MSR Lumber has a long history of being the right choice for component manufacturers. This reliable and consistent lumber grading system revolutionized the construction industry when it was introduced to the market in the 1960s, and it continues to be a mainstay for truss producers decades later.
In past articles, we have covered why MSR lumber is key to a QUALITY truss (see “Because Good Ingredients Matter” from October 2022) and how the technology behind the production of MSR lumber instills CONFIDENCE in those who rely on it to produce a consistently high-quality building product (see “Building Confidence: Understanding the Technology Behind MSR Lumber” from December 2022). In this issue, we will look at a third attribute that may be the biggest game-changer yet: FLEXIBILITY.
As you likely know, machine graded lumber is different from visual grades because the physical properties of each stick of lumber is measured during production, which ensures a uniform and predictable product. The distinguishing characteristics of the grade stamps also include supplementary design values for the grade that are included in a component manufacturer’s design software to determine the performance capacity of each roof or floor truss. Most CMs typically use the same one or two species of lumber in their truss designs, but the software comes programmed with the design values for all MSR grades.
While using a different MSR species would be a simple change for a truss designer, lumber buyers seldom have access to truss design software to determine easily the allowable substitutions that could inform their purchasing decisions in a meaningful way. Therefore, species substitution is an often-overlooked benefit of MSR lumber. With the right tools and communication, this level of flexibility could allow for a more agile response to changing market conditions, providing manufacturers with a competitive edge.
To aid in this process, the MSR Lumber Producers Council (MSRLPC) recommends using its new web-based Design Values Comparison Tool. The Council developed this concise tool to target the lumber species most often used in component manufacturing: SPF, SPF-S, SYP, DFL, DFL-N, DF-S, HF, and HF-N.
The Advantages of MSR Lumber
Using our new online tool will make it even easier for CMs to benefit from the advantages of MSR lumber.
- Strong & Consistent: Because each piece of lumber is tested, manufacturers can rely on precise design values and consistent performance in all applications.
- Cost-Effective: Confidence in the characteristics of specific MSR grades allows for optimized designs that maintain safety and performance while minimizing expenses.
- Versatile: Regional availability often dictates the choice of wood species. MSR lumber enables manufacturers to substitute different wood species while maintaining structural integrity. This adaptability can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective building products.
- Environmentally Responsible: MSR lumber producers are driven to maximize the value of all timber they harvest by evaluating the properties of each stick produced. This aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible products and allows manufacturers to offer their customers sustainable solutions.
If you are looking to become a more nimble lumber buyer or are exploring the value of design optimization with machine-graded lumber, visit this one-stop-shop for valuable information about species substitution. Users can build custom comparison results by selecting specific MSR grades and/or dimensional grades by width. Please direct questions and feedback to info@msrlumber.org.