“God made the Apitong tree just for trailer bed flooring.” And that’s how Overseas Hardwoods Company began! Overseas Hardwoods Company has imported and manufactured hardwood lumber for over 50 years. Now run by the 3rd generation of Robinsons, OHC continues to grow and serve more of our customers’…
Dear Customers, During this unprecedented time, OHC wishes good health and safe keeping to all. We are proud to see Americans coming together with a common goal to combat this virus and thwart its adverse effects on our economy. During past times of war and economic upheaval, Americans…
Dear Customers, Overseas Hardwoods Company (OHC) is closely monitoring the impact and progression ofCOVID-19 (Coronavirus) and are adhering to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as, the World Health Organization (WHO). As always, our primary concern is the health and safety of…
When the homeowners describe the property in which they recently purchased and built their home, the first response from most Marietta locals is “oh, you bought the chicken coop house!” That’s right, the original home on the lot near downtown Marietta Square in Georgia was a converted chicken…
Ipe is a Brazilian Hardwood that is imported for Decking, Siding, and other millwork products. As a natural wood product, there are elements of Ipe and any wood species that you can’t control. There are no guarantees with Ipe. Still, we have inquiries often asking what sort of warranty…
Did you know Ipe comes in different grades? Ipe is known as the pinnacle of hardwood decking materials, but not all Ipe is created equal. Perhaps you have purchased an Ipe deck and the material that showed up looked very different than what you’ve seen in photos. Like any hardwood,…
If you are in the decking industry, you’ve probably heard of Massaranduba. No doubt you’ve run across a supplier, broker or website that promotes Massaranduba as an economical Ipe-alternative. When looking at the technical data, it’s hard not to agree: Ipe and Massaranduba have a similar density and…
Working at TimberTown over the years, a topic that gets brought up by builders and architects regularly is how to achieve the natural patina look of Ipe or other Brazilian Hardwoods from the beginning of a project. Without regular maintenance, it’s inevitable that Ipe will eventually gray out,…
It’s a tall order to come to downtown Austin and try to reproduce the eclectic and artsy design that is beloved by current residents and out-of-towners alike. When planning out its next Hotel, the Mighty Union considered every angle and developed a boutique hotel, restaurant, cafe and event space that has just…
In a business park off of Austin’s Research Blvd., lies this courtyard in Research Park. Home of Charles Schwab and other businesses, the courtyard uses 5,000 sq. ft. of a dense, imported hardwood called Ipe. Supplied by TimberTown Austin and built by Centex Decks, the most prominent deck…
Ever wonder why office buildings have fountains in their mezzanine? Or, why Google and Amazon are building futuristic greenhouses? The answer is more than just fancy job perks, it’s actually scientific. Companies today have a greater understanding of the need for Biophilic design. Biophilia suggests that humans possess…
In the aftermath of the countless wildfires that burned throughout the West this year, new methods of preparation for events like these have come forward. Citizens of the west have begun fireproofing their homes in anticipation of further damage in years to come. Ipe has been mentioned specifically…
What does over 51,000 lineal feet of hardwood siding look like? It looks like the perfect finish to downtown Austin’s latest luxury urban living residence: 1010 W. 10. Situated on, you guessed it, 1010 West 10th St., the 3 story, 14 residence condo was developed by JB Cumby Construction and…
The Gulf Place Revitalization is a project in Gulf Shores, Alabama was designed to improve one of the most prominent locations in Gulf Shores into a more usable area for people to come and enjoy. Amenities will include a public boardwalk on the beachside of the parking areas and…
On Alabama’s Northern shore of the Intracoastal Waterway lies Barber Marina. It is a full-service marina and boatyard on nine acres with 185 wet slips, 400 inside dry storage slips, 20 outside dry storage slips, yacht repair facility, boat and outboard service center, ship store with marine gasoline and…
(Mobile, Ala.) – Overseas Hardwood Company (OHC), an importer and distributor of high-performance, fine hardwoods for the transportation, outdoor living, millwork, and marine industries, has acquired SITCO, a national leader in fine and exotic hardwood importing. “We are excited and honored to join forces with SITCO Lumber….
