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Coast DF 73%

Inland DF-L 26%

South DFS 1%

Grading AgenciesSoftwood Export Council (SEC) member grading agencies include:

Pacific Lumber InspectionBureau (PLIB),Export “R” List Grading & Dressing Rules for WestCoast Softwood Lumber;

Redwood InspectionService (RIS), a division of the California RedwoodAssociation (CRA),Specifications for Grades of California RedwoodLumber;

West Coast LumberInspection Bureau(WCLIB),Standard Grading Rules forWest Coast Lumber; and

Western Wood ProductsAssociation (WWPA),Western Lumber Grading Rules.

All of these grading agencies areaccredited by the American LumberStandard Committee, Inc. (ALSC),under the U.S. Department ofCommerce. RIS, WCLIB and WWPAare also accredited rules-writingagencies and represent three, of only six, agencies in the U.S. whose grading rules are certified as conforming to the AmericanSoftwood Lumber Standard PS-20.This U.S. product standard provides a mechanism for timber to be of the size, grade and design valuesindicated by its labelling.

All four agencies are certified toprovide grading and inspection ser-vices for structural products under the National Grading Rule forDimension Lumber (NGR). PLIB,WCLIB and WWPA are also accreditedby the Canadian Lumber StandardsAccreditation Board to provide grad-ing inspection services under theStandard Grading Rules for CanadianLumber published by the NationalLumber Grades Authority (NLGA) of Canada.

Douglas fir growing west of theCascade Crest to the Pacific Ocean

in the states of Washington, Oregon,and northern California is known as coastal Douglas fir; identified

by DF in the grade stamp.

East of the Cascade Crest in the northern “Inland Empire” region,

Western Larch (Larix occidentalis)grows intermixed with Douglas fir.

Because these two species are similar in appearance and properties, they are

sometimes combined for structuralapplications. If combined they are

marketed as Douglas fir-Larch, indicated by DF-L in the grade stamp.

A small volume of Douglas fir originates from Arizona, Colorado,

Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah; these products are identified as Douglas fir South, indicated by

DF(S) or DFS in the grade stamp.

Douglas fir grown in Canada is identified as Douglas fir North,

indicated by DF(N) or DFN in the grade stamp.

Douglas FirPseudotsuga menziesii

Douglas firs are among the tallest trees on the continent, second only to coastal redwoods. They average

from 45 to 60 metres in height, from 600 to 1850 mm in diameter,

and are found at elevations rangingfrom sea level to 1830 metres.

This publication supports products produced by companies that subscribe to the inspection and grading services

of the member agencies of the Softwood Export Council (SEC), listedright. Please refer to the SEC website

www.softwood.org for information on specific products from the membercompanies of these grading agencies.

Also, please refer to the North AmericanWholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA)

and Pacific Lumber Exporters’ Association(PLEA) sections of the SEC site for

information on exporting timber wholesalers and their products.

Note on Sizes: Unless otherwise stated,metric measures throughout this text aresoft conversions of actual, surfaced U.S.

sizes (with 1 inch equaling 25.4 mm).

Douglas Fir Production by Region

COVER: West of the Cascade Mountains,Douglas fir dominates the forested land-scapes often accounting for 90% or moreof the trees in an area. Disturbance in the form of wildfires, volcanic eruptions,earthquakes and landslides have perpetu-ated these forests in Douglas fir for cen-turies. Today, foresters mimic the cycles of natural disturbance and renewal, man-aging commercial timberlands primarily in natural stands on long rotations for avariety of forest values.

Forestry, Inventory & ProductionIn the western region, approximately55 million hectares are forested andhome to more than 21 commerciallyimportant species for timber produc-tion. Of the 55 million forestedhectares, 20.2 million are set aside —forever protected from harvestingthrough legislative, administrative orjudicial withdrawal, in parks, scenicand habitat reserves, wilderness,and research areas.

Pseudotsuga menziesii is a distinctspecies and most often referred to asDouglas fir; however, other commonnames include Oregon, Oregon Pine,British Columbian Pine, Red Fir andeven Douglas tree. By any name,Douglas fir accounts for about onefifth of North America’s total soft-wood reserves.

On the commercial timberlands of the western region, there areapproximately 14 million hectares of Douglas fir managed primarily innatural stands. These timberlands are governed by tough local and state laws related to harvesting andtimberland management practices,reforestation requirements, protectionfor habitat, watersheds and soils, and biological diversity. In 1998,Douglas fir timber production totalled 17.5 million cubic metres.

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Grade stampsBecause structural timber hasassigned design values (numericalindications of strength and perfor-mance properties for engineering and construction), building codes and other regulatory entities requirestructural timber products be clearlymarked with an approved, registeredgrade stamp.

Most grade stamps, except thosefor heavy members 127 mm x 127mm and larger, contain the followingfive basic elements:

1. Certification MarkThe ALSC-certified grading agency’sregistered mark. Attests to qualitycontrol supervision.2. Mill Identification Reveals the manufacturing mill’sidentity. It may be a name or assignedmill number. Grading agencies maybe contacted to identify an indiviual mill whenever necessary. 3. Grade DesignationGrade name, number or abbreviation.4. Species IdentificationIndicates species by individualspecies or species combination. 5. Moisture Content & HowSeasoned Indicates the moisture content/condition of seasoning whentimber wassurfaced at the mill (KDindicates kiln dried):

MC15 or KD15 — 15% maximum moisture content;

S-DRY or KD — 19% maximum moisture content;

S-GRN — over 19% moisture content(unseasoned).

To avoid marring the beauty of thewood, grade information for appear-ance products may be included indocumentation rather than stampeddirectly onto a timber piece.

(1) (2)

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The SEC publication, Western SoftwoodSpecies & Grades provides additional infor-mation on these grading agencies. Orderthrough the SEC website www.softwood.org.

International ServicesSEC member grading agencies areapproved by the U.S. Department ofAgriculture (USDA) Animal & PlantHealth Inspection Service (APHIS) to issue Heat Treatment CertificationUsing a Kiln Facility as well asCertificates of Debarking and GrubHole Control, as required by EU and other countries.

Upon request, they will provideInspection Certificates that attest tothe accuracy of the grades and talliesshipped by their member companies.If any disagreement should arise, allSEC member grading agencies areable to provide services anywhere in the world to help resolve disputes.

In addition, these agencies areapproved to prepare documentationfor individual companies in prepara-tion for acquisition of the USDAPhytosanitary Certificates or othersimilar documents that may berequired by specific destination countries.

All four agencies are accredited by ALSC to supervise NGR-basedgrading and grade marking serviceson structural products for Japan.Under the Japanese Ministry ofConstruction, these SEC agencies are approved to provide grading ser-vices for machine stress-rated timberproducts under JAS 702 and for structural dimension timber underJAS 600. The Japanese governmentfurther grants approval to WWPA tocertify qualifying mills to place JASgrade marks on structural products to be shipped directly to Japaneseconstruction sites.

Moisture ContentS-DRY can mean either kiln dried orair seasoned, while KD specificallymeans kiln dried. The meaning for“DRY” is defined by the gradingrules.

In structural grades, DRY indicatesa product was either kiln or air driedto a moisture content (MC) level of19% or less prior to surfacing. Mostspecies are seasoned below 19% MCbefore surfacing.

For international markets, Douglasfir framing timbers 38 mm and less in thickness are generally shippedafter seasoning at the mill to a mois-ture content of 19% or less; indicatedby S-DRY or KD. However, becauseDouglas fir has the ability to seasonwell in position, framing products are sometimes shipped unseasoned(S-GRN) for use by local markets.

