American Hardwood Lumber Grades

For complete details the grading rule book can be purchased from the national hardwood lumber association.

American hardwood lumber grades.

Today the nhla has over 2000 members worldwide and the nhla rules are still the national standard for the us hardwood industry and form the basis for grading of export lumber. The simplified process of determining hardwood lumber grades. American hardwood lumber council. Color sorting in addition to sorting for grades or selecting specific widths various species are commercially sold at an added value.

Hardwood grading for lumber considers the size and number of pieces or cuttings which may be yielded during the creation of a hardwood product. Respectfully between export grade names of prime and comsel with the nhla grades of fas and no. The illustrated guide to american hardwood lumber grades. They were established over 100 years ago by the newly formed national hardwood lumber association nhla.

The highest grade boards are long wide and free of defects. Reference untreated wood program. The grading system is based therefore on the measurable percentage of clear wood that is defect free for each of the grades. This guide provides a simplified explanation of the nhla grading system which is the national standard for the u s.

Treated wood program. The nhla grading system which is used by buyers and sellers of hardwood lumber describes the amount of usable clear material in a board. Grading rules for american hardwood lumber. Worldwide hardwood lumber producers grade their lumber assuring downstream consumers of the lumber of the lumber s quality for the intended use.

Thus the sm is 4. The illustrated guide to american hardwood lumber grades 03 example of sm and bf. The board below is a 2 thick 6 1 4 wide and 8 long. It is necessary to consult with your supplier as to the exact specifications being applied to these export grade names.

Hardwood lumber grades and grading rules have been established and are governed by the national hardwood lumber association nhla. Non manufactured wood packing nm program. Hardwood lumber industry and forms the basis for export grading. The illustrated guide to american hardwood lumber grades.

Alsxc american lumber standard committee incorporated germantown md the alsc site contains general information on the alsc the accreditation programs it adm inisters and contact information for the agencies the alsc accredits. Explore the use of the common grades to achieve the most value considering lumber cost and yield.