Canfor grades our lumber according to the NLGA rules. Canfor products are graded by hand and by machine to ensure that grading accuracy and consistency is maintained from shift to shift, day to day and mill to mill.
Our grading agencies assist with training and auditing to ensure that we meet the strict requirements set out by the NLGA. Canfor uses the TPI, SPIB, CMSA, QLMA, APA and CanPly as our chosen agencies. Grade audits are carried out by these agencies at our mills each week to ensure grade accuracy. In addition, Canfor carries out internal lumber grade quality audits from all our mills to ensure that internal grade rules are also met, on a consistent basis.
Canfor Consistency
Canfor uses a combination of laser grading and manual grading to ensure that the grade accuracy is at its highest possible level.
A laser grading optimizer grades Canfor lumber. The online laser scans each piece as it passes to the grading station. This scan checks for wane and straightness and can measure deviations to an accuracy not possible by human eye. The manual graders then look for other defects that will affect the grade and intended use. This combination allows our graders to concentrate on fewer defects and make better grading decisions.
Canfor Proprietary Grades
Canfor does not rely solely on the NLGA grade rules when it comes to grading our lumber. To ensure that our customers get the products that they need we apply further grade overrides to increase the quality of certain products. These overrides apply to the premium products where the removal or restriction of defects above and beyond the requirement of the NLGA grade results in a premium product for our customers.Canfor Grades
R-Grade / Reserve Grade - (SPF)
Canfor's commitment to quality can be seen in our strict in-house grade rules that apply to 2" x 4" and 2" x 6" that are 8, 10 and 12 feet in length. Canfor's R grade rules allow less wane than the NLGA grade rules. This results in a higher quality lumber with less wane.
Square Edge
Canfor's premium grade for North America is Square Edge. This product is graded to restrict wane ensuring 4 square edges on each piece. In addition, stricter straightness rules are applied to standard 2 & Btr products.
Offshore Grade
Canfor's premium grade for overseas markets. Our J-grade product is the highest Canfor grade. Strict restrictions on wane, warp and stain are applied to produce a grade that meets the higher visual standards of the Japanese market.
Premium Studs
Canfor Premium studs are either No2 or Stud grade depending on the mill and the requirement. The Studs are precision end trimmed to the required length. A strict visual inspection ensures that wane is restricted and a square stud is produced.
Select Studs
Canfor select studs are only available from our primary stud mills. Select studs have wane restrictions applied to each piece and the overall package. This results in a package with minimal wane.
Contractor Stud
Canfor's most popular stud, this product is graded to meet the NLGA stud grade rules as well as the requirements of contractors and builders in North America. This product is made at the majority of Canfor's Stud facilities and relies on the inherent straightness and stability of Western and Eastern Kiln dried SPF to ensure maximum usability and cost effectiveness.
Premium Finger Joint
Canfor markets finger joined studs from a number of locations. The premium finger joined studs are manufactured from 2x6 blocks that are planed and re-sawn to a 2x4 profile. This ensures that products are straight, and square with, minimal to no wane.
Natural Finger Joint
Canfor also manufactures Natural 2x4 finger joined products. These products are manufactured from 2x4 blocks and are re-planed to remove excess glue. These products meet the NLGA stud grade rules, however, might have minimal wane.
MSR Grades
Canfor applies an internal wane restriction rule to our MSR production. Our 7 mills apply the same grade rules and in-house quality levels to ensure consistency between mills.
Dense Select Structural (DSS)
DSS is used in our South and North Carolina locations to grade Southern Pine. This grade, which is similar to the American Lumber Society’s (ALS) No.1 grade, was created to provide customers with a product of consistent density. DSS parameters require a minimum of 6 growth rings per inch, which ensures customers receive a reliable product.
#2 Prime
Canfor’s Southern Pine mills in the Carolinas also use this prime grade. It is above and beyond any grade written by the ALS and is similar to Square Edge as it was created to meet the demand for higher quality lumber from home center stores. The grade restricts wane to a maximum of ¼ inch and is used primarily in the production of treated lumber.