In clear and nearly clear appear-ance-grade products, i.e. the Clears,Selects & Finish grades, DRY isdefined in grading rules as being amaximum of 15% MC, and underWWPA rules, 85% of these items will be shipped with a MC of 12% or less. In the appearance grades for knotty products, i.e. the Board,Merchantable & Common grades,DRY allows for a maximum of 19% MC.

For remanufacturing or glued products, Douglas fir is seasoned intemperature and humidity-controlledkilns or stacked and air dried until itsMC reaches the appropriate level foran intended purpose, or as specifiedfor individual grades, or throughbuyer/seller agreement.

ProductsDouglas fir is exceptionally versatile because it is both strong and of fine appearance. It is widelyavailable in structural, appearance,remanufacturing, and industrialgrades. International grades and sizesspecific to the needs of destinationcountries are manufactured unsea-soned or kiln dried (KD) and shippedunder the supervision of RIS, PLIB,WCLIB and WWPA. Many productsare available through buyer/selleragreements. Those products man-ufactured and graded specifically for export include, but are not lim-ited to: Baby Squares, J Grade, and Scantlings.

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Structural Products When architects and engineers lookfor the best in structural timber, theirfirst choice is often Douglas fir. It isuniversally recognized for its superiorstrength-to-weight ratio, excellent nailholding, and its fastening capability.Superior performance is documentedagainst wind, storms and earthquakes.

In strength properties, Douglas firhas the highest ratings of any westernsoftwood for extreme fiber stress inbending; tension parallel-to-grain;horizontal sheer; compression per-pendicular-to-grain and compressionparallel-to-grain.

It also has the highest modulus of elasticity (E) value of all NorthAmerican softwood species. E is theratio of the amount a piece of timberwill deflect in proportion to an appliedload. This reflection of stiffness is oneof the most important considerationsin the design of floors and other hori-zontal systems. Douglas fir is oftenselected for four- and five-storey tim-ber frame buildings.

Because of its physical workingproperties, as well as the moderatedurability of its heartwood, and itsexcellent dimensional stability,builders worldwide prefer Douglas fir for framing in residential, lightcommercial, multi-storey and indus-trial construction, and for structuralformwork. Douglas fir products arealso available preservative pressuretreated for in-ground and ground-contact installations.

U.S. Dimension Timber:Nominal sizes: 2” through 4” thickby 2” through 4” wide (Surfaced Dry - 38 through 89 mm thick x 38 through 89 mm wide) (Surfaced Green - 40 through 90 mm thick x 40 through 90 mm wide)

Structural Light Framing grades - for highest-strength engineered systems, trusses and multi-storey projects. Light Framing grades - for routine framing in walls, plates, sills, cripples, blocking, etc.

Nominal sizes: 2” through 4” thick by 2” through 14” wide (Surfaced Dry - 38 through 89 mm thick x 38 through 337 mm wide) (Surfaced Green - 40 through 90 mm thick x 40 through 343 mm wide)

STUD grade: Intended for vertical-use applications, ideal for wall framing.

Nominal sizes: 2” to 4” thick by 5”and wider (Surfaced Dry - 38 through 89 mm thick x 38 through 337 mm wide) (Surfaced Green - 40 through 90 mm thick x 127 mm and wider)

Structural Joist and Plank grades - Intended to fit engineering applica-tions such as floor and ceiling joists, roof rafters, headers, beams, trusses and general framing.

Special Dimension Timber Machine Stress-Rated (MSR) timber -mechanically assessed for strengthand connection capabilities, used fortrusses and other engineered applica-tions.Structural-Glued timber – end- orfinger-jointed; interchangeable withsolid sawn dimension timber of thesame grade and size; accepted foruse under all U.S. Model BuildingCodes.

