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Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla

California Red fir Abies magnifica

Grand fir Abies grandis

Noble fir Abies procera

Pacific Silver fir Abies amabilis

White fir Abies concolor

Western hemlock(Tsuga heterophylla),also known as West

Coast hemlock orPacific hemlock, is distinguished by its

downward sweepingbranches and

often-drooping top.Averages 46 - 70 m in

height, from 600 -1200 mm in diameter;

develops best in thePacific Northwest

between sea level and1850 metres.

True firs grow inter-mixed with hemlock,

Douglas fir, cedars andspruce. Pacific Silverfirs (Abies amabilis),

also known as Cascadefir, grow best in the

coastal regions ofWashington and British

Columbia and on thewestern slopes of the

Cascade Mountains inWashington and

Oregon. Grand firs(Abies grandis) reachtheir greatest size in

the temperate rainforests of the OlympicPeninsula in Washing-

ton. Noble fir (Abiesprocera) prefers theCoast and Cascade

Mountain ranges, whileCalifornia Red fir

(Abies magnifica) ismost abundant at high

elevations on the dry,inland side of the

northern SierraNevadas in California

and the Cascade Rangein southern Oregon.

Although widely dispersed throughoutthe region, White firs

(Abies concolour)achieve maximum sizein the central portions

of California’s SierraNevada Mountains.The true firs of the

Hem-Fir species combi-nation typically rangein size from 12 to 60

metres tall, 600 to1650 mm in diameter.

All Hem-Fir speciesare light in colour.

Subtle variationsoccur as the colour

gradually shifts fromthe creamy white ofthe springwood to alight, reddish brownin the summerwood.

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are governed by stringent local andstate laws related to harvesting andforestland management practices,reforestation requirements, protectionfor habitat, watersheds and soils, andbiological diversity.

Characteristics, Grades & Best Uses Hem-Fir is a perfect combination of strength and beauty and is consid-ered by many as the most elegant and versatile of the softwood speciescombinations. The timber is bright in colour, varying from a creamy,nearly-white to a light, straw-browncolour. Often as light or lighter thanare some of the Western pines, andwith little variation between theheartwood and sapwood, Hem-Fir is very desirable to those seeking astrong wood that is light in colour.Sometimes Western hemlock mayhave a slight lavender cast, especiallyaround the knots and in the transitionarea between the springwood andsummerwood growth rings. In addi-tion, attractive, delicate, dark gray or black streaks may be apparent inthis species.

Hem-Fir products are available in all three of the basic categories for U.S. softwood timber grades:

■ structural framing products - visually graded and/or mechani-cally sorted for strength and physical working properties (appearance is secondary, unless specified);

■ appearance products - graded for their aesthetic qualities in non-structural applications, ranging from the beautifully refined to the most utilitarian;

■ industrial and remanufacturing products - include a variety of structural and non-structural grades of which the largest volume for Hem-Fir is Factory & Shop timber.

WesternHem-FirThe Hem-Fir Species Combination

Hem-Fir is a species combination ofWestern hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)and five of the true firs: CaliforniaRed fir (Abies magnifica), Grand fir (Abies grandis), Noble fir (Abies procera), Pacific Silver fir (Abies amabilis), and White fir (Abies concolor). Although distinctly different as trees, the timber from all of these softwood species is lightin colour, finely grained and, mostsignificantly for engineering, inter-changeable in structural performance.Thus, these species are marketedtogether to simplify inventories andfacilitate product specification fordesign.

Hem-Fir accounts for approxi-mately 22% of timber productionfrom the western U.S., second only to Douglas fir in terms of abundance,production volumes, strength, andversatility in end use.

Growing Region & ProductionThe Hem-Fir species grow intermin-gled in stands along the Pacific Coast,from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska to northwestern California. They alsogrow inland, scattered along the U.S.-Canadian border as far eastwardas northwestern Montana. The fre-quent fogs and rains in the CoastRange and on the western slopes ofthe Cascade Mountains in Oregon,Washington, British Columbia andAlaska produce the largest stands.

