Hardwood Lumber Grades Chart

For complete information consult the appropriate section of the nhla rule book.
Hardwood lumber grades chart. Grading designation depends on the number of defects in a board. Here s a chart to help explain the grading system. The grades are based on the two faces alone. 1 companies that sell their red oak lumber as a select btr grade as compared to a fas 1f grade will have a overall lower quality grade of 1 common lumber because the select boards are in.
No rules or regulations can be truly effective unless they are understood and correctly applied. Here s a chart to help explain the grading system. A lower grade can be perfectly acceptable depending on placement and usage. Respectfully between export grade names of prime and comsel with the nhla grades of fas and no.
A brief description of the basic grades are. A quick reference guide to american hardwood lumber grading courtesy of ahec and the nhla. The grading and measurement of hardwood lumber is not a simple matter and should not be undertaken lightly. Grading designation depends on the number of defects in a board.
These depend on various factors like the type of wood used and the number and types of defects if any. A constant review and study of the individual rules is advisable even by those who are constantly using them. Hardwoods are graded by the national hardwood lumber association. This chart summarizes the main requirements for the standard grades.
Grades are listed from highest to lowest. A couple observations on lumber grades that were made by the employees of schaller hardwood lumber company that may benefit the hardwood lumber consumer. Wood hardness chart species alphabetical hardness species by hardness hardness mahogany honduran 800 padauk 1725 mahogany santos 2200 tabaccowood 1750 maple hard north american 1450 rosewood bolivian 1780 maple ivory 1500 bamboo carbonized 1800 maple soft 999 hickory 1820 merbau 1925 pecan 1820 mesquite 2345 yellowheart 1820. A lower grade can be perfectly acceptable depending on placement and usage.
Explore the use of the common grades to achieve the most value considering lumber cost and yield. Lumber is graded based on the quality and appearance of the wood. Lumber thickness 4 4 6 4 etc is not considered when grading hardwood. It is necessary to consult with your supplier as to the exact specifications being applied to these export grade names.
An overview of lumber grades and wood quality. Before we get into the different grades of lumber let s take a look at the various defects you may find in a piece of lumber. The common grades are likely to be most suitable for the cabinet industry most furniture parts and flooring.