Industrial Lumber by Ongna Wood Products

Hardwood lumber grading is typically done by the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) standards. The primary grades for hardwood lumber are:

1. Firsts and Seconds (FAS) / Prime Grade Lumber:
   • Characteristics: The highest quality grade, with the fewest defects.
   • Usage: Ideal for fine furniture, cabinetry, and high-end millwork.
   • Specifications: At least 83% clear face cuttings and boards are typically longer and wider.
2. FAS One Face (F1F) / Premium Grade Lumber:
   • Characteristics: One face of the board meets FAS standards, while the other face meets Number 1 Common standards.
   • Usage: Used similarly to FAS but where only one side needs to be of the highest quality.
   • Specifications: At least 83% clear face cuttings on one side.
3. Selects:
   • Characteristics: Slightly lower quality than FAS, with more defects allowed.
   • Usage: Suitable for high-quality furniture and interior joinery.
   • Specifications: At least 83% clear face cuttings on one side and 66% on the other.

• Number 1 Common (No. 1C) or Number 1 Grade Lumber:
  • Characteristics: Good quality with more defects allowed compared to FAS.
  • Usage: Commonly used for a wide range of projects, including furniture, cabinets, and some millwork.
  • Specifications: At least 66% clear face cuttings.
• Number 2 Common (No. 2C) or Number 2 Grade Lumber:
  • Characteristics: More defects and knots allowed.
  • Usage: Suitable for flooring, paneling, and some furniture where appearance is less critical.
  • Specifications: At least 50% clear face cuttings.
• Number 3 Common (No. 3C):
  • Characteristics: The lowest grade, with significant defects.
  • Usage: Typically used for industrial purposes, pallets, and low-end construction.
  • Specifications: Less than 50% clear face cuttings.

Softwood lumber grading is generally overseen by organizations such as the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) and the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board (CLSAB). Softwood grades focus on structural and appearance qualities:

1. Structural Grades:
   • Select Structural: Highest structural grade with minimal defects.
   • No. 1 Structural: High-quality structural lumber with few defects.
   • No. 2 Structural: Moderate-quality structural lumber with more defects.
   • No. 3 Structural: Lower-quality structural lumber, more defects, and knots.
2. Appearance Grades:
   • Clear: Highest appearance grade with no or very few knots.
   • Prime: High-quality with small knots and minor imperfections.
   • Select: Moderate-quality with larger knots and more imperfections.
   • Standard and Better: Lower quality with significant knots and defects.
3. Common Grades:
   • Construction: Suitable for general construction purposes, with a balance between strength and appearance.
   • Utility: Lower quality, typically used for temporary structures or where appearance is not critical.
   • Economy: The lowest quality, often used for packaging or similar applications.

1. Inspection: Lumber is inspected visually to identify defects such as knots, splits, checks, and warping.
2. Measurement: The size of clear areas, defects, and overall dimensions of the board are measured.
3. Classification: Based on inspection and measurements, lumber is classified into the appropriate grade according to the relevant standards.
4. Marking: Each piece of lumber is stamped or marked with its grade, mill identification, and other relevant information.

• End Use: The intended use of the lumber determines which grade is most appropriate.
• Species: Different species of wood may have different grading criteria.
• Regional Standards: Grading standards can vary by region and country.