Understanding The Rules
Attending the NHLA Inspector Training School is the first step to becoming an NHLA-trained Lumber Inspector and to understanding the NHLA Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules. In an effort to help spread the skills and understanding, the NHLA Chief Inspector contributes a monthly column in Hardwood Matters magazine. These articles contain answers to common questions and can be a wealth of valuable insights and information. View the latest Rules Corner article below.
The 2023 NHLA Rules Book is available to download for free in English, Vietnamese, Spanish, French and Bahasa in the NHLA Online Store. More languages will be available soon, so be sure to stop by and check in if you’re searching for the NHLA Rules Book in other formats.
The NHLA Rules Book is also now accessible in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
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Attending the NHLA Inspector Training School is the first step to becoming an NHLA-trained Lumber Inspector and to understanding the NHLA Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules. In an effort to help spread the skills and understanding regarding the Rules, the NHLA Chief Inspector contributes a monthly column in “Hardwood Matters” magazine. These articles contain answers to common questions and can be a wealth of valuable insights and information.
View the latest Rules Corner article below.
March 2, 2024
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.
An Explanation of the American Hardwood Lumber Grades by NHLA
This video workshop provides a simplified but informative explanation of the grading rules for American hardwood lumber. Presented by Dana Spessert, Chief Inspector of the NHLA, the rules were established over 125 years ago by the, then newly formed, National Lumber Association (NHLA).