At OHC, we take pride in providing the very best quality hardwoods. Our high standard is what drives us to pay close attention to the details in every step of our process. We’ve developed a specialized method over the years to machine and mill our hardwood. This process…
During the winter months, it can be easy to neglect deck maintenance. However, the build-up of snow and ice can cause damage if you don’t prepare for winter. We’ve made a helpful list to get your deck ready to brave the cold and look better than ever when…
There’s a reason why we call Burmese Teak the “King” of hardwoods. It is unmatched in almost every aspect of hardwood decking. For 2,000 years, it has been a highly trusted wood product because of its beauty, strength, and workability. Working with this hardwood comes with a high…
Ipe is know as the pinnacle of hardwood decking materials, but not all Ipe is created equal. Perhaps you have purchased an Ipe deck and the material that showed up looked very different than what you’ve seen in photos. Like any hardwood, Ipe is a natural wood product that…
At OHC, we hold ethics and quality to the highest standard. It’s the common thread that runs through every level of our business — from our relationships with suppliers overseas to the final product we offer our clients. This focus on ethics and quality is no different with…
As the Chinese Plywood Tariffs lurk closer, OHC sighs in relief. On September 27, 2012 an unfair trade petition was filed against the United States for importing Hardwood Plywood from China at less than cost. This is known as “dumping.” Most recently on April 30th, 2013, the United States Department of…
In a press release on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 Bob Samford – Director of Economic Development for the City of Lufkin – announced that OHC will be moving into a vacant Lufkin Industries property owned by Baker Hughes/GE and expanding it’s millwork division. Overseas Hardwoods Company (OHC) is…
John Lyons, our new Millwork Products Sales Manager, not only brings a wealth of experience in the lumber industry to his position, but also a deep passion for music and people. Based out of Hammond, Louisiana, Lyons recently started working with OHC in November of 2017. However, he brings…
Before hardwood products ever make it to your deck, house or boat, a decision must first be made on how to cut the lumber. There are three ways that the lumber can be cut: flat sawn, rift sawn, and quarter sawn. Flat Sawn | Rift Sawn | Quarter Sawn Each method makes…
Marine Grade plywood is an incredibly durable and versatile product – especially when it comes to water applications. Whether you’re building a boat or adding wood accents to your bathroom, it may be the perfect choice for the job. Our Marine Grade plywood is made with lightweight Okoume wood, waterproof…
With the number of hurricanes the coast has faced over the past several months, it leaves many people along the coast wondering if their home is hurricane proof. When it comes to having a hurricane ready deck, you don’t want to take any chances. Choosing Hardwood Decking will no doubt give your…
Termites can wreak havoc on your home or deck. If not caught quickly enough, they can alter the very foundation of any wood construction project. Thankfully, there are many precautionary measures that you can take to avoid damage done by termites. Here are some of the steps that…
Over the years zoos around the world have evolved from cramped, unnatural shelters to more natural, larger enclosures with water features, native plants, and built-in enrichment areas to provide the animals with physical and mental stimulation. In addition to being a more pleasing environment for the animals, it also…
Homeowners today are looking for ways to maximize outdoor spaces, bringing comfort and functionality to gardens, patios, and decks, and outdoor living rooms and outdoor kitchens have never been more popular than they are today. Many of these outdoor rooms share a common feature: porch decking. Porch decking, sometimes…
5 Rivers, Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, is a dream location for an outdoor lover. Named for the five rivers that converge into the Mobile Bay, 5 Rivers was created to protect the extraordinary variety of plant and animal species in the freshwater and marine ecosystems found there, as well…
There are few materials in shipbuilding that are as versatile as marine-grade plywood. Whether it’s needed for construction or repair, for a craft from an 8-foot skiff to a 65-foot yacht, Overseas Hardwoods Company has the plywood solution for any boating application. OHC’s marine-grade plywood is made of…
Imagine a truck strong enough to haul two army tanks or excavating equipment for a rock quarry. Now imagine it travelling down the interstate next to your relatively small vehicle. Don’t you want to know that the trailer flooring supporting that machinery is the strongest, best type for…
It’s commonly known that shutters were first used in ancient Greece to provide privacy and protect from light and the elements. From Greece, shutters spread west to Spain and England, which then influenced shutter use in the United States, where they can be seen on historic homes such…
