NewsNOTE – January 31
More Answers to Questions about New Design Values
The recent approval of the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau’s (SPIB) new design values for visually graded Southern Pine lumber by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) Board of Review has generated more questions among producers and customer groups. SFPA facilitated a task group of industry leaders representing key customer groups to develop answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding new design values and their implementation. Click here to review this new collection of questions and answers, now available at www.southernpine.com.
SPIB issued Supplement No.9 to the 2002 Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber providing new design values effective June 1, 2012. The only design values that will change on June 1 apply to visually graded Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine sized 2” to 4” wide and 2” to 4” thick (2x2s through 4x4s) in No.2 and lower grades (No.2, No.3, Stud, Construction, Standard and Utility).
What about Dense and NonDense lumber? What about Prime lumber grades? What happens between now and June 1? These are among the new questions answered in the updated web pages. A helpful table is included listing the new design values for Southern Pine and Mixed Southern Pine, effective June 1, 2012. Answers address transition issues, how to obtain similar load-carrying capabilities and why only some grades and sizes are affected at this time. More than two dozen questions are answered in this updated collection, including a supplemental set of questions with answers providing important background information.
“These answers address the most common questions raised since the ALSC’s decision earlier this month,” says Cathy Kaake, SFPA’s senior director of engineered and framing markets. “The effective date of June 1 allows for an orderly transition to the new design values,” she adds.
Between now and June 1, SFPA will provide more information as it becomes available; check www.southernpine.com frequently for updates.
Welcome New Member
SFPA welcomes Southmark Forest Products, Inc. of Greensboro, North Carolina as a new Associate member. Established in 1996, Southmark Forest Products has a team of traders with decades of experience in the Southern Pine wholesale industry. The company maintains two distribution warehouses and specializes in serving customers in the component, millwork, industrial packaging and laminating industries. Its strategy for growth includes domestic lumber sales as well as sales to markets in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Barry Day, the company’s principal officer, will represent Southmark with SFPA. Contact him at 336/374-3400, or send e-mail to barry_day@triad.tcwbc.com. To learn more about Southmark Forest Products, visit www.southmarkforest.com.
