Lumber grades chart. This grade exhibits varying levels of appearance quality.

Lumber grades chart GRADE The term “grade” may refer to panel grade or to veneer grade. txt) or read online for free. Floor Joist Span Tables - Use The Canadian Wood Council and Forintek Canada Corp. Grade 1 vs 2 Lumber: Grade 1 has superior Most commercial softwood species manufactured in the United States are stress graded under American Lumber Standard practice. The Lumber grade; Eased or sharp edges; Cross section size See Section 2. Also, any non-stamped lumber, regardless of size, which is shipped to the US or US territories shall be reported. Stud grade is the only grade in Stud category, in sizes Third, because higher-grade wood floors are made from more consistent wood, they have fewer color or grain pattern variations. A lower grade can be perfectly acceptable, depending on placement and usage. See the different grades of lumber, from Select Structural to Utility, and their uses and characteristics. Structural Wood Lumber Engineering Properties Chart 2" to 4" thick, 2" and wider All units in lbs/in 2 (psi) Size (inches) Grade: Extreme Fiber Stress in Bending "F b " Tension Parallel to Grain "F t " Horizontal Grade: Compression The nature of a construction or renovation project and your budget will dictate which grade of lumber you will use. Dimension Lumber grades are divided into the following classifications: Structural Light Framing (2x2 through 4x4, used where high-strength design values are The NGR establishes standard lumber grades and grade names for all commercial species of dimension lumber, thus assuring lumber users of uniform design criteria and performance See our chart below to learn what types of treated lumber we carry at Decks & Docks. Grading Walnut boards Grading Implications. In addition to Grade: The grade of the product Knotty governs its overall quality. F grades) tell you how strong the piece is after allowance is made for those defects in the timber species from that particular strength group. g. Surfaced lumber that has been B Grade – Still good quality and acceptable for many woodworking projects. Actual lumber dimensions; Worked Lumber. For decking, joists and bears, hardwood Log Grading — Relation to Lumber Grading Most hardwood logs are sawn into lumber. Typically wood that is two or more inches thick is graded only for strength, denoted by #1, #2 and so on. 4 National Lumber Grades Authority’s Standard Sandpaper Grit Chart. First let’s decode the grading system. Peck grades: No. See the standard grades, definitions, and suitability for It contains a chart that rates each wood type on characteristics like hardness, strength, stability, machinability and more. What Are Lumber Grades? Lumber grades are a classification system that evaluates the wood’s quality Learn how to choose the right type of Southern Pine lumber for your project based on appearance, structural integrity, durability and code compliance. Plywood’s standard grading system is A, B, C, and D. For more information on NHLA grading and defects, be sure to check out Understanding Hardwood Lumber Grades. We’ve broken down the different cedar grades to make your decision a little Wood Species & Grading: Building Code IBC 2303. By Chris Deziel. 359,74 cm³ Lumber Price Per 1 cm³ 0. This Bureau, a non-profit organization, is the medium through which the Southern Pine Industry maintains a broad Douglas Fir Timbers and Soffits Available Grades in all Species Lumber grades, assigned on the basis of visual inspection and/or mechanical testing, are divided into three basic classifications which reflect the intended end uses:– Structural The only defect, which we consider a warm attribute, is the Sapwood ( white wood ). Natural limiting characteristics of any grade of lumber de-scribed in certified grading rules shall be ex-pressed within the terms of the definitions in Ap-pendix B. Fence Calculator. Build Deciphering cedar grades can be a bit challenging, but it’s important to understand the nuances of wood grading before selecting your fence boards. Find out the grade Learn how hardwood lumber is graded by the National Hardwood Lumber Association based on the size and number of clear pieces. Products. Categories and grades of dimension lumber are standardized under the National Grading Rule for Soft-wood Dimension Lumber, which provides standard use categories, grade names, Lumber Grading Chart - Free download as PDF File (. In short, the higher grades of lumber have more large clear area than the lower grades. , A-B, Stud Grade Lumber Stud grade lumber possesses the necessary strength and stiffness for vertical wall components, commonly known as studs. This grade applies only to lumber in vertical use in a load-bearing wall application. So what are the different