More than half of the total forest-lands in the Western Region are protected from harvesting throughlegislative, administrative or judicialwithdrawals. These protected forest-lands are set aside in parks, scenicreserves, wilderness areas, habitatreserves and research areas to ensurea multiplicity of forest values in per-petuity. All commercial timberlands

© 2001, 2004 SEC

Grading AgenciesSoftwood Export Council (SEC) member grading agencies include:

Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB)

Redwood Inspection Service (RIS)

West Coast LumberInspection Bureau(WCLIB)

Western Wood Products Association(WWPA)

All of these agencies are accreditedby the American Lumber StandardCommittee, Inc., under the U.S.Department of Commerce. Theirgrading rules are as follows:

PLIB Export R-List Grading & Dressing Rules

RIS Standard Specifications for Grades of California Redwood Lumber

WCLIB Standard Grading Rules for West Coast Lumber

WWPA Western Lumber Grading Rules

RIS, WCLIB and WWPA areaccredited rules-writing agencieswhose grading rules are certified as conforming to the AmericanSoftwood Lumber Standard PS-20.This U.S. product standard provides a mechanism for timber to be of the size, grade and design valuesindicated by its labelling. PLIB’sExport R-List Rules are used pri-marily for export timber.

All four agencies are certified to provide grading and inspection services for structural products underthe National Grading Rule forDimension Lumber. PLIB, WCLIB and WWPA are also accredited bythe Canadian Lumber StandardsAccreditation Board to provide grad-

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ing inspection services under theStandard Grading Rules for CanadianLumber published by the NationalLumber Grades Authority of Canada(NLGA).

International Services aredescribed on page 11.

Moisture ContentThe term “dry” can be confusing intimber terminology, but it does haveprecise meaning in U.S. gradingrules. S-DRY can mean kiln dried orair seasoned, while KD specificallymeans kiln dried.

For structural grades, “DRY” indicates a product was either kiln- or air-dried to a moisture content(MC) level of 19% or less prior to surfacing. Such timber is typicallystamped S-DRY; however, some millsthat are kiln drying choose to use the KD mark. Hem-Fir is generallyseasoned to below 19% MC beforesurfacing. Any timber surfaced at aMC level of 15% or below may bestamped MC15 or, if kiln dried,KD15. Approximately 80% of Hem-Fir structural framing productsare manufactured either S-DRYor KD15.

In appearance-grade products,“DRY” is defined in grading rules as a maximum of 15% MC in thehigh-end, clear and nearly clear timber, i.e. the Clears, IndustrialClears, Selects & Finish grades.Timber manufactured to this criteria is typically stamped MC15; however,it may be stamped S-DRY. In theknotty grades for appearance prod-ucts, i.e. the Board, Merchantable & Common grades, DRY allows for a maximum of 19% MC. Such timberis typically stamped S-DRY; however,some mills that are kiln dryingchoose to use the KD mark.

For remanufacturing or glued products, Hem-Fir is seasoned in temperature and humidity-controlledkilns or stacked and air-dried until its MC reaches the appropriate level for an intended purpose, or as specified for individual grades, or through buyer/seller agreement.

Moisture content definitions anddesignations may vary in other countries. For example, in Australia,any timber with moisture contentabove 15% is considered unseasoned.

Grade StampsBecause structural timber hasassigned design values (numericalindications of strength and perfor-mance properties for engineering and construction), building codes and other regulatory entities requirestructural timber products be clearlymarked with an approved, registeredgrade stamp.

