Bring expert hardwood training directly to your team with NHLA’s in-house education programs. Customized instruction, delivered at your facility. In-House Training Custom training delivered to you and your staff at your facility. Bring the power of professional hardwood education straight to your team with expert-led, on-site training from the NHLA National Inspectors. Our in-house programs are customized to your operation’s needs and delivered by experienced instructors—so your workforce gains practical, immediately applicable skills without leaving the job site. Train Your Teams. On Your Terms. NHLA’s in-house training program gives your team access to industry-recognized instruction—without the downtime or travel. We partner with companies across North America to deliver custom training programs designed to boost skillsets, productivity, and consistency across your operation. Every session is led by an NHLA National Inspector with decades of hands-on industry experience. Training is structured for real-world impact—so your employees can apply what they learn immediately. Training Topics Include NHLA Lumber Grading & Inspection Kiln Drying Techniques & Moisture Management Yield Analysis & Quality Control Production Flow & Efficiency Safety, Maintenance, & Operational Best Practices Interested in In-House Training for Your Team? Whether you need a one-day refresher or a multi-day custom curriculum, NHA’s in-house training program adapts to your schedule, your team, and your goals. Our experts will help you assess your training needs and build a program that delivers measurable results. Contact Us

Explore Spanish-language training courses offered by the National Hardwood Academy. Learn about hardwood grading, kiln drying, and more. Clases en Español Capacitación profesional en la industria de la madera dura, impartida completamente en español. La Academia Nacional de Madera Dura se enorgullece de ofrecer cursos selectos completamente en español para apoyar al creciente número de profesionales hispanohablantes en la industria de la madera dura. Formación Profesional Accesible para Todos Las clases en español están dirigidas a trabajadores de aserraderos, operadores de hornos, inspectores de madera, y supervisores que desean aprender las reglas de clasificación NHLA o mejorar sus habilidades laborales. Los cursos son impartidos por instructores bilingües con experiencia de campo y se imparten con el mismo rigor y reconocimiento que nuestros programas en inglés. Ver próximas clases Próximas clases Actualmente no hay clases programadas. Vuelva a consultar pronto. Load More ¿Desea Otro Curso en Español? ¿Tiene un equipo que necesita capacitación en un tema específico? Podemos ayudar. Comuníquese con nuestro equipo para discutir opciones personalizadas de capacitación en español. Contacta con nosotros

Discover what life is like as a student at the National Hardwood Academy. Explore our Memphis campus, class camaraderie, and life outside the classroom. Student Life Make lifelong memories in Memphis. Located at NHLA’s Memphis headquarters, the National Hardwood Academy offers the only full-scale hardwood lumber grading school in the country. The facility features a dedicated classroom and a warehouse stocked with real boards for hands-on training. Students learn in a professional, industry-standard environment alongside expert instructors and peers. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, this is where the hardwood industry trains its future leaders. Campus Life Your Home Away From Home The NHA campus offers state-of-the-art classroom and warehouse facilities designed for hands-on hardwood industry training. Our immersive learning environment helps students gain the skills needed for successful careers in lumber grading, inspection, and more. Class Camaraderie Learn Together, Grow Together At NHA, students join class cohorts that begin 3–4 times per year, fostering teamwork and camaraderie. Through collaborative hands-on training, students build strong bonds that support personal growth and professional success. Many alumni carry these relationships beyond graduation, forming lifelong friendships and valuable industry networks. For many, NHA is more than education — it’s a transformative experience. Meet the Alumni Life in Memphis Beale Street and Beyond Known as the "Hardwood Capital of the World," Memphis' strategic location along the Mississippi River and major rail lines made it a timber trade hub. Today, it's home to the National Hardwood Academy and a city rich in craftsmanship and culture. Peaceful Campus : Safe, quiet surroundings for focused learning. Southern Hospitality : Legendary barbecue, live music, outdoor parks, and history. Welcoming Atmosphere : Memphis offers a perfect blend of opportunity and charm. Come for the training, stay for the experience. Ready to Start Your Journey? Join the National Hardwood Academy and gain more than a world-class hardwood education. Develop new skills, create lifelong friendships, and make unforgettable memories — all in the heart of Memphis. Apply Now

Read the National Hardwood Lumber Association's Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. Learn about your rights and our data security measures. Privacy Policy Your privacy is important to us. It is National Hardwood Lumber Association's policy to respect your privacy and comply with any applicable law and regulation regarding any personal information we may collect about you, including across our website, https://www.nhla.com , and other sites we own and operate. Personal information is any information about you which can be used to identify you. This includes information about you as a person (such as name, address, and date of birth), your devices, payment details, and even information about how you use a website or online service. In the event our site contains links to third-party sites and services, please be aware that those sites and services have their own privacy policies. After following a link to any third-party content, you should read their posted privacy policy information about how they collect and use personal information. This Privacy Policy does not apply to any of your activities after you leave our site. This policy is effective as of August 26, 2025 Last updated: August 26, 2025 Information We Collect Information we collect falls into one of two categories: "voluntarily provided" information and "automatically collected" information. "Voluntarily provided" information refers to any information you