UNIVERSITY PARK — Anyone working in the lumber industry who needs a basic understanding of hardwood lumber grades may benefit from a three-day Penn State Extension workshop.

The “Hardwood Lumber Grading Short Course” will be Tuesday, Oct. 7, through Thursday, Oct. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Livestock Evaluation Center, 1494 W. Pine Grove Rd., Pennsylvania Furnace.

This workshop is designed for new and experienced individuals working in the lumber industry, from sawmill operators and wholesalers to sales staff and wood product manufacturers.

The course will cover the National Hardwood Lumber Association’s hardwood lumber grades and offer hands-on grading. Participants will learn:

• Rules for grading hardwood lumber.

• Steps for grading hardwood lumber.

• How to determine the surface measure of a board.

• How to use a lumber rule.

Wednesday and Thursday sessions will consist of class instruction alternating with hands-on practice with lumber. Participants will study the hardwood lumber rules and practice using the rules on cherry, red oak, white oak, hard maple, soft maple and ash.

Organizers noted that space is limited, so preregistration is required. An early bird registration fee of $350 is available through Sept. 16. After Sept. 16, the registration fee will increase to $400. The registration fee covers lunch, drinks and snacks all three days.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at

https://extension.psu.edu/hardwood-

lumber-grading.