Structural Decking/SubflooringNominal sizes: 2” through 4” thick x 4” and wider (Surfaced “DRY or MC 15” only- 38through 89 mm thick x 89 mm andwider)

Primarily an industrial or com-mercial roof and flooring product.Also known as “roof decking.” Not intended for outdoor, backyarddecks. Standard patterns, in 38 mm,64 mm and 89 mm tongue-and-groove widths, are available with “V” or rounded edges and other patternsto meet discriminating architecturalrequirements. Two grades available(WCLIB and WWPA Rules). Manu-factured at 19% (S-DRY or KD) and15% (MC15 or KD15). Factory floors,manufactured from Douglas fir deck-ing, result in a smooth, even surface;resist cracking and splintering underheavy, continuous use.

Large Sizes Douglas fir is one of the few speciesavailable in large sizes from managedtimberlands. While these productsmay be specified S-DRY, often theyare shipped unseasoned, rough cut or surfaced on four sides (S4S). Theyare best known for their tough fiber,dense grain structure and strength.These “Heavy Timber” sections havethe added benefit of excellent fire rat-ings that comply with U.S. and othercountries’ Model Building Codes.

Beams & Stringers - nominal 5” and thicker (125 mm nominal) with a width more than 2” (50 mm nomi-nal) greater than thickness.

Posts & Timbers - nominal 5” x 5”nominal (125 x 125 mm nominal)and larger with a width not morethan 2” (50 mm nominal) greater than thickness.

High-performanceDouglas fir prod-ucts are well suitedfor multi-storeyframing systemsand engineeredapplications.

A winner in theAmerican WoodDesign Awards 2000competition, the simple frame of thisbarbecue facility atChampignon Gardenin Tsukuba, Ibaraki,Japan, was constructedentirely of Douglas fir dimension lumber.Masayuki Akita +Quattro Architects & Planners.

Structural deckinggrades are avail-able for exposedapplications (primarily ceilings)and for use asfloors or sub-floors.

Douglas fir offers a highdegree of stiffnessthat is particularlydesirable in floorand roof systems.The higher grades performcompetitively with engineeredproducts, but are much moreeconomical.

Opposite: Douglasfir is the idealspecies for themost demandingwood-frame pro-jects, particularlyin areas whereearthquakes andhurricanes aresevere.

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boxes and crating; or for general con-struction purposes and serviceabilityin sub-floors, roof and wall sheathingor concrete forms.

The highest grades, such as SelectMerch and No.1 & No.2 Merch, 1 & 2 Common, and Construction arequite refined with sound tight knots;intended for use where a fine appear-ance in a knotty material is desired,e.g. shelving or run-to-pattern forcladding and panelling. The lowestgrades are used primarily in industrialand utility applications where econo-my is the basic requirement.

Finish Grades (WWPA Rules)SuperiorPrimeE Finish

Finish Grades (WCLIB Rules)C & BTRDThese grades reflect clear and

nearly clear Douglas fir timber products. The products are exquisitelybeautiful and expensive, appreciatedby discriminating buyers. They arewell manufactured and carefully seasoned to desired moisture contentlevels, usually KD 15%. They may be specified in vertical or flat grain.When unspecified, a combination of vertical and flat grain is shipped.Products are recommended for interior trim, furniture, panelling, case goods and cabinetwork wherethe finest appearance is important.

Floors take an incredible beatingand few softwood species are suit-able. However, Douglas fir will holda finish, maintain its appearance,remain level, and resist cracking,scuffing or splintering under extremewear. Douglas fir flooring is avail-able in 1x4” nominal (19 x 89 mmactual) in standard lengths that are1220 mm and longer. Flooring ismachined tongue-and-groove and maybe finished in any grade; however,the grade specifically developed forflooring is C & BTR FLOORING. It may be specified vertical grain.

General-purpose grades include:

Export R-List Merchantable(Export R-List rules)

Select MerchantableNo.1 MerchNo.2 MerchNo.3 Merch

Commons (WWPA rules)1 Common2 Common3 Common4 Common5 Common

Board grades (WCLIB rules)Select MerchantableConstructionStandardUtilityEconomy

General-purpose grades allow for a variety of knots, characteristics and imperfections. They are readilyavailable in multiple widths and quality levels. Most are a nominal 1x thickness, surfaced to 3/4” (19mm). Depending on the criteria of aninstallation, different grades are suit-able for housing and light construc-tion where wood is exposed in cor-nices, soffits and fascia; or for fences,

Clear, verticalgrain Douglas fir is well suitedto a variety of finishes.

