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Privacy Policy
We are pleased to open our Call for Entries and invite North American and International submissions to the 2025 Wood Design and Building Awards program celebrating excellence in wood architecture and construction. The Canadian Wood Council (“CWC”) is committed to upholding the confidentiality and security of your personal information. The CWC respects your right to privacy and have instituted best practices to help ensure that your personal information is handled responsibly. This Policy explains how CWC collects, uses, and discloses personal information that you knowingly provide while using this website and website content (the “Website”) and in any electronic publications, newsletters, or announcements made by it (“Electronic Communications”). By using CWC’s Web sites, you consent to our collection, use, and disclosure of the information you provide, as set out in this Privacy Policy. Any personal information provided to CWC through the Web sites will be treated with care, and subject to this Policy will not be used or disclosed in ways not consented. 1. Scope of this Policy 2. Information Automatically Collected 3. Personal Information You Specifically Provide to the Website 4. Other Matters Your Comments — If you have any comments or questions about this Policy or your personal information, please contact CWC at helpdesk@cwc.ca. Other Websites — The Website may contain links to other Websites or Internet resources. When you click on one of those links you are contacting another Website or Internet resource that may collect information about you voluntarily or through cookies or other technologies. CWC has no responsibility or liability for, or control over those other Websites or Internet resources or their collection, use and disclosure of your personal information. Website Terms of Use — The Terms of Use governing your use of the Website contains important provisions disclaiming and excluding the liability of CWC and others regarding your use of the Website and provisions determining the applicable law and exclusive jurisdiction for the resolution of any disputes regarding your use of the Website. Each of those provisions also applies to any disputes that may arise in relation to this Policy and the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information, and are of the same force and effect as if they had been reproduced directly in this Policy. Former Users — If you stop using the Website or your permission to use the Website is terminated by CWC, CWC may continue to use and disclose your personal information in accordance with this Policy as amended from time to time, and subject to compliance with the law. Privacy Policy Changes — This Policy may be changed by CWC from time to time, without any prior notice or liability to you or any other person. The collection, use and disclosure of your personal information by CWC will be governed by the version of this Policy in effect at that time. New versions of this Policy will be posted here. Your continued use of the Website and receipt or request of any electronic communication subsequent to any changes to this Policy will signify that you consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with the changed Policy. Accordingly, when you use the Website or receive or request any electronic communication, you should check the date of this Policy and review any changes since the last version.
The 2025 Ottawa Wood Solutions Conference will be presented on February 5, 2025 at the National Arts Centre
December 19, 2024 (Ottawa) – The 2025 Ottawa Wood Solutions Conference will be presented on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the National Arts Centre, located at 1 Elgin St. in Ottawa. First launched over 20 years ago to serve design and construction professionals interested in building with wood, this event has evolved from a niche gathering into a cornerstone of professional education, driven by the growing demand for sustainable wood construction. The program offers a range of presentations—from technical deep dives to inspiring case studies—catering to participants at every stage of their professional journey, from newcomers to seasoned experts. Attendees can also take advantage of valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate, and expand their professional networks within the wood community. Conference organizers are delighted to welcome Christophe Ouhayoun of KOZ Architects (France) to share insights into the innovative, collaborative development of the Paris Olympics Athletes’ Village. His presentation will also explore the current effort underway to convert these structures into much-needed permanent housing, highlighting this progressive mass timber development as a model of adaptability and sustainability. Another program highlight pays tribute to the venue itself. Donald Schmitt, CM, of Diamond Schmitt Architects will present on the revitalization of the National Arts Centre, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the timber structure and prefabrication process that transformed this iconic building into a modern landmark. Other technical presentations include managing sound and vibration in mass timber buildings and growing Canadian capacity for industrialized wood construction, advancing wood products in our changing climate, and a discussion of the value of conventional wood frame construction in small communities where it provides job opportunities, with a specific focus on Indigenous housing projects. Early Bird registration of just $99+HST is available until the end of December. In the new year, registration for the conference will be $149 +HST. Delegates can find the Ottawa Wood Solutions Conference on Eventbrite or jump directly to online registration with this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2025-ottawa-wood-solutions-conference-tickets-1080654991169 A limited number of discounted passes are available for post-secondary educators and students in AEC+D programs of study. Please contact Kelsey Dayler for more information kdayler@cwc.ca.
Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 23, issue 94
National Model Codes in Canada
On behalf of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) the National Research Council (NRC) Codes Canada publishes national model codes documents that set out minimum requirements relating to their scope and objectives. These include the National Building Code (NBC), the National Fire Code (NFC), the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB), the National Plumbing Code (NPC) and other documents. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) publishes other model codes that address electrical, gas and elevator systems. The NBC is the model building code in Canada that forms the basis of most building design in the country. The NBC is a highly regarded model building code because it is a consensus-based process for producing a model set of requirements which provide for the health and safety of the public in buildings. Its origins are deeply entrenched within Canadian history and culture and a need to house the growing population of Canada safely and economically. Historical events have shaped many of the health and safety requirements of the NBC. Model codes such as the NBC and NECB have no force in law until they are adopted by a government authority having jurisdiction. In Canada, that responsibility resides within the provinces, territories and in some cases, municipalities. Most regions choose to adopt the NBC, or adapt their own version derived from the NBC to suit regional needs. The model codes in Canada are developed by experts, for experts, through a collaborative and consensus-based process that includes input from all segments of the building community. The Canadian model codes build on the best expertise from across Canada and around the world to provide effective building and safety regulations that are harmonized across Canada. The Codes Canada publications are developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC). The CCBFC oversees the work of a number of technical standing committees. Representing all major facets of the construction industry, commission members include building and fire officials, architects, engineers, contractors and building owners, as well as members of the public. Canadian Wood Council representatives hold membership status on several of the standing committees and task groups acting under the CCBFC and participate actively in the technical updates and revisions related to aspects of the Canadian model codes that apply to wood building products and systems. During any five-year code-revision cycle, there are many opportunities for the Canadian public to contribute to the process. At least twice during the five-year cycle, proposed changes to the Code are published and the public is invited to comment. This procedure is crucial as it allows input from all those concerned and broadens the scope of expertise of the Committees. Thousands of comments are received and examined by the Committees during each cycle. A proposed change may be approved as written, modified and resubmitted for public review at a later date, or rejected entirely.
Wood design in the National Building Code of Canada
The current edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) is published in an objective-based format intended to allow more flexibility when evaluating non-traditional or alternative solutions. The objective-based format currently in use provides additional information that helps proponents and regulators determine what minimum performance level must be achieved to facilitate evaluation of new alternatives. Although the NBC helps users understand the intent of the requirements, it is understood that proponents and regulators will still have a challenge in terms of demonstrating compliance. In any case, objective-based codes are expected to foster a spirit of innovation and create new opportunities for Canadian manufacturers. Requirements related to the specification of structural wood products and wood building systems that relates to health, safety, accessibility and the protection of buildings from fire or structural damage is set forth in the NBC. The NBC applies mainly to new construction, but also aspects of demolition, relocation, renovation and change of building use. The current NBC was published in 2015, and is usually updated on a five-year cycle. The next update is expected in 2020. In terms of structural design, the NBC specifies loads, while material resistance is referenced through the use of material standards. In the case of engineering design in wood, CSA O86 provides the designer with the means of calculating the resistance values of structural wood products to resist gravity and lateral loads. Additional design information is found in the companion documents to the NBC; Structural Commentaries (User’s Guide – NBC 2015: Part 4 of Division B) and the Illustrated User’s Guide – NBC 2015: Part 9 of Division B, Housing and Small Buildings. In Canada, structural wood products are specified prescriptively or through engineered design, depending on the application and occupancy. Design professionals, such as architects and engineers, are generally required for structures that exceed three-storeys in height or are greater than 600 m2 or if occupancies are not covered by Part 9 ‘Housing and Small Buildings’ of the NBC. Housing and small buildings can be built without a full structural design using prescriptive requirements found in Part 9 of the Code. Some Part 9 requirements are based on calculations, others are based on construction practices that have a proven performance history. Generally prescriptive use is allowed if the following conditions are met: three-stories or less 600m2 or less uses repetitive wood members spaced within 600 mm spans are less than 12.2 meters floor live loads do not exceed 2.4 kPa residential, office, mercantile or medium-to low-hazard industrial occupancy The rationale for not basing all Part 9 requirements on calculations comes from the fact that there has been historical performance and experience with small wood-frame buildings in Canada, in addition to the notion that many of the non-structural elements actually contribute to the structural performance of a wood-frame system. Quantifying the ‘system’ effects on overall behaviour of a wood-frame building cannot be done adequately using typical design assumptions, such as two-dimensional load paths and single member engineering mechanics. In these instances, the requirements for houses and small buildings is based on alternative criteria of a prescriptive nature. These prescriptive criteria are based on an extensive performance history of wood-frame housing and small buildings that meet current day code objectives and requirements. Buildings that fall outside of prescriptive boundaries or are intended for major occupancy or post disaster situations must be designed by design professionals in accordance with Part 4 of the NBC. Structural resistance of wood products and building systems are engineered according to the requirements of CSA O86 in order to resist the loadings described in Part 4 of the NBC.
