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To protect the buyer and consumer, the industry has developed a system
requiring ink-stamped grade marking of each piece of lumber under adequate
quality control measures. This assures delivery of the grade specified for its
intended use. Lumber grading and marking is monitored and inspected by
agencies accredited by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC).
A valid agency grade mark on Southern Pine lumber indicates the product
meets structural and appearance requirements established for that grade.
In addition, all treated Southern Pine should be identified with an inspection
agency quality mark (either plastic end tag or ink stamp) conforming to building
code standards (See Code Acceptance and Requirements). For the quality
mark to be valid after treatment, the lumber must adhere to the grade
requirements and the moisture content of the grade represented by the mark.
Specify Quality
It is recommended that the buyer specify pressure-treated wood bearing ink-stamped
quality marks and/or plastic end tags denoting the material was produced
under supervision of an independent inspection agency accredited by
the ALSC. Use of such marks by the producer provides assurance that the
preservative retention and penetration complies with AWPA and/or Building
Code specifications, and that the preservative used is EPA approved and treated
in compliance with federal law. Use of treated wood that does not bear an
approved agency quality mark will not meet requirements of the International
Code Council (ICC).
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