2021 Standard Grading Rules

Written and published by the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, this is the definitive source for descriptions of the characteristics allowed in southern pine lumber. Architects, engineers, building officials, retailers and wholesalers, and manufacturers will find this publication essential. General grade characteristics, definitions of lumber for different uses, moisture content and claim procedures are explained. Significant classes of lumber are addressed in specific chapters including: boards, dimension lumber, timbers, machine graded lumber, decking, and scaffold plank. Design values for southern pine dimension lumber are listed in the appendices. The Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber are approved by the Board of Governors of the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau and the Board of Review of the American Lumber Standard Committee.


This version includes:

Single source reference for grading southern pine lumber. Now contains additions to the glossary:

National Grading Rule Interpretation

40+ colored illustrations of Southern Pine Characteristics

Defects alphabetically organized by lumber grade and characteristic type (Natural, Manufacturing, and Drying) for easy reference.

The addition of dimension lumber shorthand guide inside the covers for quick use.

The integration of numerous hyperlinks allowing you to jump from item to grade to definition and illustration.

Free updates between versions.