Mid-Rise Buildings
In the early 1900s, light-frame wood construction and heavy timber, up to ten-storeys in height, was commonplace in major cities throughout Canada. The longevity and continued appeal of these buildings types is apparent in the fact that many of them are still in use today. Over the past decade, there has been a revival in the use of wood for taller buildings in Canada, including mid-rise light-frame wood construction up to six-storeys in height. Mid-rise light-frame wood construction is more than basic 2×4 framing and wood sheathing panels. Advances in wood science and building technology have resulted in stronger, safer, more sophisticated engineered building products and systems that are expanding the options for wood construction, and providing more choices for builders and designers. Modern mid-rise light-frame wood construction in incorporates well researched and safe solutions. The engineering design and technology that has been developed and brought to market is positioning Canada as a leader in the mid-rise wood-frame construction industry. In 2009, via its provincial building codes, British Columbia became the first province in Canada to allow mid-rise buildings to be made from wood. Since this change to the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC), which increased the permissible height for wood frame residential buildings from four- to six-storeys, more than 300 of these structures have been completed or are underway with BC. In 2013 and 2015, Québec, Ontario, and Alberta, respectively, also moved to permit mid-rise wood-frame construction up to six-storeys in height. These regulatory changes indicate that there is clear market confidence in this type of construction. Scientific evidence and independent research has shown that mid-rise wood-frame buildings can meet performance requirements in regard to structural integrity, fire safety, and life safety. That evidence has now also contributed to the addition of new prescriptive provisions for wood construction, as well as paved the way for future changes that will include more permissible uses and ultimately greater permissible heights for wood buildings. As a result of this research, and the successful implementation of many mid-rise wood-frame residential buildings, primarily in British Columbia and Ontario, the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) approved similar changes to the National Model Construction Codes. The 2015 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) permits the construction of six-storey residential, business, and personal services buildings using traditional combustible construction materials. The NBC changes recognize the advancements in wood products and building systems, as well as in fire detection, suppression, and containment systems. In relation to mid-rise wood-frame buildings, several changes to the 2015 NBC are designed to further reduce the risks posed by fire, including: increased use of automatic sprinklers in concealed areas in residential buildings; increased use of sprinklers on balconies; greater water supply for firefighting purposes; and 90 percent noncombustible or limited-combustible exterior cladding on all storeys. Most mid-rise wood-frame buildings are located in the core of smaller municipalities and in the inner suburbs of larger ones, offering economic and sustainability advantages. Mid-rise wood-frame construction supports the goals of many municipalities; densification, affordable housing to accommodate a growing population, sustainability in the built environment and resilient communities. Many of these buildings have employed light-frame wood construction from the ground up, with a five- or six-storey wood-frame structure being constructed on a concrete slab-on-grade, or on top of a concrete basement parking garage; others have been constructed above one- or two-storeys of noncombustible commercial occupancy. Mid-rise wood buildings are inherently more complex and involve the adaptation of structural and architectural details that address considerations related to structural, acoustic, thermal and fire performance design criteria. Several key aspects of design and construction that become more critical in this new generation of mid-rise wood buildings include: increased potential for cumulative shrinkage and differential movement between different types of materials, as a result of the increased building height; increased, dead, live, wind and seismic loads that are a consequence of taller building height; requirements for continuous stacked shearwall layouts; increased fire-resistance ratings for fire separations, as required for buildings of greater height and area; ratings for sound transmission, as required for buildings of multi-family residential occupancy, as well as other uses; potential for longer exposure to the elements during construction; mitigation of risk related to fire during construction; and modified construction sequencing and coordination, resulting from the employment of prefabrication technologies and processes. There are many alternative approaches and solutions to these new design