Douglas fir is indemand for itsability to acceptadhesives, holdfasteners tightlyand resist theeffects of scuffing,abrasion and jar-ring under move-ment.

The refined aesthetics of thehighest grades instructural deckingproducts, SelectedDecking or SelectDex, are revealedin this exposedceiling. Doors arealso Douglas fir.

Opposite: Apigmented stainwas used on theDouglas fir glu-lam beams. Fire-place mantel and trim are also Douglas fir.

Please refer to SEC website (www.softwood.org)for information on standardized panellingand cladding patterns as well as informationon selecting, specifying, installing and finish-ing solid wood panelling. The SEC publica-tion, Western Softwood Species & Grades,provides photographs and detailed gradedescriptions.

Appearance GradesDesigners appreciate the rich visualquality of Douglas fir and enjoy itsbeautiful response to fine craftsman-ship and finishing. When sawn toexpose its vertical grain, Douglas firis particularly attractive. Substantialvolumes of clear and nearly cleartimber products are available inDouglas fir from the long-rotationcommercial timberlands of the west-ern region.

Appearance-grade products rangefrom the exquisitely beautiful to themost utilitarian. Colour, grain pattern,texture, knot size, type and quantity,as well as quality of manufacturingare all key factors in determining thegrade with allowable characteristicsdefined for each grade. Moisture con-tent levels are carefully controlled inthe highest grades to ensure productswill meet the strict dimensional sta-bility requirements of finish carpen-ters, furniture manufacturers and cabinetmakers.

Douglas fir’s light rosey colour,which darkens over time whenexposed to UV rays, is set off by itsremarkably straight grain pattern. Thetough fiber holds fasteners well and itmachines to an exceptionally smooth,glossy surface. When dry, Douglas fir retains its shape and size withoutshrinking, swelling, cupping, warp-ing, bowing or twisting, and generallywon’t check or show a raised grain.

Such characteristics make Douglasfir ideal for all types of trim and join-ery applications: fascia, doors, mill-work, window and door casings,mantels, stairs and baseboards.Products may be run-to-pattern.Douglas fir’s handsome appearance is clearly visible in solid plank panelling and edge-glued veneers. In many cases, the grade of panellingproducts reflects the grade of thestarting board material, adhering to similar restrictions for allowablecharacteristics.

Clear coatings, transparent lacquer,varnishes, oils, wax, bright or sub-dued stains, tints or paints and enamels are all appropriate finishes.

Highest-quality grades include:

Export R-List Clears (R-List Rules)No. 2 Clear & BTRNo. 3 ClearNo. 4 Clear

Selects (WWPA Rules)B & BTR SelectC SelectD Select

Industrial Clears (WCLIB Rules)B & BtrCD

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Today’s engineered, stress-laminatedtimber bridges of preservative pres-sure-treated* Douglas fir are strong,durable, cost-effective, time efficientto install, and often reduce the impactof construction on surrounding stream-side ecosystems.

Specialized non-structural gradesinclude an enormous array of Factory& Shop products (described below),as well as pickets, lath, battens, stepping, and gutters.

Products forRemanufacturingApplications Factory & Shop grades include, but are not limited to:

Moulding Stock(WWPA & WCLIB Rules)

Shop Timber(WWPA & WCLIB Rules)

Door Stock (WCLIB Rules)Flush Door Stock (WWPA Rules)Jamb & Head Stock (WWPA Rules)Clears (Export R-List Rules)Merchantable (Export R-List Rules)

Factory & Shop grade products areproduced primarily for remanufactur-ing into doors, windows, furniture,frames, moulding and boxes. Theyare especially well suited for crosscutting to obtain clear pieces for joinery and millwork applications.When hardness is desired, in additionto fine appearance, Douglas fir rivalsmany of the softer hardwoods in this arena. It is easily machined to a smooth surface texture, glues andholds fasteners well, and resists theeffects of wear under conditions ofmovement and jarring.