knowingly and actively provide us when using or participating in any of our services and promotions. "Automatically collected" information refers to any information automatically sent by your devices in the course of accessing our products and services. Log Data When you visit our website, our servers may automatically log the standard data provided by your web browser. It may include your device’s Internet Protocol (IP) address, your browser type and version, the pages you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on each page, and other details about your visit. Additionally, if you encounter certain errors while using the site, we may automatically collect data about the error and the circumstances surrounding its occurrence. This data may include technical details about your device, what you were trying to do when the error happened, and other technical information relating to the problem. You may or may not receive notice of such errors, even in the moment they occur, that they have occurred, or what the nature of the error is. Please be aware that while this information may not be personally identifying by itself, it may be possible to combine it with other data to personally identify individual persons. Device Data When you visit our website or interact with our services, we may automatically collect data about your device, such as: Geo-location data Data we collect can depend on the individual settings of your device and software. We recommend checking the policies of your device manufacturer or software provider to learn what information they make available to us. Personal Information We may ask for personal information - for example, when you submit content to us, when you subscribe to our newsletter or when you contact us — which may include one or more of the following: Name Email Phone/mobile number Company Name User-Generated Content We consider “user-generated content” to be materials (text, image and/or video content) voluntarily supplied to us by our users for the purpose of publication on our website or re-publishing on our social media channels. All user-generated content is associated with the account or email address used to submit the materials. Please be aware that any content you submit for the purpose of publication will be public after posting (and subsequent review or vetting process). Once published, it may be accessible to third parties not covered under this privacy policy. Legitimate Reasons for Processing Your Personal Information We only collect and use your personal information when we have a legitimate reason for doing so. In which instance, we only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary to provide our services to you. Collection and Use of Information We may collect personal information from you when you do any of the following on our website: Sign up to receive updates from us via email or social media channels Use a mobile device or web browser to access our content Contact us via email, social media, or on any similar technologies When you mention us on social media We may collect, hold, use, and disclose information for the following purposes, and personal information will not be further processed in a manner that is incompatible with these purposes: to provide you with our platform's core features and services to contact and communicate with you to send you marketing and promotional communications. To opt out of these communications, please see “Your rights and controlling your personal information" We may combine voluntarily provided and automatically collected personal information with general information or research data we receive from other trusted sources. For example, Our marketing and market research activities may uncover data and insights, which we may combine with information about how visitors use our site to improve our site and your experience on it. Security of Your Personal Information When we collect and process personal information, and while we retain this information, we will protect it within commercially acceptable means to prevent loss and theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification. Although we will do our best to protect the personal information you provide to us, we advise that no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure and no one can guarantee absolute data security. You are responsible for selecting any password and its overall security strength, ensuring the security of your own information within the bounds of our services. For example, ensuring you do not make your personal information publicly available via our platform. How Long We Keep Your Personal Information We keep your personal information only for as long as we need to. This time period may depend on what we are using your information for, in accordance with this privacy policy. For example, if you have provided us with personal information such as an email address when contacting us about a specific enquiry, we may retain this information for the duration of your enquiry remaining open as well as for our own records so we may effectively address similar enquiries in future. If your personal information is no longer required for this purpose, we will delete it or make it anonymous by removing all details that identify you. However, if necessary, we may retain your personal information for our compliance with a legal, accounting, or reporting obligation or for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific, or historical research purposes or statistical purposes. Children’s Privacy We do not aim any of our products or services directly at children under the age of 13 and we do not knowingly collect personal information about children under 13. Disclosure of Personal Information to Third Parties We may disclose personal information to: a parent, subsidiary or affiliate of our company third-party service providers for the purpose of enabling them to provide their services, including (without limitation) IT service providers, data storage, hosting and server providers, analytics, error loggers, debt collectors, maintenance or problem-solving providers, marketing providers, professional advisors, and payment systems operators our employees, contractors, and/or related entities our existing or potential agents or business partners credit reporting agencies, courts, tribunals, and regulatory authorities, in the event you fail to pay for goods or services we have provided to you courts, tribunals, regulatory authorities, and law enforcement officers, as