Selected species of Meranti wood have long been prized for strength and durability for a variety of applications, like high-end yachts, furniture, millwork, and cabinetry. However, Sands Level and Tools has found a surprising and beautiful new use for Meranti, also known as Philippine Mahogany, in its high-end…
In 1986 a Brazilian industrialist had a dream to build a three-masted staysail schooner. Handsome, powerful, and iconic, Peacemaker (originally christened Avany) was built by hand, using traditional methods, on a riverbank in southern Brazil. Built from the finest tropical hardwoods, including the highly desirable Brazilian hardwood Ipe, this ship stood out amongst…
The last several decades have seen a boom in the use of exotic hardwoods for siding in residential and commercial projects. Contractors, architects, and homeowners see the value in the investment of a long lasting hardwood. Their durability far surpasses that of a softer wood or vinyl, which are easily…
Ask any American what he or she learned about Christopher Columbus’ arrival at the Americas and you’ll likely hear two things. First, in the year of 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Second, his three ships were the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. The names of…
Overseas Hardwoods Company has enjoyed decades-long relationships with many businesses and organizations but one of the most enduring and rewarding is our relationship with the United States Military. Several decades ago the Army came to us looking for trailer flooring. They needed trailer flooring that would perform under…
The earliest boats go back 8,000 years ago, starting with dugout canoes. Those early dugout canoes ignited a desire to harness the power of the water and the wind, and mankind has built on that technology. Egyptians added sails, which paved the way for historical ships such as…
There’s a spot in Alabama where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Apalachee and Blakeley rivers converge into the Mobile Bay, fusing freshwater and marine ecosystems. The state of Alabama created a remarkable facility, 5 Rivers, Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, in an effort to preserve the hundreds of plant and animal species…
Live Oak Landing, located near Mobile, AL, was purchased from private owners by Baldwin County in 2012 as a means to protect and conserve coastal habitats, and also to provide recreational and educational opportunities. Its verdant 318 acres are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna,…
When the rain started falling in Baton Rouge on August 11, no one suspected that it would continue for three days and lead to catastrophic flooding. By now, we all know the scale of the flood: six lives lost; 20,000 people rescued; and over $8 billion dollars in damages….
When building a dock, there are many factors to take into consideration: cost, safety, durability, and longevity. In this article we’ll discuss some differences between pressure treated pine, exotic hardwoods, and composite to help you find the best material for your dock. Pressure-Treated Pine The only real advantage…
When Civic Entertainment needed a set for NBC’s Olympic Send Off, MadeFirst of Nashville, Tennessee was the company for the job. Owner, Jonathan Hammel’s team, renowned for expert quality and craftsmanship, created a design utilizing the appearance of a deck for a stage placed on the beach in Santa Monica, California. When asked what makes MadeFirst different, Hammel responds, “Its…
When one lists the attributes of Teak, it almost seems too good to be true. Teak naturally resists rot, insects, and decay; doesn’t corrode when in contact with steel; has a beautiful, tight grain and weathers to a regal silver; is naturally non-skid; and is highly stable and…
Finishing (applying a protective coating or stain) a hardwood deck is different than a softwood deck, like cedar or treated pine. For instance, hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, and Garapa are much more dense, making it difficult for finishes to penetrate the wood. Even when using the proper UV-inhibiting hardwood oil,…
OHC has been supplying the transportation industry since 1967, and is the largest North American supplier of Apitong/Keruing. Over the past 50 years OHC has been providing revolutionary products that have changed the way trailer owners look at platform/flatbed trailer flooring. Here’s a timeline showing how trailer flooring…
Located atop a scenic hill in Mobile, Alabama, Spring Hill College has enjoyed a long reputation for excellence in the Jesuit tradition. In fact, Spring HIll College is the state’s oldest institution of higher learning, founded in 1830 by Mobile’s first Catholic bishop. Spring Hill is also the…
Gregory Robinson grew up in Mobile, AL, as a part of a family with a long history in lumber, but he never could have predicted that one day he’d spend his days immersed in Brazilian culture, traveling up and down Amazonian tributaries, and conducting business transactions in Portuguese….