and construction considerations that are associated with mid-rise wood construction systems. Reference publications produced by the Canadian Wood Council provide more detailed discussion, case studies and details for mid-rise design and construction techniques. For further information, refer to the following resources: Mid-Rise Best Practice Guide (Canadian Wood Council) 2015 Reference Guide: Mid-Rise Wood Construction in the Ontario Building Code (Canadian Wood Council) Mid-Rise 2.0 – Innovative Approaches to Mid-Rise Wood Frame Construction (Canadian Wood Council) Mid-Rise Construction in British Columbia (Canadian Wood Council) National Building Code of Canada Wood Design Manual (Canadian Wood Council) CSA O86 Engineering design in wood Wood for Mid-Rise Construction (Wood WORKS! Atlantic) Fire Safety and Security: A Technical Note on Fire Safety and Security on Construction Sites in British Columbia/Ontario (Canadian Wood Council)
FAQs
What do the experts have to say about wood-frame mid-rise construction? Graham Finch, Building Science Research Engineer Michael Green, Principal, Michael Green Architecture Mid-rise Wood Construction – a detailed look at a changing landscape (Part 1) Mid-rise Wood Construction – a detailed look at a changing landscape (Part 2) Seven-storey wood-frame earthquake test BC Housing is supporting wood-frame construction for seniors’ rental housing Is mid-rise and tall wood building construction a new phenomenon: Wood-frame and heavy timber construction (up to ten storeys) was the norm in the early 1900’s, and many of these buildings still exist and are in use in many Canadian cities. Check them out here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobkh/337920532/. Over the past 10 years, there is a revival in the use of wood for both mid-rise (up to six-storeys) and tall buildings. In British Columbia alone, as of December 2013, there were over 250 five- and six-storey wood product based mid-rise buildings either in the design or construction phase. Why have code change proposals? This 2015 building code change is not about favoring wood over other building materials; it’s about acknowledging, via the highly thorough code process, that science-based innovation in wood products and building systems can and will lead to more choices for builders and occupants. Are these buildings safe? Regardless of the building material in question, nothing gets built unless it meets code. Mid-rise wood-frame buildings reflect a new standard of engineering in that structural, fire and seismic concerns have all been addressed by the expert committees of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes. As an example, when it comes to concerns from firefighters, there is increased sprinkler protection for concealed spaces and balconies, greater water supply for fire protection, restrictions on types of building claddings used and increased consideration for access by firefighters . In the end, when occupied, these buildings fully meet the same requirements of the Building Code as any other type of construction from the perspective of health, safety and accessibility. What are some of the new safety provisions being proposed? Fire safety: Increased level of sprinkler / water protection: More concealed spaces sprinklered Balconies must be sprinklered Greater water supply for fire protection Non-combustible or limited combustible exterior wall cladding on 5th and 6th storey 25% of perimeter must face one street (within 15m of street) for firefighter access Seismic and wind provisions: Similar to BC Building Code Guidance (Appendix) on impact of increased rain and wind loads for 5- and 6-storey Acoustics: Requirements for Apparent Sound Transmission Class (ASTC) Supported by science from FPInnovations, NRC and many others. Doesn’t wood burn? No building material is impervious to the effects of fire. The proposed code changes go above and beyond the minimum requirements outlined in the NBCC. Health, safety, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings remain the core objectives of the NBCC and wood industry at large. What about construction site safety? The Canadian Wood Council has developed construction site fire safety guides which outline best practices and safety precautions to take during the construction phase of a building. Are mid-rise wood-frame buildings cost effective? For the most part, yes. Mid-rise wood-frame buildings are often a less expensive construction option for builders. This is good news for main-street Canada where land is so expensive. The recommended changes to the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) would give the opportunity to erect safe, code compliant buildings that would otherwise not be possible. The net benefit of reduced construction costs is increased affordability for home buyers. In terms of new economic opportunity, the ability to move forward “now” creates new construction jobs in cities and supports employment in forestry communities. This also offers increased export opportunities for current and innovative wood products, where adoption in Canada provides the example for other countries.
