How To Read A Grade Stamp

1. O.L.M.A.
   Accredited Grading Agency logo certification mark
2. 09
   Facility Identification
   Firm name, brand, or mill number. This allows lumber to be traced back to the place of origin.
3. KD
   Seasoning or Moisture Content
   These may include:
   • MC-(number) (Percentage moisture content. MC-15, for example, means the lumber had a maximum moisture content of 15% when it was produced.)
   • KD (Kiln Dried to a maximum moisture content of 19%. This may also include a lesser moisture content number, such as KD-15.)
   • S-DRY (19% maximum moisture content at time of surfacing.)
   • S-GRN (more than 19% maximum moisture content, or
     unseasoned)
4. HT
   Phytosanitary Treatment
   • HT (Heat treated to the international standards for core temperature and length of time sufficient to kill a series of pests. (This is often combined kiln drying of lumber, to produce a stamp reading KD-HT)
5. S-P-F
   Wood Species or Species Combination
   Common designations are:
   • S-P-F (or Spruce – Pine – Fir)
   • Hem-Fir(N) (or Hemlock – Fir)
   • D.Fir-L(N) (or Douglas Fir –
     Larch)
   • N. Species (includes red cedar,
     certain pines, balsam and
     poplars)
   Note: The Canadian and U.S. versions may have a different mix of species, with different structural rating. The U.S. species groups are identified with an ‘S’, and the Canadian with an ‘N’.
6. NLGA
   Grade Rule
   When lumber is graded to the National Lumber Grading Authority rules, the stamp will include NLGA
7. 1
   Lumber grade
   Common grades of visually graded lumber include:
   • SEL STR (Select Structural)
   • No. 1, No. 2
   • No. 3 / Stud / Stand & Btr. (or Standard & Better)
   (May just have the grade number alone)