NELMA Grade Rule Book - Intro and TOC

NORTHEASTERN LUMBER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

STANDARD GRADING RULES

for NORTHEASTERN LUMBER

Copyright © 2013 Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Inc.

Forward NORTHEASTERN LUMBER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION The Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Inc. (NELMA) is composed of hardwood and softwood producers in New York, Pennsylvania and the six states of New England. The forests of this region have helped supply the nation’s timber needs for over three centuries. Sustained yield, multiple-use concepts applied to these forests in the past few decades assure the continuation of this great heritage.

The Northeast has a long history of quality control and standardization in lumber, where lumber grading rules were in use in 1833, which may be the earliest recorded use in the U.S. Through NELMA, size and quality standards for the Northeastern softwood species are established which benefit all segments of the lumber producing and using public. The grading services staff regularly checks product quality, assuring conformance to NELMA standards.

Today’s rules are designed to serve our traditional markets and to provide the technical data needed for the engineered usage of lumber. The American Softwood Lumber Standard PS 20 established the National Grading Rule for Dimension Lumber covering the thicknesses of 2� to 4�. The sections for structural light framing, light framing, studs, and structural joists and planks are the National rule.

Published By: Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association

Cumberland Center, Maine 04021 207.829.6901 207.829.4293 (fax) info@nelma.org www.nelma.org

NORTHEASTERN LUMBER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

STANDARD GRADING RULES

for NORTHEASTERN LUMBER

! "!# Approved by The American Lumber Standard $ %%& ' * +& / EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2013.

Copyright © 2013 Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

$ 5 5

: 5

$ 5 $ ; & STANDARD SIZES

1

$ = $

2

>?

5

3

?

? $ = $

5

4

5 5 @ 5 = $: 5

5

B = 5

=

6

5

7

5

8

@ $? $ $

9

5 ; =

10

EASTERN PATTERN CHARTS

11

INDEX

12