This project will establish a minimum production protocol and quality control procedures for manufacturing structural finger jointed hardwood lumber

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded $600,000 to Michigan Technological University on November 20, 2025, under the Wood Utilization Assistance program (CFDA 10.674) to establish minimum production protocols and quality control procedures for manufacturing structural finger jointed hardwood lumber and demonstrate a structural end joint system using commercially available low-grade hardwood lumber.

The project will develop a finger joint profile suitable for hardwood lumber where structural performance is critical, demonstrate manufacturing principles applicable to hardwood lumber, and establish quality confirmation mechanical testing protocols to ensure consistent performance of structural joints. The work aims to expand United States hardwood use in multiple domestic markets including cross laminated timber, glulam, trusses, and joists, and demonstrate that U.S.-grown hardwoods are viable alternatives to tropical hardwoods in many structural applications.

Performance runs through September 30, 2028, with work conducted in Michigan. Michigan Technological University passes $600,000 obligated funding to Mississippi State University's Department of Sustainable Bioproducts through a sub-award executed March 26, 2026, to perform mechanical testing of finger joints in bending and tension conditions, testing both standard finger joint specimens and nanofinger joint specimens as controls to determine quality control of finished joints and inform development and demonstration of undervalued hardwoods in structural applications.

This project will demonstrate a structural end joint system for hardwood lumber using commercially available low grade lumber. The specific objectives are to 1) demonstrate a finger joint profile suitable for use with hardwood lumber where structural performance is critical 2) demonstrate manufacturing principles suitable for hardwood lumber 3) demonstrate appropriate quality confirmation mechanical testing protocols for consistent performance of structural joints. IT aims to expand united states hardwood use in multiple domestic markets of structural and engineered wood products, such as cross laminated timber, glulam, trusses, and joists. Also demonstrate that united states grown hardwoods are viable alternatives to tropical hardwoods in many structural applications.