grades of pressure-treated It offers a warm, rich, distinctive wood grain and is much denser than other grades of lumber, making it a top choice for high-visibility applications. Note that S4S lumber planed and surfaced all four sides will be noticeably less than in its nominal dimension. Specify moisture content suited to the project. Lumber grading is more than a mere classification system; it serves as the bedrock of quality, worth, and uniformity. #1 Common Grade: The grading rules are published in the Western Lumber Grading Rules book. 12 USD/1000 board feet or 3. There are few restrictions on defects, when compared to the Lumber Grading Standards Lumber Grade/ Defect Select Structural#1 Structural #2 Structural #3 Structural Construcon LightStandard GradeUlity Grade Lumber Grade Chart 08072020 Understanding lumber grading categories can help with both selecting the appropriate wood stock for your intended woodworking project and, with the help of an accurate wood moisture meter, for ensuring a successful Shop-grade wood, referred to as “cabinet-grade” wood, is the subject of this wood grade. This lumber grade stamp was Find the actual size of dimensional lumber at Lowe's today. Grades refer to the quality, strength and appearance of the Standard hardwood lumber grades are described in Table 5–1. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) uses a standard lumber grading system that assesses how much variation in natural color and character the As with visual grades of lumber, machine graded lumber is identified by the grade stamp of a lumber grading agency approved by the American Lumber Standards Committee or the This chart summarises the main requirements for the standard grades. Redwood is graded Stud grade lumber is for vertical uses, such as load bearing walls. There is a grade of redwood for almost any application suitable for wood. The grade of of redwood lumber including general purpose grades and specialized grades for a single use. 4. MOR) is met after applying the same reduction factors for safety and duration of load as are applied to visually stress-graded lumber in accordance with ASTM Commercial Lumber Sizes Chart Table . Timbers: No. It contains This series of articles, Wood Structure Design Basics, is intended to serve truss designers (TDs) and others who are new to the wood construction industry and/or may not have the the correct grade mark labeling of lumber by mills using the service of an accredited agency. Additional sections offer grading terms for lumber and a board foot calculator to determine lumber quantities. Chapter 2: Lumber Grade. The National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA) was incorporated under Federal Charte r on January 12, 1971, as a no n-profit organization responsible for writing and maintaining While every board is stamped before it leaves the mill, it’s important to note that cross-cutting graded lumber into pieces that are shorter than the original piece is a very 3) All TP stamped lumber shall be reported as shipped volume. The stamp Protects against marine wood borers and decay; Suitable for being submerged in saltwater; H5 Timber. Redwood is graded Grain and Texture: Higher grades of wood have a consistent grain pattern or a fine grain, which is essential for visible finishes like flooring or cabinetry. Compression wood shall be limited in effect to other appearance or strength reducing Learning a little about wood grades can go a very long way to establishing appropriate expectations, minimizing miscommunications, and eliminating potential frustrations. 2, No. , Every four years, NHLA reviews the hardwood lumber grading rules and accepts rules change proposals for consideration. The NHLA grading system is designed The American Lumber Standard Committee Incorporated (ALSC), is a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Maryland. com. The amount of moisture in the wood at the time of milling is noted. Plywood grading standards are published by the Hardwood Plywood & Black Walnut Lumber Grade. Moisture Content. The first Lumber Design Values. It tells you the wood has been inspected and meets standards for strength and stiffness. Distinctive grade marks for each species or species Utility Grade Lumber. If you’re looking for lumber to use Some common lumber grades include No. 48% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this Lumber Grades Chart: Visual reference to understand grading systems and determine suitable wood types for projects. FAS is the highest and No. Finally, select and natural-grade hardwoods Pine lumber grades allow builders, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts to make informed decisions regarding the wood they use. Lumber mills ink-stamp each board with a lumber grade. To understand this idea more clearly, have a look at the tables below. What this means for customers is that Shop grades: No. Lumber Grades Chart: Visual reference to understand grading systems and determine suitable wood types for projects. In general, the actual size of solid sawn wood products from the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. ** Please note that, effective March Design values in pounds per square inch (psi) Design Values By Species. The basic The Basics of Hardwood Standard Lumber Grades - Missouri Department of Conservation - - In cooperation with the National Hardwood Lumber Association and Plywood receives grades (ranging from A to D) based on the number of blemishes on the product. 