required by law, in connection with any actual or prospective legal proceedings, or in order to establish, exercise, or defend our legal rights third parties, including agents or sub-contractors who assist us in providing information, products, services, or direct marketing to you third parties to collect and process data an entity that buys, or to which we transfer all or substantially all of our assets and business Third parties we currently use include: Google Analytics Brevo Your Rights and Controlling Your Personal Information Your choice : By providing personal information to us, you understand we will collect, hold, use, and disclose your personal information in accordance with this privacy policy. You do not have to provide personal information to us, however, if you do not, it may affect your use of our website or the products and/or services offered on or through it. Information from third parties : If we receive personal information about you from a third party, we will protect it as set out in this privacy policy. If you are a third party providing personal information about somebody else, you represent and warrant that you have such person’s consent to provide the personal information to us. Marketing permission : If you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by contacting us using the details below. Access : You may request details of the personal information that we hold about you. Correction : If you believe that any information we hold about you is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant, or misleading, please contact us using the details provided in this privacy policy. We will take reasonable steps to correct any information found to be inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or out of date. Non-discrimination : We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your rights over your personal information. Unless your personal information is required to provide you with a particular service or offer (for example providing user support), we will not deny you goods or services and/or charge you different prices or rates for goods or services, including through granting discounts or other benefits, or imposing penalties, or provide you with a different level or quality of goods or services. Notification of data breaches : We will comply with laws applicable to us in respect of any data breach. Complaints : If you believe that we have breached a relevant data protection law and wish to make a complaint, please contact us using the details below and provide us with full details of the alleged breach. We will promptly investigate your complaint and respond to you, in writing, setting out the outcome of our investigation and the steps we will take to deal with your complaint. You also have the right to contact a regulatory body or data protection authority in relation to your complaint. Business Transfers If we or our assets are acquired, or in the unlikely event that we go out of business or enter bankruptcy, we would include data, including your personal information, among the assets transferred to any parties who acquire us. You acknowledge that such transfers may occur, and that any parties who acquire us may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, continue to use your personal information according to this policy, which they will be required to assume as it is the basis for any ownership or use rights we have over such information. Limits of Our Policy Our website may link to external sites that are not operated by us. Please be aware that we have no control over the content and policies of those sites, and cannot accept responsibility or liability for their respective privacy practices. Changes to This Policy At our discretion, we may change our privacy policy to reflect updates to our business processes, current acceptable practices, or legislative or regulatory changes. If we decide to change this privacy policy, we will post the changes here at the same link by which you are accessing this privacy policy. If required by law, we will get your permission or give you the opportunity to opt in to or opt out of, as applicable, any new uses of your personal information. Additional Disclosures for U.S. States Privacy Law Compliance. The following section includes provisions that comply with the privacy laws of these states (California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Virginia, and Utah) and is applicable only to the residents of those states. Specific references to a particular state (in a heading or in the text) are only a reference to that state's law and applies only to that state's residents. Non-state specific language applies to all of the states listed above. Do Not Track Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" feature that lets you tell websites that you do not want to have your online activities tracked. At this time, we do not respond to browser "Do Not Track" signals. We adhere to the standards outlined in this privacy policy, ensuring we collect and process personal information lawfully, fairly, transparently, and with legitimate, legal reasons for doing so. California Privacy Laws - CPPA Under California Civil Code Section 1798.83, if you live in California and your business relationship with us is mainly for personal, family, or household purposes, you may ask us about the information we release to other organizations for their marketing purposes. In accordance with your right to non-discrimination, we may offer you certain financial incentives permitted by the California Consumer Privacy Act, and the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, CCPA) that can result in different prices, rates, or quality levels for the goods or services we provide. Any CCPA-permitted financial incentive we offer will reasonably relate to the value of your personal information, and we will provide written terms that describe clearly the nature of such an offer. Participation in a financial incentive program requires your prior opt-in consent, which you may revoke at any time. Under California Civil Code Section 1798.83, if you live in California and your business relationship with us is mainly for personal, family, or household purposes, you may ask us about the information we release to other organizations for their marketing purposes. To make such a request, please contact us using the details provided in this privacy policy with “Request for California privacy information” in the subject line. You may make this type of request