Lumber Grades & Standards
A comprehensive guide to understanding lumber quality grades for new and reclaimed wood, including defect identification, application recommendations, and species-specific notes.
Let's Build Something Sustainable Together
Whether you need reclaimed beams for a renovation or want to sell salvaged lumber, our team is ready to help. Fill out the form and we'll respond within 24 hours.
“Every board we reclaim is a step toward a greener Los Angeles.”
— Rafael Cortez, Founder
Get a Free Quote
All fields marked with * are required.
Understanding Lumber Grades
Lumber grading is a standardized system for evaluating the quality, strength, and appearance of wood. Softwood and hardwood use completely different grading systems managed by different organizations. Softwood grades emphasize structural performance, while hardwood grades focus on the percentage of clear, defect-free wood.
Why grades matter: Choosing the right grade saves money and ensures your project performs as intended. Over-specifying grades wastes money; under-specifying risks structural failure or a poor-looking result. This guide will help you select the optimal grade for every application.
Quick Navigation
Softwood Structural Grades
Softwood lumber (pine, fir, spruce, cedar, etc.) is graded by agencies such as the Western Wood Products Association (WWPA), Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB), and others. Structural grades are based on the strength-reducing characteristics of each piece, with assigned design values for bending (Fb), compression, tension, and modulus of elasticity.
Select Structural
The highest quality structural grade available. Tight knots are allowed but must be well-spaced and sound (not loose or decayed). Wane, shake, and splits are minimal or absent. Grain is relatively straight with very few deviations. This grade provides the best combination of structural performance and visual appeal.
BEST FOR
Exposed beams, finish carpentry, premium construction
BENDING STRESS (Fb psi)
1,500-2,100
DEFECTS ALLOWED
Tight knots to 1-1/2", occasional minor checks, very slight wane
#1 Grade
High quality lumber with some allowable defects that do not significantly reduce structural strength. Sound knots up to 2" are permitted, along with minor checks and slight wane. This grade offers an excellent balance between structural performance and cost. Most pieces look clean enough for visible applications.
BEST FOR
General construction, framing, visible applications
BENDING STRESS (Fb psi)
1,200-1,750
DEFECTS ALLOWED
Sound knots to 2", minor wane on edges, small checks, slight bow
#2 Grade
The standard construction grade used in the vast majority of residential framing. Knots are larger and more frequent. Wane on edges is acceptable within limits. This is the most commonly available grade at lumber yards and represents the best value for structural applications where appearance is not a primary concern.
BEST FOR
Framing, sheathing, general building
BENDING STRESS (Fb psi)
900-1,400
DEFECTS ALLOWED
Knots to 3", wane up to 1/3 of edge, checks, slight crook/bow
#3 / Economy
Utility grade lumber with significant defects that reduce both structural performance and appearance. Loose knots, large wane, splits, and other defects are common. Not recommended for structural applications unless specifically engineered. This grade is best suited for temporary construction, crating, and applications where appearance and strength are not critical.
BEST FOR
Temporary structures, crating, landscaping, blocking
BENDING STRESS (Fb psi)
525-850
DEFECTS ALLOWED
Large knots (loose or missing), significant wane, splits, crook, stain
Softwood Appearance Grades
When appearance matters more than structural performance, softwood is graded by a separate system focused on visible defects and the percentage of clear wood. These grades are used for trim, moulding, paneling, and other finish applications.
C Select (C & Better)
The finest appearance grade for softwood. Virtually clear of defects on both faces. Suitable for natural finishes where every surface is visible. Premium pricing reflects the scarcity of defect-free lumber.
DEFECTS ALLOWED
Tiny pin knots only, no checks, no wane, no stain
BEST FOR
High-end millwork, visible trim, natural-finish applications
D Select
A high-quality appearance grade with very few defects. One face is nearly clear; the reverse may have small, tight knots. Excellent for applications where one side is prominently visible.
DEFECTS ALLOWED
Small tight knots on one face, minor imperfections on reverse
BEST FOR
Interior trim, shelving, paneling, furniture components
Superior (1 Shop)
Good appearance grade suitable for cutting into shorter, defect-free pieces. Some defects are present but spaced far enough apart that significant clear sections can be obtained through selective cutting.
DEFECTS ALLOWED
Scattered knots, minor checks; yields 70%+ clear cuttings
BEST FOR
Millwork, moulding blanks, window and door components
Prime (2 Shop)
A step below Superior with more defects, but still yields usable clear sections. The board as a whole has noticeable character, but selective cutting produces good results.
