NHLA Rules

The official NHLA Rules for grading hardwood lumber (2023), plus a cuttings calculator, video resources, contact page, and F.A.Q., now as an app!

Internationally recognized NHLA hardwood lumber grading standards and sales code at your fingertips. A cuttings calculator, accessibility features for ease-of-use, video resources, charts, metric conversion table, species exceptions, definitions, tips, shortcuts and more are all included.

Includes: Methods Used in Applying Inspection Rules Standard Grades Standard Inspection by Species, Including Cypress Tropical Hardwoods Inspection of Kiln Dried Lumber Special Combined and Face Grades Furniture Dimension Stock Strips Hardwoods for Construction

Additional information: Original National Inspection Regulations National Re-Inspection Regulations & Guarantee Index of Woods NHLA Sales Code

About NHLA Industry standards for the hardwood lumber industry were created in 1898 by the establishment of the National Hardwood Lumber Association and its subsequent “Rules for the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood & Cypress.”

The Rules for the inspection of lumber are uniform in construction and application but also carry with them the element of stability. The NHLA Hardwood Grading Rules are the product of the process of evolutionary development, and that process is still in operation. It is a process of growth and expansion to meet the necessities of varying conditions and markets and will continue and evolve with the global hardwood industry. Questions about the NHLA Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules should be directed to the NHLA Chief Inspector. Contact information can be found at www.nhla.com.