Most grade stamps, except thosefor heavy members 127 mm x 127mm (nominal 5” x 5”) and larger,contain the following five basic elements:

(1)

(3)

(2)

(4) (5)

1. Certification Mark The ALSC-certified grading agency’sregistered mark. Attests to qualitycontrol supervision.2. Mill Identification Reveals the manufacturing mill’sidentity. It may be a name or assignedmill number. Grading agencies maybe contacted to identify an individualmill whenever necessary. 3. Grade DesignationGrade name, number or abbreviation.4. Species IdentificationIndicates species by individualspecies or species combination. 5. Moisture Content & How Seasoned Indicates the moisture content/condi-tion of seasoning when timber wassurfaced at the mill (KD indicates kiln dried):

MC15 or KD15 — 15% maximummoisture content;

S-DRY or KD — 19% maximummoisture content;

S-GRN — over 19% moisture content (unseasoned).

To avoid marring the beauty of a piece of wood, grade information for appearance products may beincluded in accompanying documen-tation rather than stamped directlyonto the piece.

Please refer to SEC website,www.softwood.org,for additional information on SEC gradingagencies and their member companies.

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Structural ProductsHem-Fir is produced in a wide variety of sizes and lengths to meetthe structural specifications of theinternational marketplace. Much ofthe structural Hem-Fir timber pro-duced and shipped to Japan is forposts (Hashira) and treated for sills(Dodai) in traditional post and beamwood-frame housing. U.S. mills manufacture to the standard 90 mm x 90 mm (3.54”) or 105 mm x 105mm (4.134”) sizes, and to standard 3-metre (10 foot) and 4-metre (13 foot) lengths. Smaller Hem-Fir members (45 mm x 45 mm) are usedfor roof rafters (Taruki). Kiln-dried Hem-Fir boards are often used aslaminating stock to be glued ontometric-sized square posts. Metric-sized Hem-Fir timber is also pro-duced for market niches in Europe,Latin America and throughout thePacific Rim.

Hem-Fir structural products per-form well in structural framing appli-cations including residential, lightcommercial and heavy construction.Its specific combination of strengthand stiffness properties makes it anexcellent choice for floor systems. S-DRY and KD Hem-Fir are subject to minimal shrinkage and checkingand, therefore, perform well in hot dryclimates, or in cold low-humidity cli-mates. These seasoned products areready for immediate assembly withother dry framing products, makingthem especially well suited for multi-storey wood-frame construction.

Hem-Fir is additionally preferredby many builders because of its:resistance to splitting in nailing andscrewing; ability to hold nails andscrews securely; ease of sawing without splintering; ability to hold a variety of glues and adhesives; and moderate lightness in weight.

U.S. Dimension Timber:Nominal sizes: 2” through 4” thickby 2” through 4” wide (Surfaced Dry - 38 through 89 mm

thick x 38 through 89 mm wide) (Surfaced Green - 40 through 90 mm

thick x 40 through 90 mm wide)Structural Light Framing - for highest-strength engineered systems, trusses, laminated products and multi-storey projects Light Framing - for routine framing in walls, plates, sills, cripples, blocking, etc.

Nominal sizes: 2” through 4” thick x 2” through 14” wide (Surfaced Dry - 38 through 89 mm

thick x 38 through 337 mm wide) (Surfaced Green - 40 through 90 mm

thick x 40 through 343 mm wide)STUD grade: Intended for vertical-use only, ideal for wall framing

Structural products,widely available in S-DRY and KDmoisture contentlevels, have goodstrength and stiff-ness properties.Hem-Fir meetsstructural load-bearing/load carry-ing requirementsfor residential, light commercialand heavy construc-tion. It is straightgrained, stiff, strong,easy to work, andrelatively free frompitch; dry framingproducts are subjectto minimal shrink-age and checking.

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Opposite: Hem-Fir bondsexceptionally well with adhesives. This asset, com-bined with its strength andbeauty characteristics, makesthis species combination anexcellent choice for glue-laminated (glu-lam) beams.Mouldings, door casings andceiling panelling are alsoHem-Fir.

