The National Hardwood Lumber Association was formed in 1898 to create a uniform standard of “grading” Hardwood lumber. Since then, NHLA has been the keeper and teacher of the North American Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules. Every four years, the membership of NHLA evaluates the Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules and accepts Rules change proposals for consideration. The deadline for submitting proposals to the NHLA Rules Committee was March 31, 2021.
On June 8, 2021, the NHLA Rules Committee met with eleven committee members and four guests in attendance. In all, twenty-one Rules change proposals were submitted for consideration, with seven Rules change proposals making it to the final list to be presented to the NHLA membership.
The list of Rules proposals that will be voted on are as follows: (Numbered and lettered as proposed to the Rules Committee, each lettered submission will require a vote)
#3 (Standard Inspection by Species & Standard Grades)
c. Page 24, Basswood: Remove “Note: Dormant twig buds to be considered as burls.”
e. Page 66, Select Car Stock: Change split limitation from – “SPLITS: Shall not exceed 6” in length in any one end or the aggregate equivalent in one or both ends of the piece.” To – “SPLITS: Shall not exceed 12” in length in either end of the piece of Standard or specified length.”
f. Page 67, Common Dimension: Change Split limitation from – “SPLITS: Shall not exceed 12” in length in any one end or the aggregate equivalent in one or both ends of the piece.” To – “Splits shall not exceed in the aggregate in inches in length twice the surface measure of the piece of Standard or specified length, except when one foot or shorter”
h. Page 14, FAS, paragraph 53., Change minimum width to 5”
#4 (Cypress Rules)
a.Page 48, paragraph 90, Selects & Btr. –
•Add “Pith is limited to aggregate in inches, boxed or showing, to the nominal width of the piece.”
•Change from “A. Pieces 4” and 5” wide must be clear allowing slight wane on one edge. (Par. 80)” To – “A. Pieces 4” and 5” wide must be clear allowing slight wane on one edge (Par. 84), except that pieces 12’ in length and over allow 1 medium knot (Par. 39).”
•Under section B: Change from “• 6” wide – 1 medium knot • 7” – 9” wide – 2 medium knots” To “Pieces 6” to 9” wide will admit 1 medium knot (Par. 39) in pieces 10’ and shorter, pieces 12’ and longer will admit 2 medium knots (Par. 39).”
b. Page 43, paragraph 15, Warp & Cup – Add “Side-bend shall not exceed to the extent that the piece will not produce the standard finished width in its full length, in all grades.”
c. Page 50, paragraphs 98 & 99, No. 1 & No. 2 Peck – Combine paragraph 98 & 99 to create “Peck” as follows – “Each piece must contain peck, with a minimum area of 10% of the Surface Measure, well distributed on one side. Each piece must be suitable for ordinary handling and construction without breakage.”
As per the NHLA bylaws, an Open Forum will be held during the 2021 NHLA Annual Convention in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Thursday, September 23. During the meeting, NHLA members will have the opportunity to discuss these proposed changes in detail prior to the vote by the membership. Chief Inspector Dana Spessert and Rules Committee Chairman Sam Glidden will be available during the meeting to answer questions.
In the final step of the process, ballots containing new Rules change proposals will be sent to all Active Members after the 2021 NHLA Annual Convention. Each Active Member may vote for or against the proposed Rules change provided such ballot is returned to and received by NHLA within 30 days from the date on the ballot. Rules change proposals that receive a favorable vote on a two-thirds majority of the votes properly cast by the Active Members will be adopted and become effective January 1, 2023.
To register to attend the 2021 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase, visit www.nhla.com.
If you have questions regarding the Rules change proposals, please contact Dana Spessert at 901-399-7551 or by email at d.spessert@nhla.com.
