Recent News
April 04, 2008
Opening of Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre April 4th
Gordon Buchanan, owner of Buchanan Lumber, officially presented the High...
February 01, 2008
Company gets the most value out of its wood
While mills are closing their doors, there is a mill...
Grading and Glossary
The following information was taken from the Alberta Forestry Association Products (AFPA) website.
The AFPA “is the primary certification agency in Alberta, responsible for ensuring the quality control of each piece of stamped lumber originating from its members.”
Select Structural grade is lumber primarily intended for use when high stiffness and good appearance are desired.
No. 1 and No. 2 grade lumber are the most common lumber grades and are recommended for most general construction uses. The differences between Select Structural, No. 1 and No. 2 grade lumber relate to appearance and strength characteristics.
For light framing grades, the top two grades are combined and called Standard and Better grade lumber. Pieces are generally of good appearance but have a somewhat reduced strength and stiffness from No. 2 lumber.
Stud grade lumber is a special purpose grade which typifies the structural characteristics necessary for use in framing walls.
Secondary manufacturing facilities use No. 3, Utility and Economy grade lumber for wood storage or crating boxes, wood pallets and bracing materials. Additionally, the secondary manufacturers look to recover stud grade lumber from these pieces.
The Lumber Grade Stamp
A grade stamp shows: (1) the registered symbol of the certified agency; (2) the mill identification number; (3) the species or species group; (4) the seasoned condition; and, (5) the grade name or number.
