Introducing Alpha Wood Cladding

What is Alpha?

J. Gibson McIlvain Co. proudly presents our line of branded products called Alpha. Specifically, we are starting with a wood cladding line that highlights superior woods and finishes. After substantial market research, testing, and product development, we are excited to launch these lines of pre-finished exterior cladding, which are perfect for any structure and style. We wanted to take our expertise in wood species, millwork, wood sourcing, and finishing to create a superior product. The Alpha, if you will. Alpha is truly the Best of Breed finishing solution, offering 32 unique combinations of species, colors, and textures. 

No Job Site Finishing

Pre-finished materials save so much time and added labor on the job site. Applying finishes in the cold at the job site is tricky, time consuming and often cannot be done. Setting up sawhorses to lay out every piece and then spraying or rolling on a finish is a nightmare. Not to mention adding in drying time, flipping to coat the back side, or even adding a second coat. A factory finish allows the product to arrive ready to install. Not only saving time, but also ensuring that the finish cures properly before being subjected to cold winter weather. In areas that don’t experience harsh winters, a factory finish provides a consistent look in a controlled environment. It’s one less step for you to worry about, and it gives you more time back in your busy schedule!

Regional Looks derived from Architects and Designers

We have been servicing every corner of the United States for centuries and have gained a strong feel for the regional styles in architecture and design. Starting with that foundation and then building off of focus group feedback from an array of architects and designers. Alpha wood cladding contains four separate regional collections. The unique combinations chosen for these lines are inspired by the places they are named after. Evoking the charm that is synonymous with these regions. 

Some of the key things learned from our focus groups was what is missing from the cladding and siding market. Simply put, WOOD. Everyone unanimously wanted it to look like wood. No more plastics or the embossed wood grain in plastic. It should be obvious it is wood, because wood is luxurious and organic and different from one board to the next. One time of day to the next even. The result is our 32 standard Alpha offerings encompassing a wide spectrum of color—all the while understanding that customers who want real wood want it to LOOK like real wood. This kept us from going too opaque with our finishes. Instead, we are embracing a true grain-through-the-stain approach, showing off all of the unique attributes essential to the species which we have chosen for the collections. 

A Pop of Color

You’ll notice a statement color in each of Alpha’s four wood cladding collections. These are the perfect accent colors, but also as icon of the regions represented by the collections themselves. Williamsburg is a beautiful and bright yellow atop White Oak. It’s a nod to the color you still see up and down Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg today. Mystic, Golden Gate, and Key West are the perfect pop of color to make your final project one of a kind within the overall color palette. These colors can be that featured wall on a house and complemented perfectly by another color in the collection. If you really want to make a statement, try using Key West and Mystic together. You might end up somewhere in the Outer Banks stylistically. 

the BEST Exterior wood Cladding Species

Coincidentally, the launch of our Alpha brand here at J. Gibson McIlvain Co. comes right after our 225^th anniversary as a company. Alpha represents the knowledge gained after 225 years in the business of sourcing and selling wood. We have built our brand upon being wood experts, and we want to offer that to you through these products. We know that we have the right knowledge necessary to choose the BEST species to perform in exterior applications. Wood cladding products need to stand up to harsh sun, winter, wind and rain. We use woods that withstand these elements, even if no finish was applied.

But more than performance, we have chosen woods that demonstrate sustainability through the supply chain. Consistency in market value and consistency in quality. But also practical points like weight. Wood cladding should look beautiful, but it is easier to install if it doesn’t weigh 50 lbs per board. These points are key which had us eliminating some of the most common decking woods and boat building woods. Alpha cladding utilizes 6 standard species that perform well in exterior applications, while still being practical for color fastness and texturization. Our 6 choices also encompass a wide range of colors in their natural states, making them the ideal array to be combined with finishes. We selected Cypress, Western Red Cedar, White Oak, Sapele, Jatoba, and Thermally Modified Ash which take all of the above into consideration.

Quality Control throughout

Our quality control goes beyond our millwork and finishing capabilities. Special care is taken with our Alpha products to ensure that your product arrives in the best possible condition. After the finishing and drying processes, we package our Alpha products with slip sheets in between layers to prevent sticking and smudging, which will keep touch-ups to a minimum on the job site. 

Custom finished cladding

Despite all the conversation about our 32 standard Alpha wood cladding offerings, we understand that sometimes you want something just a little bit different. The fact is that custom work has been our bread and butter for 225 years, and with our cladding lines this is also an option! We can customize your Alpha project to perfectly suit your needs. This process starts with a design consultation with our Alpha project manager to start to understand what you are looking for and to advise on the best combination of species, textures, finish and even profiles.

Get an Alpha wood cladding sample

We would love to make Alpha wood cladding your first choice for our next project. Take some time to explore the Alpha collections. We look forward to answering any questions or feedback you may have. Sample requests are also open at this time—we’re eager to help you plan your next pre-finished project!