The National Lumber Grading Authority (NLGA) is the grading agency having authority over establishing lumber design values for Hem-Fir (North) lumber and conducting on-going testing to verify the design values. The NLGA follows inspection and grading rules approved by the American Lumber Standard Committee Board of Review.
Hem-Fir (North) species includes the following species:
- Amabilis Fir
- Western Hemlock
Recently, the American Lumber Standard Committee Board of Review approved a reassessment report from NLGA with respect to Hem-Fir (North) lumber. The reassessment report recommended reducing some of the allowable design values with reductions roughly falling within the range of 5% to 15%. The table [See PDF or View in Full Issue] shows current and reassessed design values. Highlighted cells indicate the magnitude and percentage of the design values that have decreased.
What Does This Mean?
The implementation date for this revision is April 1, 2025. The American Wood Council (AWC) will issue an addendum to the 2024 NDS Supplement when the new design values become official.
Component Manufacturers that use Hem-Fir (North) lumber will need to prepare for the impending changes. Components may be impacted by these changes. Members that once worked with the current values may now need to change when using the new lower design values. Please note Hem-Fir (North) lumber is different than Hem-Fir lumber and are regulated by two different grading agencies. The reductions listed here do not affect Hem-Fir lumber.
For additional information, or if you have questions, please contact the MiTek Engineering department.