once every calendar year. We will email you a list of categories of personal information we revealed to other organisations for their marketing purposes in the last calendar year, along with their names and addresses. Not all personal information shared in this way is covered by Section 1798.83 of the California Civil Code. California Notice of Collection In the past 12 months, we have collected the following categories of personal information enumerated in the CCPA: Identifiers, such as name, email address, phone number, account name, IP address, and an ID or number assigned to your account. For more information on information we collect, including the sources we receive information from, review the “Information We Collect” section. We collect and use these categories of personal information for the business purposes described in the “Collection and Use of Information” section, including to provide and manage our Service. Right to Know and Delete You have rights to delete your personal information we collected and know certain information about our data practices in the preceding 12 months. In particular, you have the right to request the following from us: The categories of personal information we have collected about you; The categories of sources from which the personal information was collected; The categories of personal information about you we disclosed for a business purpose or sold; The categories of third parties to whom the personal information was disclosed for a business purpose or sold; The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling the personal information; and The specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided in this privacy policy. Shine the Light In addition to the rights discussed above, you have the right to request information from us regarding the manner in which we share certain personal information as defined by applicable statute with third parties and affiliates for their own direct marketing purposes. To receive this information, send us a request using the contact details provided in this privacy policy. Requests must include “Privacy Rights Request” in the first line of the description and include your name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Additional Disclosures for Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) Compliance (Canada) Additional Scope of Personal Information In accordance with PIPEDA, we broaden our definition of personal information to include any information about an individual, such as financial information, information about your appearance, your views and opinion (such as those expressed online or through a survey), opinions held about you by others, and any personal correspondences you may have with us. While this information may not directly identify you, be aware that it may be combined with other information to do so. As PIPEDA refers to personal information using the term Personally Identifying Information (PII), any references to personal information and PII in this privacy policy, and in official communications from National Hardwood Lumber Association, are intended as equivalent to one another in every way, shape and form. Valid Consent Where you give us consent to collect and use your personal information for a specific purpose. You may withdraw your consent at any time using the facilities we provide; however this will not affect any use of your information that has already taken place. When you contact us, we assume your consent based on your positive action of contact, therefore you consent to your name and email address being used so we can respond to your enquiry. Under PIPEDA, consent is only valid if it is reasonable to expect that an individual to whom the organization's activities are directed would understand the nature, purpose, and consequences of the collection, use, or disclosure of the personal information to which they are consenting. Where you agree to receive marketing communications from us, we will do so based solely on your indication of consent or until you instruct us not to, which you can do at any time. While you may request that we delete your contact details at any time, we cannot recall any email we have already sent. If you have any further enquiries about how to withdraw your consent, please feel free to enquire using the details provided in the Contact Us section of this privacy policy. International Transfers of Information While National Hardwood Lumber Association endeavors to keep, store and handle customer data within locations in Canada, it may use agents or service providers located in the United States (U.S.), European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom (UK) to collect, use, retain and process personal information as part of providing services to you. While we use all reasonable efforts to ensure that personal information receives the same level of security in any other jurisdiction as it would in Canada, please be aware that privacy protections under U.S. laws may not be the same adequacy. Customer Data Rights Although PIPEDA does not contain an extensive set of consumer rights, it does grant consumers the right to: Access the personal information organizations hold about them; Correct any inaccurate or outdated personal information the organization hold about them (or, if this is not possible, delete the inaccurate personal information) Withdraw consent for any activities for which they have consented (e.g. direct marketing or cookies Right to Withdraw Consent Where you give us consent to collect and use your personal information for a specific purpose. Subject to some restrictions, you can, at any time, refuse to consent, or continue to consent to the collection, use or disclosure of their personal information by notifying us using the email address below in the "Contact Us" section. Withdrawal of consent may impact our ability to provide or continue to provide services. Customers cannot refuse collection, use and disclosure of their personal information if such information is required to: be collected, used or disclosed as required by any law; fulfill the terms of any contractual agreement; and be collected, used or disclosed as required by any regulators including self regulatory organizations While you may request that we delete your contact details at any time, we cannot recall any email we have already sent. If you have any further enquiries about how to withdraw your consent, please feel free to enquire using the details provided in the Contact Us section of this