Do I need my lumber graded?
No need for grading lumber for furniture, siding, decking, cabinets, interior finish, trim and fencing. For unpermitted structures it is wise to “over build” using larger sizes for framing any load bearing walls, timbers and beams.
If You are contemplating using your lumber for a permitted construction project you should first check with your local city, county, and/or state building code office to find out the exact requirements in your area. Requirements and the level of enforcement vary. Don’t be satisfied until you have seen the rules yourself. Keep a copy for future reference.
If you are working with a certified Engineer then they have the ability to call for your own milled lumber and will not need to have a grading stamp. A certified Engineer has the ability to calculate the proper dimensions for any and all structural requirements needed to satisfy any permit process. Note; architects and designers can not certify the use of your milled lumber, only an Engineer can do this.
Grading Lumber
In California there is a lumber grader who will come to your site and grade your lumber.
I will post contact details here soon.
For grading lumber of softwood or hardwood lumber to be used in construction you can call for a “certificate inspection.” When a certificate inspection is requested, the grading agency will arrange for their first available or nearest inspector to travel to the location of the lumber. The lumber is grade-stamped, and a certificate is issued in regards to the inspection. The lumber is then eligible to be used in building construction. The owner of the lumber should be prepared to turn and move the boards for the inspector. Also, presorting the lumber by widths and lengths is important. Additional sorting by estimated grade will further speed up the process. The lumber may be rough or surfaced. Lumber having moisture content in excess of 19 percent will be marked “S-GRN.” Air-dried lumber or that with a moisture content of less than 19 percent will be stamped “S-DRY.” Sawyers should be certain that they follow the size requirements set forth by the rule writing agencies for different species. In order to finish to the sizes required, lumber must be cut oversized to allow for shrinkage during drying, plaining, and sawing variation.
Lumber grading services in California
Ben Lux
District Supervisor
307.438.2636
California, Florida, Oregon
Kyle Schillereff
District Supervisor
503.547.4501
Oregon, California
(909) 627-0953
(909) 591-9132 fax
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 989 Chino CA 91708
sales@parrlumberchino.com