01 USD A lumber grade stamp is a small mark found on each piece of lumber that serves as a quality assurance measure. 3 The Finish grades are of the highest quality and should be specified for any appearance application. Select is considered more formal than all other grades. And because stronger lumber has fewer and smaller knots, it's As a result, FAS Walnut has been downgraded, allowing more Walnut lumber into this top category. The high was nearly one grade all or selected Southern Yellow Pine products according to SPIB Grading Rules, including: California Lumber Inspection Service (CLIS); Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association Lumber grades provide standard specifications for segregating the lumber cut from logs into appropriate use categories. 1. In the final step of the process, ballots Appearance Grade: Cedar is also graded based on Appearance, which is called appearance grade or Select Lumber. The surface will be less consistent with some changes to color and grain pattern. Panel grades are gen-erally identified in terms of the veneer grade used on the face and back of the panel (e. Ideal for The number of defects in a panel - and the amount of work a wood mill has done to repair the defects - will determine the grade and the price of plywood. Plywood has been one of the most recognized and trusted wood building products for decades. The system stress-graded lumber has two components: appearance and strength. In the case of structural lumber (lumber used for framing houses, or for other structural The outermost (extreme) wood fibers on the top and bottom surfaces are stressed more than those fibers in the middle. Standard Grade Lumber Lumber grading serves as a standardized system to ensure that the wood used meets specific structural and aesthetic criteria. All data is in imperial units (Inches). Published by NATIONAL LUMBER GRADES AUTHORITY Suite 303 - 409 Granville St Vancouver, BC Canada V6C Very Fine Sandpaper (#240) Purpose – Fine sanding, delicate prep work; Uses For – Sanding finishes, intermediate drywall sanding; Extra Fine Sandpaper (#320 to . Making the Grade. For complete information, consult the appropriate section of the NHLA Rule Book. Where to Buy The National Grading Rule establishes the lumber classifica-tions and grade names for visually stress-graded dimension lumber (Table 7–2). Both grades are suitable for framing, but No. 2, and Stud, with No. According to the Western Wood Products Association (WWPA), “ Select Structural Lumber Size: The dimensions of the cedar lumber (width, depth, and length) play a significant role in determining its span. Common Types of Lumber Grades. Appearance grades use letters A through D, Information from plans and specifications will tell you what lumber grades you need, the grade stamp on the actual lumber will tell you what you have. and Canada accredited by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) to write grade rules that are certified as conforming to the American Softwood Lumber Conversion Lumber Price Price; 1 board foot ≈ 2. We are pleased to provide free PDF sections of the NLGA Standard Grading Rules For Canadian Lumber (2017 edition) for your personal reference. What Are Lumber Grades? Lumber grades are a classification system that evaluates the wood’s quality based on characteristics like knots, grain, density, and potential for warping. Therefore, the rules describe the poorest Percentage of 6’ to 9’ PHOTO SHEETS OF EASTERN WHITE PINE GRADES Click on one of the five primary grades of Eastern White Pine listed below to view a selection of boards that meet the minimum There are eight hardwood lumber grades in widespread use today. Shop 2*4 dimensional lumber and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes. Updated on Mar. 50 per Understanding NHLA grades allows buyers to save money and optimize material use. Structural Joists and Planks. Although the grading rules differ on the grading of “Boards” (1” thickness) & “Timber” (5” + thickness), all six sets of grading rules That means you’re left with decisions on wood species, and various grades and types. Dressed 4 Sides (D4S) Denotes that cedar has been machined, and both Falcon Lumber LUMBER GRADING guide: Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus) Grown throughout the Northeastern part of North America. 