Lumber Inspection Services: Rules Book/Sales Code

Rules Book Preface

Hardwood lumber is produced from deciduous trees, those which drop their leaves each year in contrast to the coniferous or evergreen species from which our softwoods are produced. Because of the differing inherent qualities, growth characteristics and end uses of hardwoods as compared to softwoods, their grading methods are substantially different. In general, a softwood board is graded as a whole piece, whereas a hardwood board is graded on its usable content aside from any parts which may be considered undesirable for its use such as knots, wane, splits, etc.

The hardwood grades have been adopted to establish the comparable value of the board and to provide the user with a standard on which he may base his purchase for a particular end use.

The rules are the result of long and careful study by practical lumbermen in cooperation with the user, with the aim of providing the best available products, conservation of the timber from which it is cut and in maintaining a lumber language of terms and specifications which permit a ready and understandable meeting of the minds among buyers and sellers wherever and for whatever use hardwoods are required. As a consequence, the rules are used universally with well-founded confidence.

Before a rule is amended or a new rule adopted, the proposal is carefully considered by the Rules Committee composed of knowledgeable, experienced lumbermen. If the proposal passes the scrutiny of this Committee, it is then debated and voted upon by the Active membership of the Association in convention. If the proposal is passed by a two-thirds majority vote, it then becomes official and is included in the Rules Book.

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