DEFECTS ALLOWED
More frequent knots and defects; yields 50%+ clear cuttings
BEST FOR
Moulding, shorter trim pieces, craft projects
Hardwood Lumber Grades (NHLA)
Hardwood lumber (oak, maple, walnut, cherry, etc.) follows the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) grading system. Unlike softwood grading, which evaluates the whole board, NHLA grades are based on the percentage of clear, usable wood that can be obtained through cutting. This “cutting” system recognizes that hardwood is typically cut into smaller pieces for furniture and millwork.
The “Typical Premium” column shows approximate relative pricing with FAS as the 100% baseline. Actual prices vary significantly by species, availability, and market conditions.
| Grade | Min. Clear | Min. Size | Cutting Yield | Description | Rel. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAS (First & Seconds) | 83-1/3% | 6" x 8' | 83.3% clear face cuttings | The highest NHLA grade. Boards must be at least 6" wide and 8' long with 83.3% of each face yielding clear cuttings. This grade provides the longest, widest, cleanest boards available. Ideal for fine furniture, architectural millwork, and premium cabinetry where large, flawless surfaces are essential. | 100% (baseline) |
| FAS One Face (F1F) | 83-1/3% (one face) | 6" x 8' | FAS on face, #1 Common on back | One face meets FAS standards, the reverse meets #1 Common. An excellent value when only one side of the board will be visible, such as table tops, door panels, or wall cladding. Typically 15-20% less expensive than FAS. | 80-85% |
| Selects | 83-1/3% (one face) | 4" x 6' | FAS on face, #1 Common on back | Similar to F1F but available in narrower and shorter boards (minimum 4" wide, 6' long). This makes Select grade more available and less expensive while still providing one excellent face. Popular for cabinetry where boards are cut to specific sizes. | 70-80% |
| #1 Common | 66-2/3% | 3" x 4' | 66.7% clear face cuttings | The workhorse hardwood grade. Good quality with more character than FAS grades. Boards are smaller (minimum 3" wide, 4' long) and have more defects, but two-thirds of each board yields clean material. Ideal for kitchen cabinets, interior trim, furniture, and any application where boards are cut to shorter lengths. | 55-65% |
| #2A Common | 50% | 3" x 4' | 50% clear face cuttings | Working grade with moderate clear area. Half of each board yields clean cuttings. Economical for smaller projects, cutting boards, picture frames, and craftwork. Also popular for rustic furniture where some character is desired. | 35-45% |
| #2B Common | 50% | 3" x 4' | 50% clear face cuttings (smaller cuttings allowed) | Similar yield to #2A but allows smaller individual cutting sizes. Good for flooring, paneling, small decorative items, and turning blanks. Often the most economical grade for projects that use small parts. | 25-35% |
| #3A Common | 33-1/3% | 3" x 4' | 33.3% clear face cuttings | Economy grade where only a third of the board needs to yield clear cuttings. Significant character and defects. Used for pallet stock, crating, and very rustic applications. Can provide interesting character pieces for experienced woodworkers. | 15-20% |
Pro Tip: Buying the Right Grade
Most woodworking projects do not require FAS lumber. If your project involves cutting boards into pieces shorter than 4 feet, #1 Common will yield nearly as much usable wood at 35-45% less cost. FAS is only necessary when you need long, wide, uninterrupted surfaces (like a large tabletop or full-length mantel). Buying the right grade for your application is the single easiest way to save money on quality hardwood.
Visual Guide to Lumber Defects
Understanding common wood defects helps you evaluate lumber quality, select the right grade, and make informed decisions about which pieces to accept or reject. In reclaimed lumber, many “defects” are actually desirable character features that add beauty and uniqueness to a project.
Tight Knot
A knot that is firmly embedded in the wood and will not fall out. The wood fibers grow around the branch connection, holding it securely in place. Tight knots are structurally sound and often considered an attractive character feature.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
Minimal structural impact. Grain deflection around the knot can be a weak point under extreme loads. May cause difficulty with planing.
GRADING NOTE
Allowed in all grades. Size limits vary by grade: Select allows knots to 1-1/2", while #3 has no practical limit.
Loose Knot
A knot that is not firmly held in place and may eventually fall out, leaving a knothole. The surrounding wood did not grow tightly around the branch, often because the branch was dead before the tree was harvested.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
Reduces structural strength, especially in tension. Creates a weak point that may enlarge over time. Loose knots can be filled with epoxy for decorative applications.