Decks have changed greatly over the years, from the dull platforms of the past to the multi-level, highly-personalized extensions of indoor living space. With the addition of pergolas and other shade-giving features, as well as built-in fire pits, decks can now be utilized for most of the year,…
Sometimes the only thing that works to beat the heat on a balmy summer day in New Orleans is to retire to the porch with iced tea in hand. For one homeowner, David, spending time on the 10-year-old deck wasn’t the ideal situation he hoped it would…
Flowers are blooming, temperatures are rising, and you’re starting to imagine yourself out on the water with the wind in your hair and a light spray of water across your face. The only thing between you and your dreams is commissioning your boat for spring! Here are some…
Ipe, an exotic hardwood from Brazil, is known for its many desirable qualities. It’s dense, durable, naturally resists rot and pests and its beauty is unparalleled. Some have even claimed it’s fireproof. but is there data to support this claim or is it simply hyperbole? The most commonly…
When planning a deck, one of the first essential decisions is what material to use. There are many choices but this article will focus on comparing composite materials with tropical hardwood decking. While both options have benefits and drawbacks, there are many compelling reasons to choose a tropical…
The word “Teak” is synonymous with quality outdoor furniture, decking, and prestigious yachts. But as anyone who’s purchased Teak knows, that quality comes at a cost. The Basic Law of Supply and Demand Dictates Much of This High Cost. Teak is in high demand because of its properties. It…
Consider a boat: immersed in water, misted with caustic ocean spray, and pummeled by aggressive waves, one after another. Could there be a harsher, less friendly environment for wood? And yet wood is a prized boat-building material, spanning from the earliest boats carved out of logs to today’s…
Spring is almost here! And after a long, cold, and very snowy winter for many in the United States, just the thought of enjoying a warm day in April or May must warm the soul. For deck owners, all you have to do is just step outside onto…
It’s been said that humans have a primordial need to build wooden structures, stemming from eons of building and living in them. The stunning millwork in St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope, AL fulfills that need, creating a feeling of warmth and security for its parishioners. A contemporary, octagonal structure…
Here’s the truth behind Philippine Mahogany: The term “Philippine Mahogany” was used largely in the 1950’s and ’60’s to describe wood species used on luxury boats or yachts. For many years the Meranti wood species has been known as “Philippine Mahogany.” Philippine Mahogany is a term that generally applies to a number…
It’s rare to find a church that feels both sacred and inviting. St. Ignatius Catholic Parish in the College Park area of Mobile, AL is one such church. Worshipping together since 1937, the church dedicated its first building in 1978, added a vestibule in 1979 and completed a major choir…
NOTE: While the issues discussed in this article are important to our industry, they pale in comparison to the human toll the people of West Africa are currently facing with the Ebola epidemic. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by this deadly disease, along with…
Angelique and Mandio Hardwoods are Ideal for Crane Mats & Lowboy Trailer Floors The demand for domestic hardwoods like red and white oak continues to grow. For instance, the price of Low Grade White Oak has increased in price between 35 – 40% in the last 24…
OHC Offers Direct Shipping to Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia & Texas OHC Customers Save with Shipping Direct from the Manufacturer OHC recently added an Aero Conestoga tarp system to its 48′ flatbed to improve delivery of its High-Performance Hardwood lumber products. OHC will begin bi-monthly deliveries…
Many container repair outlets in recent years resorted to buying plywood for container repairs which was manufactured with Apitong (also called Keruing) ply on the face only. This Apitong plywood for container repairs was commonly manufactured in China. The Chinese plywood was priced in the $85-100 per sheet range and…
What is the best wood to use on flatbed trucks and trailers? What will withstand the weather best? What will last the longest? What is the strongest and most durable? Oak? Treated Pine? The answer is Apitong also known as Keruing. Apitong / Keruing is used by all…
Orange Beach Marina recently installed Garapa wood decking for its renovation of its restaurant called Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina. The marina was featured in the news as a destination spot in AL.com. See: http://blog.al.com/gulf-coast/2013/06/destination_marinas_orange_bea.html#/0. Garapa wood decking at Orange Beach Marina Garapa wood was the ideal choice for…
It is not a rare occurrence for Pine decking to experience a short life span as a result of exposure to the elements. OHC has a great example to demonstrate how treated Southern Yellow Pine and Ipe decking withstand the elements. Here at Weeks Bay National Refuge in…
Rome is an ancient oasis of human history and home of the Roman Colosseum, one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. To be precise it attracts about 3.9 million visitors each year. That boils down to 7.8 million feet and about one billion three hundred twenty-six million lbs…