Douglas fir Factory & Shop* *products are usually shipped in large quantities, mill-direct to remanufacturers. Many westernsawmills can accommodate the special remanufacturing requirementsof international customers throughbuyer/seller agreements.

Products for IndustrialApplications Industrial grades include, but are notlimited to:

Lam Stock (for glue-laminated beams)

Stress-Rated Boards(with assigned design values)

Mining TimbersScaffold PlankFoundation TimberRailroad Ties

Douglas fir holds the respect ofindustrial users worldwide, repeatedlymeeting their demands for high per-formance. Industrial products includeboth structural and non-structuralgrades intended for specific end uses.

Structural grades include miningtimbers, scaffold plank and founda-tion timber. Truss fabrication andformwork, tunnelling, trestles,bridges, stadiums, warehouses, stor-age facilities and factories all dependon Douglas fir. The species is highlyresistant to mechanical abrasion andchemical reaction, thus often used in the fabrication of vats, tanks, con-tainers, flumes, conduits, and similarindustrial components that call for an inert material with long life underrigorous service conditions.

Douglas fir is chosen for sound barrier walls along freeways and forhighway guardrails. It’s also found all across the railway tracks of NorthAmerica. From rail car linings andtrack supports to railroad ties andcross planking, this western species,treated and untreated, provides long-lasting solutions to very tough jobs.

Stress-Rated Boards (nominal 1”Board products with assigned designvalues) are available in Douglas firfor use in light trusses, horizontalbracing, rafters, and box beams forfactory built homes.

Lam Stock, nominal 2” (38 mmactual) and thinner by 3” (64 mmactual) and wider, is available in several grades. These grades areassessed for structural and visualcharacteristics. E-rated grades aremechanically tested for their exactlong-span flatwise Modulus ofElasticity. Products are intended to be laid up longitudinally and bondedwith adhesives. Structural laminationsmay be specified rough or surfaced,in various widths and thicknesses,and in unusual configurations to meetdesign criteria, e.g. engineered archesfor churches, bridges and stadiums.

Douglas fir’sstraight, uniformgrain combinedwith high densityyields exquisitelyhandsome, high-performancedoors.

Factory & Shopproducts, the“economicalclears” of soft-wood timbergrades, are prizedfor doors, win-dows, shutters anda variety of cabi-nets, case goodsand furniture.

Inba House inChiba, Japan (here and oppositepage) received Best of ResidentialDesign of the Year in the AmericanWood Design Awards2000 competition.Douglas fir was usedfor post-and-beamstructural members,millwork and fit-tings. Architects: Takano DesignProduce/YasuyukiTakano+ NobuoAoto.

Balcony corner post of Douglas fir.

Modern stress-laminated, preservative pressure-treatedDouglas fir bridgesoffer cost-effectivesolutions with lowenvironmentalimpact.

Preservative pressure-treatedDouglas fir pilingsand boardwalks are ideal for freshand salt-waterinstallations.

*Please refer the SEC website (www.soft-wood.org) to order the publication, WoodThat Works, Wood That Lasts for informationon preservative pressure-treated Douglas fir.

**Please refer to the SEC publication,Western Softwood Species & Grades, formore detailed information on Factory & Shopgrades.

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Structural Light Framing gradesinclude SELECT STRUCTURAL,NO.1 & BTR, NO.1, NO.2, and

NO.3. Light Framing gradesinclude CONSTRUCTION, STANDARD, and UTILITY. Stud grade applies only to

STUDS. Structural Joists andPlanks include SELECT STRUC-

TURAL, NO.1 & BTR, NO.1,NO.2, and NO.3. DF is

the strongest of the western softwoods and marketed

S-GRN, S-DRY and KD for framing applications.