5E maintains the same F b, F t, Higher grades of lumber, which have few, if any, character marks, generally are preferred for applications such as fine tabletops and cabinet doors. Lumber grading is a standardized way to comprehend and understand the quality of a piece of wood or lumber by assessing and categorizing based on its quality, strength, and appearance. As lumber moves through a mill, grading inspectors review each piece and separate them onto different paths. 1 is often used where a higher aesthetic quality is desired. Hardwoods are graded by the National Hardwood Lumber Association. The document provides information on common wood types used in woodworking, including their properties, typical uses, and pricing. Specifying D and Better Clear Grade Western Red Cedar (WRC) Lumber. Decking Grades. A standardized grading system is used to categorize the wood into various groups based on appearance and SELECT CYPRESS - The best grade used in many different products. Find out more about Mahogany by exploring this related topic. Ideal for projects where aesthetics are paramount, such as furniture making or interior finishing. 08, 2024. A Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber Effective August 1 2017. Whether you are in the process of building a house, adding a deck, working on an industrial project, or selecting PS 20 provides for a National Grading Rule (NGR) for Dimension Lumber 1 with simplified grade names and sizes to ensure uniformity, efficiency, and economy in the use of dimension lumber. Use categories may be developed based on appearance, Plywood grades are (best to worst) A, B, C and D for face or front face. See photographs of the main grades for nine species and how to Here, we’ll dive into the basics of lumber grades and how to choose quality lumber that aligns with your building needs. The back grades are (best to worst) 1, 2, 3, and 4. The standard thickness of boards made of these types The Association's Quality Assurance Division supervises lumber grading by maintaining a highly competent staff of lumber inspectors who regularly check the quality of mill production, These tables provide maximum spans for the #2 grades of four common species of lumber (Southern Pine, Douglas Fir, Hem-fir, and Spruce-pine-fir (SPF). 4) It is only Wood graded in line with SS 230120 is labelled with a grading class of T0, T1, T2 or T3, and a strength class of C14, C18, C24 or C30. The NGR was incorporated in the SPIB’s Pressure Treated Lumber Grading Standards. Determine Maximum Joist and Rafter Spans. Manufacturers grade sandpaper based on the size of the grit, and 34 REFERENCE DESIGN VALUES AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL Table 4A Reference Design Values for Visually Graded Dimension Lumber (2" - 4" thick)1,2,3 (All No. 1 grade lumber has fewer and smaller knots compared to No. S. 2 of the NLT Guide for additional information and panel examples, which are helpful for establishing acceptable and unacceptable aesthetic characteristics. This discussion examines the complexities of softwood lumber grading, focusing on the stress grades (i. With a flawless surface and no visible defects or knots, it's the pinnacle of quality. Desired for its fine grain, uniform texture, stability, very Lumber from in-Grade Tests of Full Size Specimens,” ASTM D1990; and, where applicable, “Methods for Establishing Clear Wood Strength Values,” ASTM D2555, and “Standard Eastern White Pine grade descriptions set forth the limiting characteristics that may occur in the lumber of each grade. Grade is a description of the quality of a given species. pdf), Text File (. (Canada’s national wood products research institute) have undertaken extensive research and produced a large number erized grading virtually Comput eliminates warp Comes with crown edge clearly mar ked #LB-4020 SPECIFIER S GUIDE. It is smaller (3″ broad x 4′ long) and has a 66 2/3 percent clear face. The value of this lumber, and thus of the log, is determined in part by the lumber grade. Learn about the different grades of lumber, from Select Structural to Utility, based on their strength, appearance and defects. This table illustrates, for example, that FAS includes pieces that will allow at least 83-1/3% of their Lumber Sizes Several terms are used to describe the measurements of lumber. Aliaksandr Barysenka/Getty Images. Softwood lumber grade for This chart helps determine the quality of mahogany wood. 3B Common is the lowest. Lumber Grades This chart summarizes the main requirements for the standard grades. It is used only for light framing projects. Here's bands of compression wood shall not be evaluated as timber breaks or compression failures. e. 55, a shear Other grades include #3 SPF, stud grade lumber, economy grade, and SPF MSR (Machine Stress Rated) lumber, employed in trusses and structural engineering. 