Basic lumber grades

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Basic lumber grades An overview of NHLA grades. October 15, 2001

Question
Can anyone explain to me what the four basic NHLA grades are for hardwood?

Forum Responses
Take a look at this article, Understanding Hardwood Lumber Grading

See the NHLA website. They have a nice picture guide.

The best grade is FAS and it must be 83% clear or clearer on the poorest side. Clearness is measured in large rectangular areas called cuttings.

The next grade is No. 1 Common, which must be 67% clear on the poor side, etc.

Next is No. 2 Common, which is 50% clear. Then No3A Common, which is 33% clear. Then No. 3B, which is 25% sound.

There is also a grade called Select (which includes another popular grade called FAS 1-Face). Selects are FAS on the good side and No. 1 Common on the poor side.

There are many other restrictions, including number of cuttings, size of cuttings, and size of lumber.

Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor

Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below?

KnowledgeBase: Lumber and Plywood

KnowledgeBase: Lumber & Plywood: Buying

KnowledgeBase: Primary Processing: General

KnowledgeBase: Primary Processing

KnowledgeBase: Primary Processing: Lumber Grading

KnowledgeBase: Wood Engineering: Wood Properties

KnowledgeBase: Woodworking Miscellaneous

KnowledgeBase: Knowledge Base

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