Summary Of Grading Rules

Our Lumber is graded to the National Hardwood Lumber Association Rules. Unless otherwise noted all of our lumber is select and better grade.

The grading rules are determined by the NHLA.

TO LINK TO THE NHLA CLICK HERE

The rules for determining grade correspond to the percentage of usable lumber in a given board.

     There are seven main grades in hardwood lumber. Although some species have specific rules generaly the following grades apply. These grades are based on rough lumber and the grade is determined from the poor face of the board.

FAS  This is the highest grade and will yield 83.3% Clear lumber on the poor face.

Select  This is the second highest grade it also is determined somewhat differently in that the grade is determined by the better face of the board. A select board will have a better face that makes FAS while the back will be #1 common.

#1 common This is still considered an upper grade suitable for general woodworking. This board will yield 66.6% usable lumber on the poor face.

The Four Bottom grades are #2a common, #2b common, #3a Common, and #3b common. These are primarily used for specific manufacturing such as pallets and hardwood flooring.