Plywood
Plywood is a widely recognized engineered wood-based panel product that has been used in Canadian construction projects for decades. Plywood panels manufactured for structural applications are built up from multiple layers or plys of softwood veneer that are glued together so that the grain direction of each layer of veneer is perpendicular to that of the adjacent layers. These cross-laminated sheets of wood veneer are bonded together with a waterproof phenol-formaldehyde resin adhesive and cured under heat and pressure. Plywood panels have superior dimensional stability, two-way strength and stiffness properties and an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. They are also highly resistant to impact damage, chemicals, and changes in temperature and relative humidity. Plywood remains flat to give a smooth, uniform surface that does not crack, cup or twist. Plywood can be painted, stained, or ordered with factory applied stains or finishes. Plywood is available with squared or tongue and groove edges, the latter of which can help to reduce labour and material costs by eliminating the need for panel edge blocking in certain design scenarios. Plywood is suitable for a variety of end uses in both wet and dry service conditions, including: subflooring, single-layer flooring, wall, roof and floor sheathing, structural insulated panels, marine applications, webs of wood I-joists, concrete formwork, pallets, industrial containers, and furniture. Plywood panels used as exterior wall and roof sheathing perform multiple functions; they can provide resistance to lateral forces such as wind and earthquake loads and also form an integral component of the building envelope. Plywood may be used as both a structural sheathing and a finish cladding. For exterior cladding applications, specialty plywoods are available in a broad range of patterns and textures, combining the natural characteristics of wood with superior strength and stiffness properties. When treated with wood preservatives, plywood is also suitable for use under extreme and prolonged moisture exposure such as permanent wood foundations. Plywood is available in a wide variety of appearance grades, ranging from smooth, natural surfaces suitable for finish work to more economical unsanded grades used for sheathing. Plywood is available in more than a dozen common thicknesses and over twenty different grades. Unsanded sheathing grade Douglas Fir Plywood (DFP), conforming to CSA O121, and Canadian Softwood Plywood (CSP), conforming to CSA O151, are the two most common types of softwood plywoods produced in Canada. All structural plywood products are marked with a legible and durable grade stamp that indicates: conformance to either CSA O121, CSA O151 or CSA O153, the manufacturer, the bond type (EXTERIOR), the species (DFP) or (CSP), and the grade. Plywood can be chemically treated to improve resistance to decay or to fire. Preservative treatment must be done by a pressure process, in accordance with CSA O80 standards. It is required that plywood manufacturers carry out testing in conformance with ASTM D5516 and ASTM D6305 to determine the effects of fire retardants, or any other potentially strength-reducing chemicals. For further information, refer to the following resources: APA – The Engineered Wood Association CSA O121 Douglas fir plywood, CSA O151 Canadian softwood plywood CSA O153 Poplar plywood CSA O86 Engineering design in wood CSA O80 Wood preservation ASTM D5516 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Flexural Properties of Fire-Retardant Treated Softwood Plywood Exposed to Elevated Temperatures ASTM D6305 Standard Practice for Calculating Bending Strength Design Adjustment Factors for Fire-Retardant-Treated Plywood Roof Sheathing National Building Code of Canada Example Specifications for Plywood Plywood Grades Plywood Handling and Storage Plywood Manufacture Plywood Sizes Quality Control of Plywood
Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood
“Fire-retardant treated wood” (FRTW), as defined by the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), is ‘…wood or a wood product that has had its surface-burning characteristics, such as flame spread, rate of fuel contribution and density of smoke developed, reduced by impregnation with fire-retardant chemicals.’ FRTW must be pressure impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals in accordance with the CAN/CSA-O80 Series of Standards, Wood Preservation and when fire-tested for its surface flammability, must have a flame spread rating not more than 25. Fire-retardant chemical treatments applied to FRTW retard the spread of flame and limit smoke production from wood in fire situations. FRTW products are harder to ignite than untreated wood products and preservative treated wood products. Fire-retardant treatments applied to FRTW enhances the fire performance of the products by reducing the amount of heat released during the initial stages of fire. The treatments also reduce the amount of flammable volatiles released during fire exposure. This results in a reduction in the rate of flame spread over the surface. When the flame source is removed, FRTW ceases to char. FRTW contains different chemicals than preservative treated wood. However, the same manufacturing process is used to apply the chemicals. FRTW must be kiln-dried after treatment to a moisture content of 19% for lumber and 15% for plywood. The fire-retardant treatments used in FRTW do not generally interfere with the adhesion of surface