For Builders and Architects

If you're a builder, chances are that you know about TimberStrand LSL–an engineered wood product used widely for door, window, structural and flooring applications throughout North America.

The choices you make about these products matter–for forests and human rights. Please join Rainforest Action Network in promoting ecologically and socially responsible forestry by avoiding products manufactured from logging within the traditional territory of the Grassy Narrows First Nation. Use the tools below to ensure that your purchasing decisions align with your values:

STEP 1: Buyer Beware

TrusJoist and Weyerhaeuser claim that TimberStrand products are "environmentally friendly". In truth, much of the TimberStrand LSL products distributed in North America is manufactured from massive clearcut forestry operations in Northwestern Ontario (download the detailed report here). Use the key below to determine if the TimberStrand products you buy were manufactured from forests claimed by Grassy Narrows:

A stamp similar to the image below is found on every TimberStrand LSL product. Timberstrand products from the Kenora mill can be uniquely identified by their mill number (37) and the “made in Canada” mark.

  1. Timberstrand Logo
  2. Product Grade Designation
  3. Code Compliance Certifications
  4. Quality Assurance Certifications (PFS Corporation)
  5. Manufacture date and shift number (MM-DD-YY-S)
  6. Mill Number (43=Deerwood, MN; 45 = Cavies, KY; 37=Kenora, ON)

STEP 2: Buy Good Wood

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international not-for-profit membership-based organization that brings people together to find solutions to the problems created by bad forestry practices and to reward good forest management.Visit their online database of certified products and suppliers.

 

 

 

 

STEP 3: Change the marketplace

Contact your local retailer, wholesaler or pro-dealer about your concerns. Ask for better alternatives. Visit the TrusJoist website to find a contact in your region. Be sure to tell us about the results.