Can finger jointed lumber (also known as end-jointed and edge-glued) be substituted for sawn lumber?
Model building codes recognize finger-jointed lumber for the same structural applications as solid sawn lumber with certain qualifications. One such qualification is the fire-performance of end-jointed lumber. For more information on this subject, see the FAQ here:http://www.awc.org/HelpOutreach/faq/ICCAdhesives.html. AF&PA’s code adopted National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood Construction specifies finger jointed lumber as having the same design values as solid sawn lumber. From Chapter 4 of the 2005 NDS: 4.1.2.1 When the reference design values specified in the NDS are used, the lumber, including end-jointed or edge-glues lumber, shall be identified by the grade mark of, or certificate of inspection issued by, a lumber grading or inspection bureau or agency recognized as being competent (see Reference 31). A distinct grade mark of a recognized lumber grading or inspection bureau or agency, indicating that joint integrity is subject to qualification and quality control, shall
