Your Definition Matters: A Conversation About Manufacturing Standards in the NHLA Grading Rules
- NHLA
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
As many of you know, there will be some changes in the newest version of the NHLA Rules Book, which will be printed and distributed in December. In this article, I want to go over one change that may spark some controversy.
Changing the wording on page 5, paragraph 8, under the heading of Manufacture:
Lumber should be properly manufactured of good, average width and lengths. It should be edged and trimmed carefully to produce the best possible appearance while conserving the usable product of the log. Shipments of rough lumber will admit 25% of surfaced lumber when it is of the specified rough thickness. Contracts for green lumber should specify dimensions required to provide for shrinkage in drying.
The change will be in the first sentence, second word “should” to “shall.” This change may not seem like much, but it is, in fact, a significant shift in the world of inspection.
If we look at the meanings of both words, it becomes apparent what the issue may be for an inspector. “Should” simply means it is a suggestion, whereas “shall” indicates it is a must!
The challenge is that the NHLA Grading Rules have never formally defined what constitutes a “properly manufactured” hardwood board. That’s where I need your help. I want to hear from the people who work with hardwood every day. How would you define a properly manufactured board? There are no right or wrong answers. I want your perspective. Please send me your definition by email or text, along with your name, so I can follow up if I have any questions or would like additional clarification. Your input can help shape an important conversation for our industry.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me at d.spessert@nhla.com.
By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector
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