FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Design

Tailgate: Viviane Peixoto, Lumber Importer

This native Brazilian is working to ensure that tropical hardwoods are harvested sustainably, guaranteeing their availability for years to come.

By Chris Hoelck Issue 233 - Feb/March 2013
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Describe your work.

I am import director for AdvantageLumber.com. I coordinate most of the company’s hardwood-decking lumber purchases.

How did you get into the field?

I grew up in Brazil, where much of my family was deeply involved with the lumber industry and furniture production. Where I grew up, you were either into cattle or lumber. Lumber smelled a whole lot better, so it was an easy choice.
 
When I moved to the States, I saw an ad for a Portuguese-speaking assistant with AdvantageLumber.com, and I thought, “I can get paid for knowing Portuguese?”
 
Unfortunately, my new profession also involved sleeping in hammocks in the jungle, living for days on Nutri-Grain bars, traveling to dangerous South American villages, dodging South American gangs and thieves, and breathing dust in jungle logging camps. I do get to travel to some of the nicest South American locations, but unfortunately, lumber doesn’t always grow in luxury areas.

Rain-forest destruction is a big concern today. What do you say to those who see lumber companies as part of the problem?

I prefer to address the critics with fact-based conversations, usually starting by asking: What logging concessions have they visited? What mills have they inspected? What forest engineers have they consulted with? The answers usually lack any substance, and they realize the conversation should be fact-based instead of relying on assumptions and media-driven emotions.

The fact is, there is illegal logging; there are good lumber companies and bad lumber companies. Just because there are bad doctors out there doesn’t mean it’s sensible never to go to the doctor, yet activist groups want to boycott lumber just because some bad companies exist.

There are whole towns and cities in South America where lumber companies are the only major job providers. The companies provide the schools, the hospital, and the only source of employment. A boycott of imported wood would not help, would be detrimental to the local residents, and would lead to forest destruction because if you remove the export value of the forest, local farmers would slash and burn to cultivate agricultural products on the land.

The sensible solution is putting a value on the timber by creating a positive demand for the product and practicing good forest management to cultivate the resource for generations to come.

How does your company promote sustainable forestry?

Our company is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). I assist in our annual FSC audit, and we promote FSC thought processes in non-FSC procurements. For example, we promote the use of odd- and even-length lumber so that we don’t waste hundreds of 1-ft. pieces to satisfy the typical even-length-only U.S. market.

At the end of the day, the important thing is practicing proper forest management and improving the health of the forest—not the label, the higher price, or the bragging rights of having a special eco-designation. Making sure our products are not only sourced legally but also responsibly is what I consider the most important aspect of my job.

Are sustainability efforts making a difference?

Brazil has come a long way in ensuring proper forest management. Typically, three trees are extracted from an area the size of a soccer field. The trees are critically selected by a forest engineer who uses government guidelines to decide which older trees no longer produce seed and are restricting smaller surrounding trees from flourishing. After the removal of these older, non-seed-producing trees (also known as wolf trees), the smaller trees can flourish from increased sunlight and water.

If you were building a new deck, what tropical hardwoods would you choose to build it, and why?

Projects that blend species—one for the railings, one for the benches, and one for the decking, with a border in another species—are my favorites. We have customers who are mixing species of hardwoods like ipé with Tigerwood, garapa, cumaru, and massaranduba for aesthetic reasons, and I think I would do the same because it shows off the natural colors of the woods.

It’s also important for forest diversity not to get fixated on just one species of wood. They all have good physical properties and weatherability.

Illustration: Jacqueline Rogers

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps

Choosing the right heating and cooling system means finding the best fit for your home's size, layout, and climate—and balancing trade-offs in efficiency, comfort, and cost.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Pros of Apprenticeship Programs
  • Hiring Entry-Level Employees
  • Networking Happy Hour at JLC LIVE, Friday, March 28, 3PM-5PM at Booth 727
  • Building a Detached Shop with Full Utilities and HVAC

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Building a Detached Shop with Full Utilities and HVAC
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Tips on Building a Career in Construction
  • Podcast 619 Members-only Aftershow —Ian’s Tips for Construction Budgets
  • Podcast 609: Members-only Aftershow — Building Business With Timber HP President Matt O’Malia
View All

Business

View All Business Articles
  • Hiring Entry-Level Employees
  • Networking Happy Hour at JLC LIVE, Friday, March 28, 3PM-5PM at Booth 727
  • From Craft to Company: Starting Your Own Business
View All Business Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

This is your last free article.

Don't miss another expert tip or technique from building pros. Start your free trial today.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data