MSR grades can be produced from a multitude of wood species from a number of different sources. A grade produced from Spruce Pine Fir in Canada can also be produced from a Western or Southern species Lumber design values for MSR grades are more species independent than design values for visual grades. This means that the end user may switch to a less expensive supply without worrying about compromising quality. Savings for distributors. For a lumber retailer or distributor, stocking MSR lumber can reduce losses.
Customers often select lumber based on visual characteristics.
The visual grading system for lumber is allowed a 5 percent off-grade rate. Visual inspection of MSR lumber is also allowed a 5 percent off-grade rate, but only after the wood has passed physical testing. Additionally, most MSR lumber is produced with a tighter wane restriction than is required for the grade, because most of the MSR lumber is used in plated trusses which have a low tolerance for wane. If a distributor sells visually graded lumber, he may be left with a pile of rejected stock that simply cannot be sold. With MSR lumber, on the other hand, consumers know they will be getting lumber that will perform physically no matter what it looks like.