privacy policy. Right of Access Under PIPEDA PIPEDA gives you a general right to access the PII held by businesses subject to this law. Under PIPEDA, you need to make your access request in writing and pay a minimal fee of $30.00. If any organizational fees seem unjust, you have the right to complain about this. We retain the right to decide how we disclose the copies of your PII to you. We will take all necessary measures to fulfill your request in 30 days from receipt, otherwise we must inform you of our inability to do so before the 30-day timeframe if: meeting the time limit would unreasonably interfere with our business activities; or the time required to undertake consultations necessary to respond to the request would make it impractical to meet the time limit. We can also extend the time limit for the length of time required to convert the personal information into an alternative format. In these circumstances, we will advise you of the delay within the first 30 days and explain the reason for it. Right of rectification under PIPEDA You may request a correction to any factual errors or omissions within your PII. We would ask you to provide some evidence to back up your claim. Under PIPEDA, an organization must amend the information, as required, if you successfully demonstrate that it's incomplete or inaccurate. You may contact us at any time, using the information provided in the Contact Us section of this privacy policy if you believe your PII on our systems is incorrect or incomplete. If we cannot agree on changing the information, you have the right to have your concerns recorded with the Office of the Privacy Commission of Canada. Compliance with PIPEDA's Ten Principles of Privacy This privacy policy complies with the PIPEDA's requirements and ten principles of privacy, which are as follows: Accountability . National Hardwood Lumber Association is responsible for the PII under its control and will designate one or more persons to ensure organizational accountability for compliance with the ten principles of privacy under PIPEDA, whose details are included below. All personnel are accountable for the protection of customers' personal information. Identifying purposes . National Hardwood Lumber Association identifies the purposes for which personal information is collected at or before the time the information is collected. Consent . Consent is required for National Hardwood Lumber Association's collection, use or disclosure of personal information, except where required or permitted by PIPEDA or other law. In addition, when customers access a product or service offered by us, consent is deemed to be granted. Express consent may be obtained verbally, in writing or through electronic means. Alternatively, consent may be implied through the actions of customers or continued use of a product or service following National Hardwood Lumber Association's notification of changes. Limiting collection . Personal information collected will be limited to that which is necessary for the purposes identified by National Hardwood Lumber Association. Limiting use, disclosure and retention . We will not use or disclose personal information for purposes other than those for which the information was collected, except with your consent or as required by law. We will retain personal information only for as long as is necessary to fulfill the purposes for collecting such information and compliance with any legal requirements. Accuracy . Personal information will be maintained by National Hardwood Lumber Association in an accurate, complete and up-to-date format as is necessary for the purpose(s) for which the personal information was collected. Safeguards . We will protect personal information with security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of such information. Openness . We will make our policies and practices relating to the collection and management of personal information readily available upon request, including our brochures or other information that explain our policies, standards, or codes. Customer access . We will inform customers of the existence, use and disclosure of their personal information and will provide access to their personal information, subject to any legal restrictions. We may require written requests for access to personal information and in most cases, will respond within 30 days of receipt of such requests. Customers may verify the accuracy and completeness of their personal information, and may request the personal information be corrected or updated, if appropriate. Challenging compliance . Customers are welcome to direct any questions or inquiries concerning our compliance with this privacy policy and PIPEDA requirements using the contact information provided in the Contact Us section of this privacy policy. Anti-Spam Legislation Our email interactions with our customers are compliant with Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation. The Company does not send unsolicited email to persons with whom we have no relationship. We will not sell personal information, such as email addresses, to unrelated third-parties. On occasion, your personal information may be provided to our third-party partners to administer the products and services you request from us. When you leave our website by linking to another website, you are subject to the privacy and security policies of the new website. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of all websites you visit, especially if you share any personal information with them. Enquiries, Reports and Escalation To enquire about National Hardwood Lumber Association's privacy policy, or to report violations of user privacy, you may contact us using the details in the Contact us section of this privacy policy. If we fail to resolve your concern to your satisfaction, you may also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: 30 Victoria Street Gatineau, QC K1A 1H3 Toll Free: 1.800.282.1376 www.priv.gc.ca Contact Us For any questions or concerns regarding your privacy, you may contact us using the following details: NHLA info@nhla.com

