Updated guide shows actual grades

nESCRIBING a specific lumber l-f srade to a customer can be a bit of a-challenge. Now, you can show buyers what lumber of various grades can look like with an updated guide offered by Western Wood Products Association.

The revised Western Woods Species Book, Volume I - Dimension Lumber features full-color Photographs of framing lumber grades for the major western species. For each grade, representative sample pieces show the variety of characteristics allowed. The unique colors for the westem species combinations are also displayed to help readers identify the lumber they may want to sPecifY.

The lumber grades shown in the guide include Structural Light Framing (Select Structural, No. l, No. 2 and No. 3), Light Framing (Construction, Standard and Stud) and Structural Joists and Planks (Select Structural, No. 1 and No. 2). The Western species combinations shown are Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir and Spruce-Pine-Fir (South).

Also included in the guide are Pictures of common characteristics that assessed as part of the grade, from natural characteristics such as knots, wane and checks to manufacturing imperfections like skip and machine burn.

In addition to the Printed book, WWPA will also offer Volume 1 as a CD, with each page available as a PDF file, which can be sent as attachments with e-mail. The CD will be sold separately.

WWPA offers guides for other western grades as well. Volume 2S e lect s - F ini sh/ C ommons - B oards shows grades samples for high-end products such as Selects and Finish lumber as well as Common grades for one-inch boards. Volume 3 - Factory Lumber illustrates ShoP and other grades designed for remanufacturing.

All Westem Woods SPecies Books are available for $5 each and can be ordered from www.wwPa.org. The CD will be available for ordering online this month.