In the 1800s and 1900s, loggers used the best technology of their time (axes and saws) to harvest Cypress trees from the swamps of Florida and the lower Mississippi Valley. The trees would then dry out for up to two years in order to become light enough to float…
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…
We are proud to welcome Tom Dean to the OHC family. Tom has been in the lumber, millwork, flooring, and decking business for 26 years. Tom earned his stripes in the lumber industry working for the family business (Dean Hardwoods, Inc.) since the age of 20. He’s worked…
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…