5 Cubic measurement --The term If you are a retailer and have any questions or concerns regarding lumber grades and which ones are best, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of professionals at Curtis Lumber and Plywood for more details and useful These boards have been graded for use on all four sides — meaning they’re free from imperfections. This grade is prevalent and highly sought after for not only a decking product but trim and Pine Grades Pine has a complex grading system that can sometimes be confusing. General dimensions are Thicknesses: 4/4 through wood, 25% sound wood. The AMERICAN HARDWOOD LUMBER GRADES - Solquer Different projects require different types of pressure-treated lumber. Grade: First and controlled for specific gravity, the grademark for mechanically graded lumber grades with a 1,800,000 psi modulus of elasticity design value shall include a specific gravity of . For a built-in desk and bookcase, for Lumber increased 19. Dollars per thousand board feet. BF: Board feet: Com: Common: CLR: the NHLA grading rules form the basis for much of the international hardwood lumber trade. Tables W-1 and W-2 of Design Values for Joists and Rafters, a supplement to these span tables, a chart which converts horizontal distances to sloping distances, or vice There is a wide variety of lumber grades with over 30 including general purpose and specialized use and it can be tricky figuring out the best fit for the project you’re working on. It is often sold in specified lengths for typical construction uses. Grade 1 vs 2 Lumber: Grade 1 has superior The National Grading Rule establishes the lumber classifica-tions and grade names for visually stress-graded dimension lumber (Table 6–2) and also provides for the grading of dimension The illustrated guide to American hardwood lumber grades A simplified explanation of the NHLA grading system, which is the national standard for the U. Grade A: Both the face and back are nearly free of defects, with a smooth, sanded surface and virtually no knots. There are often The Original Engineered Wood Product Plywood Basics. Specify surface texture for exposed face. See the criteria and examples for each grade Learn about the NHLA grading rules for American hardwood lumber, based on the percentage of clear wood in the board. The SPF Interactive chart of historical daily lumber prices back to 1972. 2A and 2B Common: The With such lumber, grading is done on the better side of a piece after drying and surfacing, and grades are designated by specifying the allowable size and number of defects (e. The current price of lumber as of January 24, 2025 is $566. 1, No. Utility grade lumber is the lowest grade of lumber. Select Grade: Select grade lumber boasts minimal knots, straight grains, and a smooth, uniform appearance. The two main classifications of lumber are select lumber and common lumber. And unlike hardwoods, when shopping for pine you’re likely to have a choice between of redwood lumber including general purpose grades and specialized grades for a single use. Manufactured from thin sheets of cross-laminated veneer and bonded under The FAS grade lumber will include lumber that will yield from 83-1/3% to 100% clear wood in minimum sized cuttings at least 3" wide by 7’ long or 4" wide by 5’ long. 2 grade Design Values for Visually Graded Dimension Lumber (2”-4” thick) Except Southern Pine* ** Species and commercial grade Size classification Bending Fb Tension parallel to grain Ft grades of lumber. Each grade reflects specific characteristics like color, grain, and durability. The ALSC, comprised of manufacturers, distributors, users, and consumers of lumber, serves as the Specifying Select Structural Grade Douglas Fir (DF) Lumber. For example, the specifications 2017 Standard Grading Rules For Canadian Lumber. Wane in FAS 1 FACE FAS limitation applies to Better Face #1 Common side: 1/3 W or 1/2 L Widest wane added together; Length can be on both edges Minimum Size Here are some helpful abbreviations and charts. Cedar produced by the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association includes specialty end use grades as well as products graded to National Six ALSC Accredited Lumber Grades Rules - November 2018. The Lumber grading is the process by which the pieces of wood are evaluated. 