Oregon’s ForestPractices Act celebrated its 25thanniversary in1996. It has been a national modelfor forest protec-tion since it waspassed by the State Legislature in 1971. This Actinfluenced StateForest Pratices Acts in Washingtonand California, theBest ManagementPractices in Idaho,and the evolvingforestland manage-ment strategieswhich are now ineffect throughoutthe Hem-Fir region.These progressiveenvironmental regulations foster a variety of forestvalues, ensuringthe continuedavailability ofWestern timberproducts.

Nominal sizes: 2” to 4” thick by 5” and wider (Surfaced Dry - 38 through 89 mm thick

x 38 through 337 mm wide) (Surfaced Green - 40 through 90 mm

thick x 127 mm and wider)Structural Joists and Plank gradesIntended to fit engineering applica-tions such as floor and ceiling joists, roof rafters, headers, beams, trusses and general framing

Special Dimension Timber Machine Stress-Rated (MSR) Lumber -mechanically assessed for strength andconnection capabilities, used for trussesand other engineered applications.Hem-Fir MSR products are available in several stress levels, up to 2400 Fb-2.0E.

Structural-Glued Lumber – end- or finger-jointed, edge- and face-glued;interchangeable with solid sawn dimension timber of the same gradeand size; accepted for use under allU.S. Model Building Codes.

Structural Decking/SubflooringNominal sizes: 2” through 4” thick x 4” and wider (Surfaced “DRY or MC 15” only-

38 through 89 mm thick x 89 mmand wider)A roof and flooring product;

not intended for outdoor, backyarddecks. Available in 38, 64 and 89mm tongue-and-groove widths with“V” or rounded edges, as well asother standard patterns to meet dis-criminating architectural require-ments. WWPA and WCLIB each pro-vide rules for two grades – SelectedDecking and Commercial Decking(WWPA Rules); SELECT DEX andCOMMERCIAL DEX (WCLIB Rules).Grades manufactured at 19% (S-DRYor KD) and 15% (MC15 or KD15)moisture content. The SelectedDecking/SELECT DEX grades are idealfor exposed ceilings. Commercialgrades are used primarily for industrialroof and flooring applications.

Large Sizes Whilst these products may be speci-fied S-DRY, they are often shippedunseasoned. They may be rough cutor surfaced on four sides (S4S). These“Heavy Timber” sections also arevaluable for their excellent fire ratingswhich are in compliance with U.S.and other countries’ Model BuildingCodes. Surfaced size is 1/2” (13 mm)off nominal dimension.

Beams & Stringers - nominal 5” andthicker (125 mm nominal) with awidth more than 1/2” (50 mm nomi-nal) greater than thickness Posts & Timbers - nominal 5” x 5”(125 x 125 mm nominal) and largerwith a width not more than 2” (50mm nominal) greater than thickness

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These cabinetsshowcase thesubtle variationsin colour amongthe Hem-Firspecies.

In this room,Hem-Fir is usedfor the ceiling,panelling, cabi-nets, mouldingsand doors.

Hem-Fir’s soft-toned colourremains light,even after expo-sure to UV rays.Panelling productsin this speciescombination areboth practical and elegant.

Appearance GradesIn products graded for appearance,wood-savvy architects and designersoften choose Hem-Fir for trim, fascia,panelling, moulding and millwork, as well as for exposed wood ceilings.Remarkably versatile and useful, itcomplements many architecturalstyles and design themes.

Interior designers often like Hem-Fir for two primary reasons: its colourand its natural resistance to darken-ing with exposure to light. While all wood darkens over time withexposure to sunlight, Hem-Fir oftenremains true to its original, freshlymilled pastel colour.

Finish carpenters, remanufacturersand woodworkers like Hem-Fir forother reasons. The straight grain andfine texture sands to a silky, reflectivesmoothness with virtually no tendencyto split. Hem-Fir yields clean, straightedges and accurate contours witheither machine or hand tools, andcan be worked easily by either. Thewood grips fasteners securely andaccepts adhesives without a problem.It readily accepts finishes rangingfrom clear coatings, transparent lac-quer, varnishes, oils, or wax to a fullselection of stains and bright or sub-dued tints or paints.

