Frequently Asked Questions for the
WWPA Lumber Design Suite program 

Go to the Download Software window to download the program.

Updated as of February 12, 2009

Versions

What are the changes in Version 3.1?
Released February 2009. Calculations for Posts/Studs Analysis revised.

What are the changes in Version 3.0?
Released August 2008. New installation routine creates individual icons for the Beams-Joists, Posts-Studs and Shear Connection worksheets in the Start, Programs, WWPA Design Suite folder. Updates calculations to the 2005 National Design Specification (NDS) for Lumber. Adds a stud wall deflection check in the Post-Studs worksheet to meet International Building Code requirements.

What are the changes in Version 2.0?
Released in September 2004, version 2.0 adds new features for cantilevered bending members, sloped loads and MSR grades.

What are the changes in Version 1.0D?
Released in November 2003, version 1.0D includes a minor adjustment in the use of the load duration factors in perpendicular to grain compression calculations for sill plates in Posts and Studs.

What are the changes in Version 1.0C?
Released in October 2003, version 1.0C contains two minor updates: Compression member calculations in the Post and Studs section are revised and Shear Connections section features updated calculations for 8d nail length and penetration factors.

What are the changes in Version 1.0B?
Released in August 2003, version 1.0B include revisions to design values used for calculating Western Woods beams and joists and revisions to the "Max. Span" determination for roof members to provide a live load deflection check.

Installation

Will the Lumber Design Suite work on a Macintosh?
No. The Design Suite will only operate under the Windows editions of Excel, versions 2003 and higher.

After I install the Suite, the buttons will not work. What's wrong?
The Design Suite uses Excel macros for many of its functions and links. If the macro security setting is set to High, the Suite wil not operate properly. To resolve this problem, in Excel 2000 and XP, select Tools, Macro, Security. Select Medium or Low for the security setting. For other versions, consult Excel Help.

After changing the macro security settings, go back to your computer desktop or taskbar and execute the WWPA Lumber Design Suite shortcut (link). If an Excel dialogue window appears, press the "Enable Macros" button. Disabling the macros will cause the Design Suite to malfunction.

Please note that changing the macro security settings for macros may affect your security protection against some viruses. It is recommended you have an up-to-date virus utility operating on your system before changing the macro security settings.

Can I rename the folder "C:\WWPA" created during installation?
No. The Design Suite must be operated from the original WWPA directory.

How do I install an updated version of the Lumber Design Suite?
You should uninstall any previous versions of the Design Suite before installing version 3.0. During installation, the Design Suite will be automatically copied onto your hard drive and icons added in your Start Programs list. To install, unpack the "Suite.zip" file and run the "Suite.exe" file. The installation will create the directory C:\WWPA on your hard drive, copy all the files needed for the Design Suite and add icons to your Start Programs list.

Basic operation

Can the Design Suite be used to design with Canadian species such as S-P-F?
No. Only species produced by WWPA mills in the Western U.S. are included in the Design Suite. The Spruce-Pine-Fir (South) species group listed applies to the U.S. S-P-F (South) products.

Got a question on the WWPA Lumber Design Suite? Send us an e-mail at info @ wwpa.org.