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NHLA Grading Rules
The industry standard for hardwood lumber grading.
For more than 125 years, the NHLA Grading Rules have defined the standard for consistent, fair, and accurate classification of hardwood lumber across North America. Trusted by sawmills, distributors, and manufacturers worldwide, these rules ensure transparency and reliability in every transaction.
The Leading Authority on Standards for Hardwood Lumber Grading
The NHLA is the official governing body responsible for developing, maintaining, and interpreting the hardwood lumber grading rules in North America. These rules create a shared language between buyers and sellers, ensuring fairness, consistency, and trust throughout the hardwood supply chain.
Understand the Grading Rules, Apply Them with Confidence
Whether you’re a new lumber grader, a seasoned mill owner, or a hardwood lumber sales professional, a strong understanding of the NHLA Rules for the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood & Cypress is essential for success in the industry. The official Rules book is available in multiple languages and supported by expert instruction from the National Hardwood Academy, as well as on-site guidance from NHLA National Inspectors. From learning the fundamentals to refining your expertise, NHLA provides the resources and training needed to apply the Rules with confidence and accuracy.
Want to strengthen your understanding of the Rules? Explore upcoming training opportunities, including hands-on courses designed to build confidence, improve accuracy, and apply the Rules in real-world situations. View our course calendar and find the right training opportunity for you.
The NHLA Rules Change Process
Every four years, NHLA reviews the hardwood lumber grading rules and accepts rules change proposals for consideration. In the final step of the process, ballots containing new rules change proposals are sent to all Active Members. 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 of the proceeding year.