When acclimatized prior to installation, MC15 or KD15 Hem-Firproducts retain their shape and sizewithout shrinking, swelling, cupping,warping, bowing, or twisting. Addingto its aesthetic qualities, Hem-Fir has a coefficient of heat transmission, or K value, of 0.89 BTU per 25 mmof net thickness at 12% moisture content, which puts it among the best species for insulating properties.

Clear and nearly clear timber products are available in Hem-Firfrom the long-rotation commercialtimberlands of the western region.The highest-grade categories includethe Clears (Export R-List Rules),Industrial Clears and Finish (WCLIBRules), and Selects (WWPA Rules).These may be specified in either vertical or flat grain. If grain pattern is not specified, these grades will beshipped as a combination of verticaland flat grain. These high-appearanceWestern timber products are recom-mended for interior wall and ceilingpanelling, trim and cabinet work witheither natural, stain, or enamel finish-es that respect their fine appearance.Generally, these products are notgrade stamped and they are some-times wrapped at the mill for protec-tion in shipping and handling.

Most of the knotty fibre in Hem-Firis generally manufactured into struc-tural products whenever possible.However, some knotty, appearance-grade products are available. Manu-factured and shipped, about half-and-half in S-GRN and S-DRY, theseproducts are intended more for general construction applicationsthan fine interior installations. Thegeneral-purpose, knotty-appearancegrades in Hem-Fir are usually manufactured in the Board (WCLIBRules), Commons (WWPA Rules)and Merchantable (Export R-ListRules) grades. The higher knottygrades are used primarily in housingand light construction for soffits andfascia, and shelving where sound,tight knots are appealing. The lower,knotty grades are used for generalconstruction purposes and service-ability in sub-floors, roofs, wallsheathing and let-in bracing, or inapplications where economy is the basic requirement.

PanellingThe clear and nearly clear productsavailable in Hem-Fir give a stunning,soft glow to ceiling and wall panel-ling in traditional and contemporaryhomes as well as a subtle, sophisti-cated ambience in family and livingrooms, dens, bedrooms and kitchens.Based on U.S. testing procedures,Hem-Fir has a U.S. flame-spread rating of 73, which qualifies it for a Class 2 (or B) rating. Consequently,it is frequently specified for panellingin such commercial buildings as theatres, shopping centres and restaurants. Hem-Fir is a popularchoice for panelling among northernEuropeans who favour its uniformtone, luster and hardness.

Like all patterned products, solidwood panelling products reflect thegrade of the starting appearance-grade material (as described earlier),adhering to similar requirements forpermissible characteristics. In mostcases, panelling products in Hem-Fir will be run-to-pattern from theexquisitely beautiful, clear and nearly clear Clears, Industrial Clears,Finish and Select grades. Whereasseveral grades of knotty panellingproducts are widely available in the Western pines, knotty grades in Hem-Fir are not as commonlyremanufactured into panelling products.

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Opposite: Hem-Fir panellingproducts may be run-to-patternfrom the exquisitely beautifulclear and nearly clear grades(Clears, Industrial Clears,Selects, and Finish) or from the higher knotty grades (Select Merchantable and No.1 or No.2 Merchantable).Many types of finishes areappropriate, including enamels.

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Factory & Shop Grades for Remanufacturing Timber intended for trim and othernon-structural applications may be from the appearance grades.However, if intended to be run-to-pattern or further manufactured into specialty wood products it may be more economical to selectstarting material from the Factory & Shop category of grades.

Factory & Shop describes a largegroup of timber grades for productsthat are intended to be re-cut for the recovery of small clear pieces.These grades are ideal for mouldings,doors, windows, case goods, cabinetsand furniture. The USDA ForestProducts Laboratory rates Hem-Fir in the top group of softwoods for gluing under varying conditions andwith different types of adhesives.

