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
Would you like to add information to this article?
Interested in writing or submitting an article?
Have a question about this article?
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
Would you like to add information to this article? ...
Click Here
If you have a question regarding a Knowledge Base article, your best chance at uncovering an answer is to search the entire Knowledge Base for related articles or to post your question at the appropriate WOODWEB Forum. Before posting your message, be sure to review our Forum Guidelines.
Questions entered in the Knowledge Base Article comment form will not generate responses! A list of WOODWEB Forums can be found at WOODWEB's Site Map.
When you post your question at the Forum, be sure to include references to the Knowledge Base article that inspired your question. The more information you provide with your question, the better your chances are of receiving responses.
Return to beginning of article.
|
