Proposed Rule Changes 2025

On June 4th, 2025, the NHLA hosted the Rules Committee meeting, where nine committee members and five guests were in attendance. Much discussion for and against several of the proposals ensued after the meeting began. The first hurdle for eight of the 17 Rules change proposals was crossed at the meeting. The next hurdle with the approved proposals will be the Active member vote, at which time all proposals must pass by a two-thirds majority. The proposals will be discussed at the NHLA Annual Convention in October at the Open Rules Forum. The ballots will be going out to our members for a vote in November/December 2025.

The list of proposed rules to be voted on is as follows. (Numbered as submitted to the Rules Committee; each item will require a separate vote.)

# Standard Inspection by Species & Standard Grades

2. Remove paragraph 56, pith limitation, under Standard Grades – FAS, page 14.

4. Remove paragraph 60, 1/3 SM knot or hole limitation.

10. Amend “Lumber should” to “SHALL” be properly manufactured of good, average width and lengths, etc. (Page 5, paragraph 8).

11. Reinstate the Original Construction Grades (see last 3 pages)

Restore the grades as previously written before their omission in subsequent NHLA Rule Books. Allow modifications based on recommendations from the New Construction Task Force later.

Cypress Grading Rules Proposals

Selects & Better:

13. Add: Pith is limited in inches, boxed or showing, to the width of the piece

14. Change: Pieces 4” and 5” wide must be clear allowing slight wane on one edge (par. 80) except those pieces 12’ and longer allow one medium knot.

15. Change: Pieces 6”-9” wide allow one medium knot for 8’-10’ lengths and two medium knots for pieces 12’ and longer.

16. Add: All Grades: Sidebend shall not exceed to the extent that the piece cannot be machined to standard finished width. This applies to Selects, 1 Common and 2 Common.

Any Rules change that receives a two-thirds majority vote will be changed in the 2023 edition of the NHLA Rules books that will be printed and available in January 2027.

If you have any questions, contact me directly at d.spessert@nhla.com.

By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector