Not all wholesale lumber dealers are created equal. In fact, there are about as many variations as there are wood product types. With wood products, however, there is one clear distinction: Your project and budget will determine the type of wood you choose. With dealers, though, there is a certain caliber you want, regardless of your aims. Like most responsible citizens, you want to work with wholesale lumber dealers that purchase only quality lumber that has been legally harvested, milled, and traded. At the same time, who has the time to research every single company that’s vying for your business?
One way to achieve assurance without having to do the legwork is to go with a wholesale lumber dealer that has been certified by third-party agencies. Three such bodies that are well-respected throughout the lumber industry are the FSC, the HPVA, and the IWPA. Some outstanding wholesale lumber dealers, such as J. Gibson McIlvain, are members of all three.
1. FSC
Voluntary certification through the Forest Stewardship Council means that a company is adhering to responsible forest management by ensuring that their forest products have been responsibly harvested and legally moved along the entire supply chain. By applying for and achieving FSC certification, companies demonstrate their agreement with FSC’s principles and criteria for responsible forest management. Those criteria include proper treatment of indigenous people, adherence to legal concerns, appropriate management plans, and environmentally forestry practices.
The three core activities of the FSC are Standards Setting, Accreditation Program, and Trademark Assurance. These can be achieved through FSC certification.
2. HPVA
The Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association works in conjunction with the U.S. government in developing and maintaining regulations regarding plant emissions, wood dust, formaldehyde regulations, and hazard communication. (However, note that the HPVA is not a government agency, but, like the other two associations listed, is a third-party body.) The HPVA also provides members with training regarding such regulatory issues. Another benefit to members is access to the HPVA technical staff when issues arise regarding performance, grades, or properties of various products they distribute.
3. IWPA
The International Wood Products Association is a group of companies from across the globe, attaining a high level of quality and environmental achievements. Through its website, a consumer can search for a particular grade or type of wood and see a listing of approved wholesale lumber dealers that meet the given criteria.
By subjecting its wood products and practices to the scrutiny of these three organizations, J. Gibson McIlvain, with locations in Baltimore and Connecticut, is demonstrating an assurance of above-board tendencies as well as a desire to maintain their high level of quality materials. In addition to the certification, lumber dealers receive continued updates and training regarding regulations and environmentally friendly practices.
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