Our industry partners play a critical role in the continued growth, innovation, and sustainability of hardwoods. This includes partnerships with governmental agencies, non-profits, and other industry associations. Industry Partners Partnering for the future of sustainable hardwoods. The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) recognizes the power of collaboration in advancing the hardwood industry. Our industry partners play a critical role in the continued growth, innovation, and sustainability of hardwoods. A Strategic Alliance for Visibility and Industry Growth The NHLA has developed partnerships with governmental agencies, forestry associations, and fellow hardwood and forest products industry groups, both in the U.S. and internationally. These partnerships help to strengthen the hardwood supply chain, promote sustainable forest management practices, and support the future of the hardwood industry. Together, we strive to foster a resilient and thriving sector for generations to come. Discover our comprehensive list of partners who are working with us to ensure a brighter future for hardwoods. Governmental Agencies U.S. Forest Service The U.S. Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands, conducting research and supporting sustainable forest management. Learn More RSVP U.S. Department of Agriculture The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues. Learn More RSVP Environmental Protection Agency The EPA protects human health and the environment by enforcing regulations, advancing research, and promoting cleaner air, water, and land. Learn More RSVP Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) OSHA ensures safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, and assistance. Learn More RSVP Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) APHIS safeguards agriculture and natural resources by protecting against pests, diseases, and invasive species, while facilitating safe trade. Learn More RSVP Forestry Associations by State Alabama Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Alaska Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Arkansas Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP California Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Connecticut Forest & Park Association Visit Website  RSVP Delaware Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Florida Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Georgia Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Louisiana Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Maryland Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Minnesota Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Mississippi Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP North Carolina Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Ohio Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Oklahoma Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Pennsylvania Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP South Carolina Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Tennessee Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Texas Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Virginia Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP West Virginia Forestry Association Visit Website  RSVP Industry Associations & Partners Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group Visit Website  RSVP American Forest & Paper Association Visit Website  RSVP American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) Visit Website  RSVP American Hardwood Information Center Visit Website  RSVP American Loggers Council Visit Website  RSVP American Plywood Association (APA) Visit Website  RSVP American Walnut Manufacturer's Association Visit Website  RSVP American Wood Council Visit Website  RSVP American Wood Protection Association Visit Website  RSVP Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. Visit Website  RSVP Architectural Woodwork Institute Visit Website  RSVP Cabinet Makers Association Visit Website  RSVP California Furniture Manufacturers Association Visit Website  RSVP Canada Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association Visit Website  RSVP Canadian Hardwood Bureau Visit Website  RSVP Canadian Pallet Council Visit Website  RSVP Canadian Wood Council Visit Website  RSVP Canadian Wood Pallet & Container Association Visit Website  RSVP Council of Forest Engineering Visit Website  RSVP Decorative Hardwood Association (formerly HPVA) Visit Website  RSVP

Explore how NHLA promotes sustainable forest management, supports carbon-smart hardwoods, and contributes to the global green economy. Hardwood Sustainability Renewable. Biodegradable. Sustainable. The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) is proud to promote sustainable forestry and responsible hardwood production. Across the supply chain, our members are committed to protecting forests, supporting biodiversity, and delivering high-performance materials that are both natural and renewable. A Renewable Resource with Global Impact North American hardwoods are among the most sustainably harvested natural resources in the world. Grown in temperate forests managed under strict state and federal regulations, hardwood trees regenerate naturally without the need for planting. NHLA and its members support science-based forestry practices that preserve forest health, promote biodiversity, store carbon, and contribute to long-term climate resilience. Where Sustainability Meets Economic Prosperity Sustainable hardwood forestry supports more than just the environment—it drives economic opportunity across rural America. The hardwood industry provides stable employment, supports local communities, and contributes billions in economic activity annually. NHLA promotes policies that balance natural resource conservation with the livelihoods of those who depend on working forests. Full state hardwood growth Partial state hardwood growth Little-to-no hardwood growth Additional Sustainability Resources American Hardwood Export Council AHEC is the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood industry, representing the committed U.S. hardwood exporters and the major U.S. hardwood product trade associations. Learn More RSVP The Hardwood Federation The vision of the Hardwood Federation is to have a healthy hardwood community. Learn More RSVP U.S. Forest Service The U.S. Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands, conducting research and supporting sustainable forest management. Learn More RSVP Sustainability Videos Can American Hardwoods Solve the Climate Crisis? ... YES! 5:06 • 11 months ago RSVP Clearcutting, Harvesting, and Deforestation: What's the Difference 5:13 • 11 months ago RSVP They Said It Couldn’t Be Done… But Hardwoods Proved Them Wrong! 5:16 • 11 months ago RSVP

