Lumber comes from a wide variety of wood species and even within a single species, pine for example, the quality of the lumber can vary dramatically. As a natural product, lumber is full of naturally occurring defects, like large knots or splits, which can decrease its strength and detract from its appearance. Whether you are getting ready to tackle a home repair project yourself or plan to outsource the job, being familiar with the basics of the lumber grading system, which classifies the quality of the wood, can help ensure that appropriate wood is chosen for the job.
Hardwood lumber grown in the United States is marked by a grading stamp and the grade of lumber is determined using complex rules maintained by the National Hardwood Lumber Association. These standards take numerous factors into consideration, including the location and size of the defects, along with the slope of the grain, and use them determine the percentage of clear wood in a board, which then equates to a grade.
The grades for hardwood lumber are First and Seconds, FAS One Face, Selects, 1 Common, 2A Common, 2B Common, 3A Common, and 3B Common. The top three categories of the grading system require boards that are a minimum of 83% clear wood. The clear wood requirements for 1 Common, 2A Common, 2B Common, 3A Common, and 3B Common are 66%, 50%, 33% and 25% respectively.
The higher grades are most appropriate for highly visible features like moldings and door frames, whereas Number 2 grades are often suitable for furniture parts and flooring. An experienced hardwoods dealer, like Capistrano Hardwoods, provides Quality Lumber in Laguna Niguel CA and can help you determine the appropriate grade for your project.
Where and how you plan to the use the lumber, can also help you select the best wood species for your project. For example, a harder wood like oak or hickory, is a good choice for an entryway floor where they withstand foot traffic better than softer woods like pine. However, in rooms with less traffic a black cherry or black walnut floor could provide a more distinctive look while still being sufficiently durable in that location.
Visiting the showroom of a hardwoods dealer, allows you to see first hand locally-available, high-quality Lumber in Laguna Niguel CA and can help you choose the optimal wood for your project.
