What Is a Lumber Inspector and How to Become One

A lumber inspector, also called a lumber grader, uses visual evaluation and measurements to grade lumber products based on the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules standards. As a lumber inspector, your overall responsibilities include examining the lumber after cuts for knots, holes, splits, and other defects, measuring the lumber for thickness, length, and width to ensure they meet specifications, and sort the pieces based on grade and wood type. The lumber grades determine the value of the wood for distribution.

To become a lumber inspector, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. Apprentice with a lumber inspector or take training courses to learn about the industry. The National Hardwood Lumber Association offers classes in lumber inspection and certification as a lumber inspector. These courses teach you about the standards for lumber grading and the skills you need to examine recently milled lumber. Acquire an entry-level position with a lumber company to gain hands-on experience with different kinds of wood and to learn the different grades of wood. Employers may provide on-the-job training, but many prefer for lumber inspectors or lumber graders who have some experience in the industry and professional accreditation as a lumber inspector. You find lumber inspector positions at hardwood sawmills, dry kiln operations, wholesale lumber distributors, wood manufacturing plants, and furniture makers.