Disclaimer: This article is written on the basis that any proposed construction will take place in Ontario, Canada. If you’re reading this from outside of Ontario (say, elsewhere in Canada), chances are that the process will be extremely similar. With that said, please confirm with your own local professional organizations.
Question: How do you use your ungraded lumber in a construction project in Ontario?
If you are planning to build a structure in Ontario, you may be wondering if you can use ungraded lumber for your project. Ungraded lumber is wood that has not been inspected or certified by a grading agency for its quality, strength, or durability. Ungraded lumber is usually cheaper than graded lumber, but it also comes with some risks and limitations.
In this blog post, we will explain what ungraded lumber is, how it differs from graded lumber, and what are the rules and regulations for using it in Ontario. We will also give you some tips and best practices for using ungraded lumber safely and effectively.
What is ungraded lumber?
Ungraded lumber is wood that has not been subjected to any quality control process by a recognized grading agency. Grading agencies are organizations that inspect and certify wood products according to national or international standards. Grading agencies use visual or machine methods to assess the wood’s characteristics, such as moisture content, density, knots, splits, warping, decay, and defects. Based on these criteria, they assign a grade stamp to the wood that indicates its quality and suitability for different uses.
Ungraded lumber does not have any grade stamp or label on it. It may be wood that has been rejected by a grading agency for failing to meet the standards, or wood that has been produced by a mill that does not participate in any grading program. Ungraded lumber may also be wood that has been salvaged from demolition sites, recycled from pallets or crates, or harvested from private lands (the most common situation).
How does ungraded lumber differ from graded lumber?
The main difference between ungraded and graded lumber is the level of quality assurance and reliability. Graded lumber has been tested and verified by a third-party agency to meet certain performance criteria. Ungraded lumber has not been tested or verified by anyone, so its quality and performance are unknown and unpredictable.
Graded lumber is classified into different categories based on its intended use and strength properties. For example, structural lumber is graded for its ability to resist bending, compression, tension, and shear forces. Non-structural lumber is graded for its appearance and suitability for finishing. Within each category, there are different grades that indicate the level of quality and allowable defects. For example, structural lumber grades range from No. 1 (highest quality) to No. 3 (lowest quality).
Ungraded lumber does not have any category or grade designation. It may have varying levels of quality and defects within the same batch or even within the same piece of wood. Ungraded lumber may also have inconsistent dimensions and moisture content, which can affect its stability and performance.
What are the rules and regulations for using ungraded lumber in Ontario?
In Ontario, the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code (OBC) regulate the construction of buildings and structures. The OBC sets out the minimum requirements for design, materials, installation, safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and environmental protection.
According to the OBC, all structural wood products used in construction must be graded and stamped by an accredited grading agency. There are two such agencies in Ontario – the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) and the Ontario Lumber Manufacturers Agency (OLMA). This requirement applies to all types of structural wood products, such as dimensional lumber, engineered wood products (e.g., plywood, oriented strand board), laminated timber products (e.g., glulam), and prefabricated wood elements (e.g., trusses).
The OBC also specifies the minimum grade requirements for different structural applications. For example,
– For floor joists and roof rafters, the minimum grade is No. 2.
– For beams and columns, the minimum grade is No. 1.
– For studs and plates in load-bearing walls, the minimum grade is Stud.
– For sheathing and decking boards, the minimum grade is Select Structural.
The OBC does not prohibit the use of ungraded lumber for non-structural purposes, such as interior finishing or furniture making. However, it does require that all materials used in construction must be free from decay or deterioration that could affect their performance or durability.
The OBC also allows some exceptions for using ungraded lumber for structural purposes under certain conditions. These include:
– When the ungraded lumber is approved by a professional engineer who has verified its strength and suitability for the intended use.
– When the ungraded lumber is used in accordance with a recognized standard or guideline that provides adequate performance criteria.
– When the ungraded lumber is used in low-risk applications where failure would not endanger life or property.
Some examples of low-risk applications where ungraded lumber may be used are:
– Farm buildings that are not intended for human occupancy or storage of hazardous materials. A fact sheet on this scenario, issued by the Ontario government, can be reviewed here.
– Temporary structures that are not intended to last more than one year.
– Minor additions or alterations to existing buildings that do not affect the structural integrity or safety
If you are a homeowner and want to cut your own lumber to use in a construction project, how do you get it graded for use in Ontario? Here are some steps you can follow:
– First off – check with your local city, county, and/or building code office to find out the exact requirements in your area. Requirements and the level of enforcement vary. Don’t be satisfied until you have seen the rules yourself. Keep a copy for future reference.
– Review the NLGA guide, titled “Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber”. A copy of this guide can be downloaded here. Thoroughly review the pertinent parts of the guide to make sure you understand what standards apply.
– Contact the appropriate lumber grading agency (either the OLMA or OFIA) to discuss your plan with them and to make certain that your lumber will meet all of the requirements, such as thickness, widths, and lengths, moisture content, and required other items. Checking out all of the details before sawing can save time and wasted materials. These agencies can provide on-site inspection for grading and grade stamping the lumber to NLGA Standard Grading Rules.
– Schedule a visit with the lumber inspector, make sure you have enough time for his visit, and your area is properly laid out for inspection. Make certain any documentation is prepared and available should the inspector ask for it.
Following these steps will help you get your lumber grade stamped, which is required by all building codes and inspectors. The grade stamp will identify the species, grade and moisture content of the piece of lumber, its facility of origin, the logo of the accredited Grading Agency that has overseen its grading, and any special processing the lumber has received. An example of a grade stamp is shown below:
Lastly, if you’re planning to go through with a project, ensure that you have an appropriate building permit. For more information on permits, their value, and how obtain one, you can read our other blog post.