NHLA Rules

Internationally recognized NHLA hardwood lumber grading standards and sales code at your fingertips. A cuttings calculator, online Community forum, accessibility features for ease-of-use, video resources, charts, metric conversion table, species exceptions, definitions, tips, shortcuts and more are all included.

Includes:
Methods Used in Applying Inspection Rules
Standard Grades
Standard Inspection by Species, Including Cypress
Tropical Hardwoods
Inspection of Kiln Dried Lumber
Special Combined and Face Grades
Furniture Dimension Stock
Strips
Hardwoods for Construction

Additional information:
Original National Inspection Regulations
National Re-Inspection Regulations & Guarantee
Index of Woods
NHLA Sales Code

About NHLA
Industry standards for the hardwood lumber industry were created in 1898 by the establishment of the National Hardwood Lumber Association and its subsequent “Rules for the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood & Cypress.”

The Rules for the inspection of lumber are uniform in construction and application but also carry with them the element of stability. The NHLA Hardwood Grading Rules are the product of the process of evolutionary development, and that process is still in operation. It is a process of growth and expansion to meet the necessities of varying conditions and markets and will continue and evolve with the global hardwood industry. Questions about the NHLA Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules should be directed to the NHLA Chief Inspector. Contact information can be found at www.nhla.com.

Recent changes:
The Community tab now supports the new NHLA website.

The Video Resources page has been updated to better promote NHLA's services.

Retaining the U.S.D.A. Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory shield and information on the rear cover for their generous funding.