Western Wood (MP)
Western Wood (MP) refers to a marketing program and associated grading standards developed and maintained by the Western Wood Products Association (WWPA). It is primarily used in the United States and Canada for visually grading and labeling lumber produced from Western species of trees, such as Douglas Fir, Hem Fir, and Western Red Cedar. The "MP" designation often follows a species or grade name, indicating that the lumber has been graded under WWPA rules and standards.
The purpose of the Western Wood (MP) program is to provide consistent quality assurance and facilitate trade in lumber products. It offers guidelines for assigning grades based on factors like knots, grain patterns, and defects. Lumber bearing the Western Wood (MP) stamp signifies that it has been inspected and meets specific criteria outlined by WWPA. This system helps ensure that lumber is suitable for its intended use, whether it is for structural framing, appearance applications, or other purposes.
Key aspects of the Western Wood (MP) program include:
- Grading Rules: WWPA establishes detailed rules for visually grading lumber. These rules define acceptable levels of defects and specify the allowable sizes and locations of knots and other imperfections.
- Species Coverage: The program primarily covers lumber manufactured from Western species, as opposed to Southern Yellow Pine, for example.
- Quality Control: WWPA-accredited agencies perform regular inspections of lumber mills participating in the program to ensure that grading standards are consistently applied.
- Grade Marking: Lumber graded under Western Wood (MP) rules is typically stamped with a grade mark that includes the WWPA logo, the grade designation, the mill identification number, and other relevant information. This mark provides assurance to buyers regarding the quality and origin of the lumber.
- Application: The grades established under this system are used in construction, woodworking, and other industries that rely on standardized lumber quality.
The Western Wood (MP) program plays a significant role in lumber standardization and helps to maintain a level playing field for manufacturers and consumers in the Western North American lumber market.