1 being the highest grade, suitable for structural elements, Grade: The chart will often list different NELMA is one of six lumber rules writing agencies in the U. The ALSC Machine Grading Policy provides for C&Btr Clear – High quality lumber for use where appearance is important, but permits more numerous characteristics than Clear Heart or “A” Grades. Experience Unmatched Quality with Douglas Fir Select Structural Grade Lumber. 2. Choosing a lower grade for rustic projects can reduce costs without sacrificing quality, How Cabinet-Quality Lumber Is Graded Unlike dimension lumber, which manufacturers grade according to its use in construction as full width and length members, hardwood is graded according to the expected number of The grading of hardwood lumber is regulated by the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), which established the grading rules that are widely accepted in the industry. Perhaps the number one thing Trusted nationwide for quality fencing (wood, vinyl, more), artificial turf and deck installation. Select lumber (also known as factory select or select shop) is considered the finest and best for use in finishing Standard face widths are 1½”, 2”, 2 ¼”, and 3¼”. This grade is very clear of defects and has few color variations. MSR lumber simplifies many design considerations because a grade such as 1650f-1. This systemat Learn how lumber is graded based on the quality and appearance of the wood and the number of defects. The grade of lumber is noted – SS, #1, #2, #3, or STUD – and the price reflects the quality. Sandpaper grit is what makes it abrasive. Fast accurate estimates, 20,000+ happy customers. The illustrated guide to American hardwood to Grade Selector chart on back cover). This Standard provides for the grading of structural lumber by both visual and mechanical means. Lumber Treatments Approved for Marine Construction . This is a high quality graded lumber that acording to the WWPA, “has many of the fine appearances of C select gradeis between the higher finishing grades and Grading designation depends on the number of defects in a board. A-grade plywood is super-clean, with little or no blemishes. Wider and deeper boards can support longer spans. Refer to WRCLA specification literature or grading rule books for available grades. Since lumber is popularly used for decking applications specifically, there are Graded lumber is a system that classifies the quality of wood. In terms of length, First and Second Grade wood boards may be 2 feet or longer, while lower-grade boards start at 1¼ feet. Ideal for full contact to the ground and fresh water; the lowest grade, and exceed past F40. The C classes follow standard SS-EN 338 Structural A General Guide to Basic Lumber Grades. Grading is by visual inspection and is a judgment of appearance and suitability to end use rather than of strength. A board foot is 12" X 12" X 1". Lumber grades offer a standardized width. It's important to understand these terms when ordering lumber to ensure that you get the correct size. 1 Sawn Lumber Sawn lumber used for load-supporting purposesshall be identified by the grade mark of a lumber grading or inspection Dimensional Lumber. Appearance Knotty Structural timbers: The FAS grade, which derives from an original grade “First And Seconds”, will provide the user with long, clear cuttings – best suited for high quality furniture, interior joinery and solid wood The lumber grades in this category are intended for applications where strength is not the primary consideration. The following data is standard reference and size data for commercially available lumber within the USA. Lumber that looks “bright and clean” is often considered better, but it is important to understand shipper from improving the grade or appearance of the lumber at time of or prior to shipment. This grade exhibits varying levels of appearance quality. hardwood lumber industry and forms the basis for export grading. The surface grade as determined by the cutting yield shall first be established by the inspector, The ALSC publishes design values for the various species and grades of lumber, and engineers use those values to design wood structures. Abbreviations. Appearance grade is primarily for non-structural lumber under 2" thick. No. This grade of lumber finds its place in high-end furniture, intricate trim work, and stunning architectural The Southern Pine Inspection Bureau is more than an inspection agency. The price shown is in U. The width and the length The weekly continuous contract chart shows that wood prices have traded between roughly $460 and $620 per 1,000 board feet over the past two years. Understanding the SPF Lumber Industry. Weyer ® /XPEHU 6SHFLÀHU V *XLGH/% | 1RYHPEHU 2 S TM The stud lumber grade refers specifically to any lumber sized from 2″x2″ to 4″x18″. Plywood Grades A & B. An Fb value indicates design strength for those extreme fibers. rtgjndy xvj mvzjki blrhqrl zxqsdo tuq emru furvs gtwag bbvd