paints and coatings unless the FRTW has an increased moisture content. The finishing characteristics of specific products should be discussed with the manufacturer. Typical interior applications of FRTW include architectural millwork, paneling, roof assemblies/trusses, beams, interior load bearing and non-load bearing partitions. Exterior-type fire retardants use different chemical formulations from those used for interior applications, since they must pass an accelerated weathering test (ASTM D2898), which exposes FRTW to regular wetting and drying cycles to represent actual long-term outdoor conditions. Generally, exterior-type fire retardants are applied to shingles and shakes. FRTW can be crosscut to length (not ripped) and drilled for holes following treatment without reducing its effectiveness. End cuts in the field, whether exposed or butt jointed, do not require treatment, since any untreated areas are relatively small compared to the total surface area and the flame spread rating remains unaffected. Plywood can be both crosscut and ripped without concern, since the chemical treatment has penetrated throughout the individual layers/plys. FRTW is not excessively corrosive to metal fasteners and other hardware, even in areas of high relative humidity. In fact, testing has demonstrated that FRTW is no more corrosive than untreated wood. Exterior use of FRTW Fire retardant coatings Fire-retardant-treated wood roof systems Flame-spread rating For more information on FRTW, visit the manufacture’s websites: Arch Wood Protection, Lonza: www.wolmanizedwood.com Viance LLC: www.treatedwood.com
Grades
Visual grading of dimension lumber In Canada, we are fortunate to have forests that are capable of producing dimension lumber that is desirable for use as structural wood products. Some primary factors that contribute to the production of lumber that is desirable for structural uses include; a favourable northern climate that is conducive to tree growth, many Canadian species contain small knots, and many of the Western Canadian species grow to heights of thirty meters or more, providing long sections of clear knot free wood and straight grain. The majority of the structural wood products are grouped within the spruce-pine-fir (S-P-F) species combination, which has the following advantages for structural applications: straight grain good workability light weight moderate strength small knots ability to hold nails and screws There are more than a hundred softwood species in North America. To simplify the supply and use of structural softwood lumber, species having similar strength characteristics, and typically grown in the same region, are combined. Having a smaller number of species combinations makes it easier to design and select an appropriate species and for installation and inspection on the job site. In contrast, non-structural wood products are graded solely on the basis of appearance quality and are typically marked and sold under an individual species (e.g., Eastern White Pine, Western Red Cedar). Canadian dimension lumber is manufactured in accordance with CSA O141 Canadian Standard Lumber and must conform to the requirements of the Canadian and US lumber grading rules. Each piece of dimension lumber is inspected to determine its grade and a stamp is applied indicating the assigned grade, the mill identification number, a green (S-Grn) or dry (S-Dry) moisture content at time of surfacing, the species or species group, the grading authority having jurisdiction over the mill of origin, and the grading rule used, where applicable. Dimension lumber is generally grade stamped on one face at a distance of approximately 600 mm (2 ft) from one end of the piece, in order to ensure that the stamp will be clearly visible during construction. Specialty items, such as lumber manufactured for millwork or for decorative purposes, are seldom marked. To ensure this uniform quality of dimension lumber, Canadian mills are required to have each piece of lumber graded by lumber graders who are approved by an accredited grading agency. Grading agencies are accredited by the CLSAB. NLGA Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber provide a list of the permitted characteristics within each grade of dimension lumber. The grade of a given piece of dimension lumber is based on the visual observations of certain natural characteristics of the wood. Most softwood lumber is assigned either an appearance grade or a structural grade based on a visual review performed by a lumber grader. The lumber grader is an integral part of the lumber manufacturing process. Using established correlations between appearance and strength, lumber graders are trained to assign a strength grade to dimensional lumber based on the presence or absence of certain natural characteristics. Examples of such characteristics include; the presence of wane (bark remnant on the outer edge), size and location of knots, the slope of the grain relative to the long axis and the size of shakes, splits and checks. Other characteristics are limited by the grading rules for appearance reasons only. Some of these include sap and heart stain, torn grain and planer skips. The table below shows a sample of a few of the criteria used to assess grades for 2×4 dimensional lumber that is categorized as ‘structural light framing’ or as ‘structural joist and plank’. Grades Characteristic Select Structural No.1 & No. 2 No. 3 Edge of wide face knots ¾” 1 ¼” 1 ¾” Slope of grain 1 in 12 1 in 8 1 in 4 To keep sorting