Most grade stamps are printed right onto the individual pieces of lumber. They clearly show tree species or species combination, grade and grading rule or special product standard, conditioning, number (or sometimes name) of the mill/treatment facility of origin and logo of the accredited lumber grading agency responsible for supervision.
Sometimes grade stamps cannot be marked right onto the lumber for aesthetic reasons (e.g., wood beams or other elements used with a transparent stain/finish). In those cases, the stamp may be placed on the end of the lumber, or a grade certificate may be used.
To see an explanation of how to read a grade stamp, click here.
To see sample grade stamps from CLSAB-accredited agencies, click here.
More Information
For more detailed information on graded lumber, see the Canadian Wood Council's information booklets:
