Definitions

Lumber Grades

To keep things simple, we group our lumber into Four grades:

  • Premium Grade

    • Includes lumber that meets NHLA FAS, FAS One Face and Select.

    • Highest quality with the best appearance and yield

  • Standard / Cabinet Grade

    • No. 1 Common

    • A great balance of quality, character, and value

  • Utility Grade

    • No. 2A Common and No. 2B Common

    • More natural variation and character, ideal for rustic or budget-minded projects

  • Quarter Sawn

    • These are our Standard grade and higher boards that are also quarter sawn. Which means they have 80% or more medullary rays showing, also known as ray fleck.

If you want to know exactly how we grade our wood take a look at the this manual from the NHLA. This is how we define and measure our grades.

NHLA Grades

Definitions

Woodworking terms and abbreviations can be confusing if you’re not around them every day. Below is a simple breakdown of the most common terms you’ll see when buying lumber from us.

  • BF (Board Foot)

    • A unit of volume used to measure lumber

    • Equals 12" × 12" × 1"

    • Lumber is typically sold by board foot, which reflects the total cubic volume of wood you’re purchasing

  • NHLA (National Hardwood Lumber Association)

    • The organization that sets industry-standard hardwood grading rules

    • Defines grades such as FAS, No. 1 Common, etc.

    • Specifies how much clear wood is required and what defects (knots, wane, etc.) are allowed

  • 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, etc.

    • Refers to board thickness, measured in quarter-inch increments

    • Examples:

      • 4/4 = 1" thick (rough sawn)

      • 6/4 = 1.5" thick (rough sawn)

      • 7/4 = 1.75" thick (rough sawn)

    • Important note:

      • Rough-sawn lumber is the full stated thickness

      • Planed lumber is thinner (for example, planed 4/4 is typically ¾" thick)

  • S3S (Surfaced Three Sides)

    • The board has been planed on both faces with one straight edge

    • Saves material and cost compared to surfacing and ripping both edges

    • A common and versatile option for many projects

  • Green Lumber

    • Lumber that has been freshly cut and not dried

    • Suitable for outdoor or structural uses such as:

      • Fencing

      • Trailer decking

      • Timber framing

    • Not recommended for indoor or fine woodworking projects

  • Quarter Sawn

    • A grain orientation where the growth rings run approximately 90° to the board’s face

    • Characterized by prominent medullary rays (also called ray fleck)

    • Known for increased stability and distinctive appearance