cost to a minimum, grades may be grouped together. For example, there is an appearance difference between No.1 and No.2 visually graded dimension lumber, but not a difference in strength. Therefore, the grade mark ‘No.2 and better’ is commonly used where the visual appearance of No.1 grade dimensional lumber is not required, for example, in the construction of joists, rafters or trusses. Pieces of the same grade must be bundled together with the engineering properties dictated by the lowest strength grade in the bundle. Dimension lumber is aggregated into the following four grade categories: Structural light framing, Structural joists and planks, Light framing, and Stud. The table below shows the grades and uses for these categories. Grade Category Size Grades Common Grade Mix Principal Uses Structural Light Framing 38 to 89mm (2″ to 4″ nom.) thick and wide Select Structural, No.1, No.2, No.3 No.2 and Better Used for engineering applications such as for trusses, lintels, rafters, and joists in the smaller dimensions. Structural Joists and Planks 38 to 89mm (2″ to 4″ nom.) thick and 114mm (5″ nom.) or more wide Select Structural, No.1, No.2, No.3 No.2 and Better Used for engineering applications such as for trusses, lintels, rafters, and joists in the dimensions greater than 114mm (5″ nom.). Light Framing 38 to 89mm (2″ to 4″ nom.) thick and wide Construction, Standard, Utility Standard and Better (Std. & Btr.) Used for general framing where high strength values are not required such as for plates, sills, and blocking. Studs 38 to 89mm (2″ to 4″ nom.) thick and 38 to 140mm (2″ to 6″ nom.) wide and 3m (10′) or less in length Stud, Economy Stud Made principally for use in walls. Stud grade is suitable for bearing wall applications. Economy grade is suitable for temporary applications. Notes: Grades may be bundled individually or they may be individually stamped, but they must be grouped together with the engineering properties dictated by the lowest strength grade in the bundle. The common grade mix shown is the most economical blending of strength for most applications where appearance is not a factor and average strength is acceptable. Except for economy grade, all grades are stress graded, meaning specified strengths have been
Canadian Species
Canadian species of visually graded lumber There are more than a hundred softwood species in North America. To simplify the supply and use of structural softwood lumber, species having similar strength characteristics, and typically grown in the same region, are combined. Having a smaller number of species combinations makes it easier to design and select an appropriate species and for installation and inspection on the job site. In contrast, non-structural wood products are graded solely on the basis of appearance quality and are typically marked and sold under an individual species (e.g., Eastern White Pine, Western Red Cedar). The Spruce-Pine-Fir (S-P-F) species group grows abundantly throughout Canada and makes up by far the largest proportion of dimension lumber production. The other major commercial species groups for Canadian dimension lumber are Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir and Northern Species. The four species groups of Canadian lumber and their characteristics are shown below. Species Combination: Douglas Fir-Larch Abbreviation: D.Fir-L or DF-L Species Included in Combination Growth Region Douglas Fir Western Larch Characteristics Colour Ranges Reddish brown to yellow High degree of hardness Good resistance to decay Species Combination: Hem-Fir Abbreviation: Hem-Fir or H-F Species Included in Combination Growth Region Pacific Coast Hemlock Amabilis Fir Characteristics Colour Ranges Yellow brown to white Works easily Takes paint well Holds nails well Good gluing characteristics Species Combination: Spruce-Pine-Fir Abbreviation: S-P-F Species Included in Combination Growth Region White Spruce Engleman Spruce Red Spruce Black Spruce Jack Pine Lodgepole Pine Balsam Fir Alpine Fir Characteristics Colour Ranges White to pale yellow Works easily Takes paint well Holds nails well Good gluing charateristics Species Combination: Northern Species Abbreviation: North or Nor Species Included in Combination Growth Region Western Red Cedar Characteristics Colour Ranges Reddish brown heartwood, light sapwood Exceptional resistance to decay Moderate strength High in appearance qualities Works easily Takes fine finishes Lowest shrinkage Also Included in Northern Species Species Included in Combination Growth Region Red Pine Characteristics Colour Ranges Works easily Also Included in Northern Species Species Included in Combination Growth Region Ponderosa Pine Characteristics Colour Ranges Takes finishes well Holds nails well Holds screws well Seasons with little checking or cupping Also Included in Northern Species Species Included in Combination Growth Region Western White Pine Eastern White Pine Characteristics Colour Ranges Creamy white to light straw brown heartwood, almost white sapwood Works easily Finishes well Doeasnât tend to split or splinter Holds nails well Low shrinkage Takes stain, paints & varnishes well Also Included in Northern Species Species Included in Combination Growth Region Trembling Aspen Largetooth Aspen Balsam Poplar Characteristics Colour Ranges Works easily Finishes well Holds nails well Below is a map of the forest regions in Canada and the principal tree species that grow in each region. Click to enlarge the map. This map appears courtesy of Natural Resources Canada.
