This is an in-person CMSA Lumber Grading Class for Coastal SPF Species. This course gives students a knowledge of tree and wood structure and provides them with the fundamentals on how to grade a piece of lumber.

This course will focus on the structural grades made from SPF, machine stress-graded lumber and special products such as finger joined lumber.

The Coastal SPF species covered: White Spruce, Lodgepole Pine, Alpine Fir, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Ponderosa Pine, Western White Pine, and Hemlock.

Grade rules taught include:

• NLGA Studs (Para 121)
• NLGA Light Framing (Para 122)
• NLGA Structural Light Framing and Structural Joist & Planks (Para 124)
• NLGA Machine Stress Rated Lumber (Para 128)
• NLGA Finger Joined Stud (Para 129)
• Para 113 Commons and Para 114 Boards

Students will be expected to do the prescribed readings and homework prior to each day’s lesson. Instructors will review grade rules, grade tables and assist students as they apply the grade rules to find the correct lumber grades on the classroom samples.

At the end of this course there will be a 50 board practical exam and a 100 question written theory exam.

Students who obtain a final weighted mark of 70% or higher will receive a certificate for successfully completing and passing the course.

Students will receive grade manuals and reference material on the first day of class.

Students will need a tape measure, clear ruler, clipboard and a calculator.