are differences among kiln-dried lumber, depending on its origin. The major factor is the moisture content, and it can make a big difference in the timeline and success of your next job. Understanding Moisture Content […]
Why Walnut Gets Special Treatment, Part 1
With its grading already different from most species, the rising cost of Walnut may seem perplexing, at best, and frustrating (or even infuriating?) at worst. Conventional wisdom says that a tree is a tree is a tree, and the closer its source, the less expensive it should be. Simple, isn’t it? Well, unless you’re a […]