Episode 75: Oregon’s Lumber Grading Program

In this episode of Oregon State University Extension’s In the Woods podcast, host Jacob Putney talks with wood products extension specialist Scott Leavengood about a new lumber grading training program created in response to Oregon Senate Bill 1061 (the Oregon Forest to Homes Act). The program will certify small-scale sawmill operators to visually grade their own lumber for use in Oregon building construction under a limited, direct chain of custody, without applying grade stamps. The one-day trainings will teach simplified, conservative grading rules for key Oregon softwood species and include a hands-on test; certification is valid for five years. Use is limited to lumber sold directly to homeowners/builders for one- and two-family detached dwellings, with documentation provided for building inspectors. Initial sessions are planned for October in La Grande and Roseburg, with registration via the Oregon Wood Innovation Center website.