Explore NHLA’s trusted hardwood inspection services. Get support with lumber grading, rule interpretation, and quality verification at your facility. Inspection Services Expert support on-site — ensuring quality, consistency, and confidence. NHLA’s National Inspectors are experienced, certified professionals who work directly with member companies across North America — often acting as an on-staff consulting resource to improve grading accuracy, quality control, and operational efficiency. Bring Trusted Hardwood Experts to Your Facility With more than 200 years of combined industry experience, NHLA’s National Inspectors deliver on-site inspection and consulting tailored to your business. They partner with you to uphold NHLA grading standards, solve quality challenges, and improve operations—often working directly alongside your team for ongoing support. Inspection Services Pricing NHLA Members Available to NHLA members inside the U.S. & Canada Contact Your Local Inspector $920 Per Day - Flat Fee  Expedited Services available, additional fees may apply  Inspections outside of Inspectors’ designated area may incur additional travel expenses. Non-Members Available to companies inside the U.S. & Canada Contact Your Local Inspector $1,380 Per Day - Flat Fee  Expedited Services available, additional fees may apply  Inspections outside of Inspectors’ designated area may incur additional travel expenses. Get the Support You Need Today Whether you want to enhance your grading team’s skills, confirm product quality, or receive expert advice on-site, NHLA’s National Inspectors are ready to assist. Contact Dana

Join the National Hardwood Lumber Association. Explore membership types, pricing, and how to become part of the hardwood industry's leading network. Join NHLA Become a member of the hardwood industry’s most trusted network. Whether you’re running a sawmill, supplying machinery, or exporting lumber around the world, NHLA provides the tools, relationships, and credibility you need to scale your business, build lasting partnerships, and stay ahead of evolving regulations and market trends. Be Part of the Hardwood Industry's Most Trusted Network As an NHLA member, you gain a massive competitive edge in the hardwood marketplace. Connect with the most respected network of hardwood producers, manufacturers, exporters, and suppliers across North America and beyond. NHLA membership gives your business access to exclusive training programs, the latest grading standards, and industry intelligence that help you operate more efficiently and profitably. Membership Pricing Active Member Active Membership dues and qualifications are based on the sales of individuals, firms, or corporations involved in the manufacturing, custom kiln drying, wholesaling, or distribution of North American hardwood or cypress lumber, veneer, plywood, and related products. Eligible entities must maintain their headquarters in the U.S. or Canada. Business types eligible for membership include: Sawmills Dry Kilns Concentration Yards Distribution Yards Brokers Dimension Plants Wholesalers Annual Membership Dues (starting at) $1,550 Apply Now Associate Member Associate Membership is for individuals, firms, or corporations that consume North American hardwood or cypress lumber, veneer, plywood, and related products for manufacturing purposes.
 Eligible business types include, but are not limited to: Cabinet Shops Furniture and Flooring Manufacturers Molding and Millworks Pallet Manufacturers Annual Membership Dues $2,070 Apply Now Sustaining Member Sustaining Membership is for individuals, firms, or corporations that provide services, materials, or equipment to active or associate members, or who own North American hardwood timberlands that supply the raw materials for the industry. Eligible business types include, but are not limited to: Equipment Manufacturers and Dealers Insurance Agencies Consultants Software Developers Logistics and Transportation Providers Timberland Owners Annual Membership Dues $2,070 Apply Now Partner Member Individual firms or corporations engaged in consumption or manufacturing, custom kiln drying, wholesaling, or distribution of hardwood or cypress lumber, veneer, plywood and related products that have their headquarters outside of North America. Annual Membership Dues $1,790 Apply Now Inspector Member Individuals who grade or inspect hardwood lumber for an active or associate category company but do not operate their own inspection service business. Annual Membership Dues $80 Apply Now Research Member Individuals or organizations that conduct North American hardwood forestry or hardwood forest products utilization research, or who have an interest in hardwood research results. Examples include state or federal forestry departments, educational institutions and hardwood utilization research agencies. Annual Membership Dues $60 - $200 Apply Now Have Questions About Membership? We’re here to help. Whether you have questions about benefits, eligibility, or how NHLA membership can support your business, reach out to John Hester, Chief Development Officer, for personalized guidance. Let’s grow the hardwood industry together! Contact John

Explore NHLA’s comprehensive guide to North American hardwood species. Learn about grain, color, uses, and more for each species. Hardwood Species Guide Your visual reference to North American hardwoods. Whether you’re a student, buyer, or sawmill professional, understanding the unique characteristics of each North American hardwood species is essential for making informed decisions. Explore the natural beauty, grain patterns, and practical uses of a wide range of hardwoods. Explore North American Hardwood Species Browse our interactive species guide to discover detailed information on each hardwood. Learn about physical properties, growth characteristics, and expert tips for working with each species. Click on any species card to view its common applications in furniture, flooring, millwork, and more. Alder Species Details Ash Species Details Basswood Species Details Beech Species Details Birch Species Details Cherry Species Details Hard Maple Species Details Hickory Species Details Poplar Species Details Red Oak Species Details Sap Gum Species Details Soft Maple Species Details Walnut Species Details White Oak Species Details