Figure 1: SELECT STRUCTURALis the highest Structural Light

Framing grade — sound, firm,encased and pith knots

are limited to 22 mm, tight and well spaced.

Figure 2: STUD grade, suitablefor all load-bearing walls; places

limitations on crook, wane and edge knots.

Appearance grades are based onaesthetics. Highest qualityappearance grades include

the Export R-List Clears (No.2CLEAR & BTR, NO.3 & No.4

CLEAR); the Selects (B & BTRSELECT, C SELECT, and D

SELECT); and Finish grades(SUPERIOR, PRIME, E and C & BTR and D). General-

purpose grades include: Export R-List Merchantable

(SELECT MERCH, NO.1, No.2 & No.3 MERCH); the

Commons (1 to 5 COMMON);and the Board Grades

(SELECT MERCHANTABLE, CONSTRUCTION, STANDARD,

UTILITY and ECONOMY).

Figure 3: SUPERIOR (WWPA) or C & BTR (WCLIB) is the highest grade in the Finishcategory of the appearance

grades. Many pieces areabsolutely clear. Used for

interior trim and cabinetwork.Natural characteristics and

manufacturing imperfections are restricted; products

are kiln dried.

Figure 4: SELECT MERCHANTABLE is the highestgrade among the Board grades

for general-purpose boards of a knotty appearance.

Intended for use in housing andgeneral construction where

finest appearance in a knotty product is desired.

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Young bark issmooth, gray and thin. It turnsbrownish red andbecomes thick and deeply fissuredas the tree ages.

Sapwood is whiteto pale yellowwhile the heart-wood is russet ororange-red; timberoften has a slightrosey cast with dis-tinct growth rings.Freshly milled tim-ber has a resinousodour.

Special grades,sizes and lengthsare available forinternational customers. Manymills are able toaccommodate special manufac-turing require-ments and cut to exact customerspecificationsthrough buyer/seller agreements.

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Factory & Shop timber grades are intended to be ripped and/or crosscut to recov-er desirable pieces in standard sizes for remanufacturing purposes. Products aregraded according to WWPA, WCLIB and Export R-List Rules with other optionsavailable through buyer/seller agreement. Products are carefully seasoned prior tosurfacing. Examples of these two grades are shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 5: NO.4 CLEAR (Export Export R-List Rules) is recommended and widely used internationally as a multi-purpose remanufacturing product. Each piece is wellmanufactured. Irregularities on reverse face can be slightly in excess of those allowedon the face.

Figure 6: 6/4 RWL NO.1 SHOP (WWPA Rules) reflects the grading principlesbehind typical U.S. factory-type timber. This grade will yield from 50% to 70% of No.1 Door Cuttings, except that pieces containing one or more NO.1 DoorCuttings will permit one No.2 Stile. Not over two Muntins are included in anypiece. The intended recovery of standard-sized pieces, which influences, alongwith allowable characteristics, the assigned grade, is indicated by lines on the photograph.

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SEC-2/6-01,Rev.9-04/500 Printed in USA on recycled paper.

© 2001, 2004 SEC

The Softwood Export Council(SEC) is a non-profit tradecouncil of U.S. softwoodgrading agencies, industrytrade associations, stateexport development agenciesand others interested in thepromotion of U.S. softwoodproducts internationally.

International field officesand SEC representatives arelocated in Japan, Korea,China, Mexico, Spain andEngland. Details are provid-ed on the SEC website.

The SEC website providesinformation on memberorganizations, services and companies as well as a directory of literature andsupporting information onproducts. Most product support publications, manyin multiple languages, maybe ordered directly from SEC international fieldoffices.

Softwood Export CouncilUSA

email: info@softwood.orgwebsite: www.softwood.org