For the most part, a pre-determinednumber of “cuttings” of specifiedquality and size must be available ina piece. The grading rules also placespecific limitations on the numberand spacing of allowable characteris-tics and imperfections in these MC15 and KD15 products.

Owing to its unique combinationof attributes, Hem-Fir is a dominantspecies combination for manufac-tured woodwork. On the West Coastof the U.S., residential baseboard anddoorjamb mouldings are more oftenmanufactured from Hem-Fir than any other species. Hem-Fir is readilymilled to sharp, accurate detail and its smooth surfaces and highdimensional stability assure con-tinuing fine appearance over time.

Many moulding patterns andlengths are available. Hem-Fir mouldings and interior trim do notsplinter, are resistant to scuffing and the effects of use. The colourtones remain light. Hem-Fir staircomponents are exceptionally hard wearing and readily take paint or stain finishes.

Factory & Shop grade products areusually sold only in large volumes,mill direct to remanufacturers. Gradesinclude, but are not limited to the following:

Moulding Stock(WWPA & WCLIB Rules)

Shop Timber(WWPA & WCLIB Rules)

Door Stock(WCLIB Rules)

Flush Door Stock(WWPA Rules)

Jamb & Head Stock(WWPA Rules)

Clears(WCLIB Rules & PLIB Export R-List Rules)

Merchantable(PLIB Export R-List Rules)

Because it can be machined easilywith exact precision, a number ofdecorative items are also made fromHem-Fir: turned and worked cor-nices, crown mouldings, shutters,louvers, blinds, ornamental trimpieces, wine and spice racks, knifeholders, serving trays, cutting boardsand more.

*Please refer to the SEC website (www.soft-wood.org) to order the publication, WesternSoftwood Species & Grades for additionalinformation on Factory & Shop grade prod-ucts.

Treated Products Among the Western species, Hem-Firis preferred for preservative pressuretreating. Preservative pressure-treated*Hem-Fir products are strong, visuallyappealing, and economical for decksand other outdoor installations.Products may be treated for above- or in-ground installations and easilystained to enhance the natural coloror resemble other woods.

*Please refer to the SEC website (www.soft-wood.org) to order the publication, WoodThat Works, Wood That Lasts for informationon preservative pressure-treated products.

Hem-Fir is a preferred speciesfor doors, louvers,door casings and baseboardmouldings. Suchproducts are manufacturedfrom the Factory& Shop grades.

Stronger than thenaturally durableWestern species,and easily pres-sure treated withpreservatives,Hem-Fir is usefulfor both the load-bearing andnon-structural elements of out-door amenities. It is an economi-cal choice for thestructural framingmembers and may be stained toresemble otherwoods.

Opposite: Hem-Fir’s straightgrain and fine texture sand to a silky, reflective smoothness,retaining its light color overtime; well suited for much ofthe interior architecture of thePacific Rim. Hem-Fir is oftenfavoured for exposed ceilings.

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Hem-Fir is a speciescombination of

Western hemlock andseveral of the true firs.Characteristics of indi-

vidual species varysomewhat, but aftermanufacturing into

timber, the wood fibres are virtuallyindistinguishable.

Because these speciesshare similar design

values, they are inter-changeable for struc-

tural applications.

Figure 1: Clears,Industrial Clears, Finishand Selects grade cate-

gories are showcasedhere. Grades shown

are C & BTR SELECTand SUPERIOR

(WWPA Rules), C &BTR FINISH and C

INDUSTRIAL CLEAR(WCLIB Rules), and

NO. 3 CLEAR (PLIBExport R-List Rules).

Such high-end timber is generally marketed

as boards or run-to-pattern for panelling.

Figure 2: The coloursrevealed by the flatgrain range from a

pleasing off-white to avery light, reddish

brown. Variety of natur-al characteristics andmanufacturing imper-fections are permitted

in the knotty grades.Shown here: NO. 2

& BTR COMMON(WWPA), NO.1

MERCH (PLIB), orCONSTRUCTION

(WCLIB).