Explore NHLA’s professional services—from inspection and certification to grading rules and yield analysis—supporting the hardwood lumber industry. Member Services Supporting Hardwood Industry Excellence for Over 125 Years The National Hardwood Lumber Association offers a comprehensive suite of expert member services designed to uphold industry quality, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the hardwood supply chain. From certified lumber inspections to customized grading solutions, NHLA helps your business thrive in a competitive market. Industry-Leading Standards, Insight, and Expertise NHLA’s mission is to support the hardwood industry by delivering professional services that drive consistency, quality, and credibility. Our experienced, certified inspectors and technical experts understand the unique operational challenges faced by sawmills, wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers — providing tailored solutions that optimize your processes and protect your reputation. Explore Member Services National Inspectors NHLA National Inspectors are experienced, certified professionals who work directly with member companies across North America. Learn More RSVP Inspection Services NHLA’s National Inspectors can act as an on-staff consulting resource to improve grading accuracy, quality control, and operational efficiency. Learn More RSVP Yield & Quality Control NHLA provides professional on-site yield studies and quality control services to help sawmills make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency and profitability. Learn More RSVP Certification Programs NHLA Certification Programs set the standard for excellence in the hardwood industry - designed to help businesses demonstrate their commitment to quality. Learn More RSVP Grading Rules For more than 125 years, the NHLA Grading Rules have defined the standard for consistent, fair, and accurate classification of North American hardwood lumber. Learn More RSVP In-House Training Bring the power of professional hardwood education straight to your team with expert-led, on-site training from the National Hardwood Academy. Learn More RSVP Ready to Elevate Your Hardwood Operation? Not sure which NHLA service best fits your needs? Our knowledgeable staff is here to assess your operation and recommend tailored solutions that drive value and improve your bottom line. Contact our Team

Explore the benefits of NHLA membership, including industry education, networking, member discounts, and expert resources that drive your success. Member Benefits Benefits that drive real value for your business. As an NHLA member, your business gains credibility and visibility within North America's largest network of hardwood professionals, including producers, exporters, equipment suppliers, and service providers. Membership opens doors to growth, valuable connections, and industry influence. More Than a Membership — It's a Competitive Advantage Joining NHLA connects you to a trusted network, elevates your credibility, and empowers you to shape the hardwood industry. Members gain exclusive benefits, including the ability to display the NHLA logo, serve on the Board of Directors, and engage in national advocacy through the Hardwood Federation Fly-In. Exclusive Member Benefits Business Tools & Savings Enjoy deep discounts on a number of business tools and services from NHLA’s Corporate Partners, including FedEx, Dell, Lenovo, Bass Pro and many more. Learn More RSVP Grading Rules The NHLA’s Rules for the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood & Cypress provide a uniform and stable trade system, providing reliability and consistency. Learn More RSVP Education Whether you’re starting fresh, changing careers, or advancing in your current job, the National Hardwood Academy is the gold standard in hardwood education. Learn More RSVP Member Services From certified lumber inspection to customized grading solutions, NHLA offers a comprehensive suite of expert member services to help your business thrive. Learn More RSVP Member Resources The NHLA offers a wide range of resources to support businesses, professionals, and organizations working across the hardwood supply chain. Learn More RSVP Industry Events The NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase is the largest and longest-running hardwood industry gathering in North America. Learn More RSVP Have Questions About Membership? We’re here to help. Whether you have questions about benefits, eligibility, or how NHLA membership can support your business, reach out to John Hester, Chief Development Officer, for personalized guidance. Let’s grow the hardwood industry together! Contact John

Explore the core training programs at the National Hardwood Academy, including lumber grading, kiln drying, and production management. Learn more and apply today. Core Programs Discover your path at the National Hardwood Academy. The National Hardwood Academy offers expert training tailored to the evolving hardwood industry. Our flagship Inspector Training Program prepares students to become NHLA-certified lumber graders through hands-on instruction in grading rules and lumber inspection. Programs are available in both in-person and hybrid formats. In addition, we provide a range of short courses and webinars designed to help professionals stay current with the latest industry trends. Inspector Training School The Flagship Program of the National Hardwood Academy 75+ Years of Excellence : The Inspector Training School, now part of the National Hardwood Academy, has been the leader in hardwood grading education. Hands-On Learning : Students gain real-world skills in species identification, measurement techniques, rule interpretation, and inspection protocols. Career Ready : Ideal for aspiring lumber inspectors, quality control professionals, procurement specialists, or anyone looking to build a strong foundation in the hardwood industry. Apply Now Hybrid Inspector Training School Rigorous Training, Maximum Flexibility Our Hybrid Inspector Training School offers the same rigorous curriculum as the in-person program. Blended Learning : Combine in-person and online learning at your own pace. Hands-On Instruction : Gain practical experience alongside flexible online coursework. Official Certification : Complete both parts of the program and receive a certificate of completion. Perfect for working professionals or those balancing other commitments. Apply Now Short Courses Skill-Building Education to Further Your Career Designed for industry professionals and newcomers alike, our short courses cover specialized topics such as defect identification, kiln drying basics, and lumber grading updates. These targeted sessions provide practical knowledge and help you stay current with industry standards—available in convenient formats to fit your busy life. Apply Now