Spruce-Pine-Fir's strength, light weight, ease of handling and good working properties have made it a popular wood for framing applications in all types of construction. It is highly regarded not only in North America, but also in Europe and Japan. It is for these reasons that we believe that this course will appeal to a wide range of people to include primary wood workers, secondary wood workers and sales personnel.

Spruce Pine Fir is becoming more recognized throughout the world; and is being selected for a variety of specialized applications to include finger-joined, machine stress rated and pressure treated products.

This class has been specifically designed to teach a uniform application of the NLGA grading rules so that consistent values of quality will exist throughout the forest industry.

The main species covered are White Spruce, Lodgepole Pine, Alpine Fir, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Hemlock.

The most common grade categories and softwood species manufactured in the interior of B.C. is covered, which include the following:

• NLGA
• Grading Agencies and Grade Stamps – Section 13
• General Provisions – Paras. 1 – 48.
• Dimensional Lumber (NGR) – Paras. 120-125 (These include Light Framing, Structural Joists and Planks, as well as Machine Stress Rated (MSR) lumber).
• Stress Grades - Paras. 300 – 360
• Glossary - Paras. 700 – 754
• Characteristic Tables and Abbreviations and Standard Sizes - Paras. 810-830

[Also please note the option is available for the course to also cover: Boards - Paras.112-115 if desired]

Classes normally begin in late February or early March (however, dates are flexible) and are conducted over a period of five weeks with approximately twenty-five hours of instruction and grading. Classes are held one day a week (normally on Saturdays) and are broken down into a morning and afternoon class, with a new item taught at each class to build on the knowledge as we progress through the course.

At the end of the course, there will be examinations in both the practical and theoretical aspects of lumber grading. Grading Tickets will be awarded to students attaining the required percentage levels, and the corresponding tickets and will be issued (AA (85% with no books), A(85%), or B(70%)).

For the practical examination, students will be expected to identify the grade of 50 pieces of lumber within a two (2) hour time limit.

For the theory examination, students will be expected to answer 100 multiple choice questions within a one (1) hour time limit.

The classes can be structured in a variety of ways, and locations are flexible to suit our members needs so do not hesitate to contact the office or one of our lumber supervisors if you have any questions in regards to how we are able to help provide one of these courses for your company.