Figure 3: The majorityof Hem-Fir is manufac-

tured into S-DRY andKD structural timber,primarily Dimension

grades and sizes.“Structural Light

Framing” NO.1 & BTRproducts, as shown

here, are used in appli-cations where higheststrength is necessary.

Figure 4: SELECTSTRUCTURAL Joists &Planks (38 through 89

mm thick x 38 through337 mm wide, actual).

Knots are limited tosound, firm encased

and pith knots, if tightand well spaced, withone unsound or loose

knot permitted per 1.2 m. Knot size (rela-tive to centerline) and

knot type (unsound or loose) are restricted

in this high-strengthgrade. J&P and other

Dimension grades are often manufac-

tured S-DRY or KD.

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Figure 3

Figure 2

Figure 1

Factory & Shop timber, often considered the economical “clears” of the timber industry,is graded for the amount of clear wood that can be obtained by ripping and cross cutting a piece. “Cuttings” are used in doors, windows, mouldings, millwork, cabinets and furniture.

Figure 5: Hem-Fir is widely used for baseboard and door jamb mouldings. MOULDINGSTOCK is suitable for cutting into strips 25 mm and wider, 254 mm and longer. Lines indicate where this 5/4 & THICKER RWL MOULDING STOCK grade would be cut to recover the percentage of moulding rips required for the grade. Wane, stain, skips in dressing or other characteristics (that would surface off in making mouldings of standardsizes) are permitted in computing the percentage of cuttings available.

Figure 6: Hem-Fir is ideally suited for panelled and louvered doors. This 5/4 & THICKERRWL NO.1 SHOP FLUSH DOOR STOCK is intended for panelled doors. Lines indicate how the specified number and sizes of door cuttings (muntins and stiles) of specified quality would be recovered from the pieces.

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International Services All SEC member grading and inspection agencies are approved bythe U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) Animal & Plant HealthInspection Service (APHIS) to issueHeat Treatment Certification Using a Kiln Facility as well as Certificatesof Debarking and Grub Hole Control,as required by EU and other coun-tries. Member agencies are listed onpage 2 and described further on theSEC website, http://www.softwood.organd in the SEC publication, WesternSoftwood Species and Grades.

Upon request, these agencies willprovide Inspection Certificates thatattest to the accuracy of the gradesand tallies shipped by their membercompanies. If any disagreementshould arise, all SEC member-gradingagencies are able to provide Re-inspection Services anywhere in theworld to resolve disputes. Certificatesof Kiln Drying certifying a moisturecontent of less than 20% are alsoavailable. In addition, these agenciesare approved to prepare documenta-tion for individual companies inpreparation for acquisition of theUSDA Phytosanitary Certificates that are required by specific destination countries.

All four agencies are accredited by American Lumber Standard Committee, Inc. to supervise grad-ing under the National Grading Rule and provide grade-marking serviceson structural products for Japan.Under the Japanese Ministry ofConstruction, these SEC agencies are approved to provide grading services for machine stress-rated timber products under JAS 702and for structural dimension timber under JAS 600. The Japanese government further grants approval to WWPA to certify qualifying mills to place JAS grade marks on structural products to be shippeddirectly to Japanese constructionsites.

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SEC-3/6-01, Rev.9-04/500Printed in USA on recycled paper.

© 2001, 2004 SEC

The Softwood Export Council(SEC) is a non-profit trade council of U.S. softwoodgrading agencies, industrytrade associations, stateexport development agenciesand others interested in thepromotion of U.S. softwoodproducts internationally.

International field officesand SEC representatives are located in Japan, Korea,China, Mexico, Spain andEngland. Details are providedon the SEC website.

The SEC website also provides information on mem-ber organizations, servicesand companies as well as adirectory of literature andsupporting information onproducts. Most product support publications, many in multiple languages, may be ordered directly from SECinternational field offices.

Softwood Export CouncilUSA

email: info@softwood.orgwebsite: www.softwood.org