GRADING NOTE
Not allowed in Select Structural or #1 grades. Allowed with limits in #2. Common in #3 and Economy grades.
Knothole
A void left where a knot has fallen out. Knotholes weaken the board and can be entry points for moisture and insects. In rustic and decorative applications, knotholes are sometimes considered desirable character features.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
Significant strength reduction. The effective cross-section is reduced by the size of the hole. Must be accounted for in structural calculations.
GRADING NOTE
Severely limited or not allowed in upper grades. Common in #3 and Economy. In reclaimed grading, small knotholes may be acceptable in character grades.
Check
A crack along the grain that occurs as wood dries and shrinks. Checks typically appear on the end grain or face of a board. Surface checks are shallow; through-checks extend fully through the piece.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
Surface checks have minimal structural impact. Through-checks reduce shear strength and can allow moisture penetration. End checks are normal and expected in most lumber.
GRADING NOTE
Small surface checks allowed in most grades. Through-checks limited by grade. Reclaimed lumber commonly has checking from years of exposure.
Shake
A separation along the grain between annual growth rings. Unlike checks (which cross the rings), shakes follow the ring boundary. Ring shake follows a single ring; heart shake radiates from the center.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
Serious structural defect. Shakes significantly reduce bending strength and shear resistance. Boards with shake should not be used in structural applications.
GRADING NOTE
Not allowed in Select Structural or #1 grades. Limited in #2. Common in lower grades. Often found in reclaimed timber that has dried unevenly.
Wane
The presence of bark or the absence of wood on the edge or corner of a piece of lumber. Wane occurs when a board is cut from near the outside of the log, where the round shape of the tree intersects the rectangular board.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
Reduces the effective cross-section of the board. Structural calculations must use the smallest actual dimension. Aesthetically, wane edges are popular in live-edge and rustic applications.
GRADING NOTE
Wane limits are specified as a fraction of the edge or face. Select: essentially none. #1: up to 1/4 of face. #2: up to 1/3 of face. #3: up to 1/2 of face.
Warp (Bow, Crook, Cup, Twist)
Distortion from a flat, true plane. Bow is lengthwise curvature along the face. Crook is lengthwise curvature along the edge. Cup is curvature across the width. Twist is a spiral distortion along the length. All forms of warp are caused by uneven drying or grain irregularities.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
Warped lumber is difficult to install flat and straight. Mild bow and crook can be corrected by fastening to a flat structure. Cup and twist are more difficult to remedy and may require re-milling.
GRADING NOTE
All grades have warp limits proportional to board length. Shorter boards have tighter limits. Reclaimed lumber is often more stable than new lumber because it has already gone through many drying cycles.
Split
A crack that extends completely through the piece from face to face. Splits usually begin at the end of a board and extend along the grain. They are caused by drying stress, mechanical damage, or the release of internal tension during sawing.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
Splits eliminate structural continuity at the affected area. The board is effectively shortened by the length of the split. Cut off split ends before use.
GRADING NOTE
End splits equal to the board width are generally allowed in all grades. Longer splits are graded according to severity. Always trim split ends before construction.
Pitch Pocket
A cavity between growth rings that contains liquid or dried resin (pitch). Most common in softwoods like pine, spruce, and fir. Pitch pockets appear as dark, resin-filled streaks or voids on the face of a board.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
Minor structural impact unless very large. Pitch can bleed through paint and finishes, causing staining. Can be sealed with shellac or specialty primers before finishing.
GRADING NOTE
Small pitch pockets allowed in most grades. Large ones limited in higher grades. Not applicable to most hardwoods.
Stain / Discoloration
Non-structural color changes in the wood caused by fungi (blue stain / sap stain), mineral deposits (mineral stain), exposure to iron (iron stain), or chemical reactions. Blue stain is most common in pine and spruce sapwood.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
No structural impact. Purely cosmetic. Blue stain does not cause decay and does not weaken wood. Mineral stain in hardwoods can affect finishability.
GRADING NOTE
Stain does not affect structural grades but can downgrade appearance grades. In reclaimed wood, staining and patina are often considered desirable character features.
Insect Damage (Wormholes)
Holes and tunnels created by wood-boring insects like beetles, termites, and carpenter ants. Active infestation is indicated by fresh frass (sawdust). Old, inactive holes are common in reclaimed lumber and are purely cosmetic if no live insects remain.
STRUCTURAL IMPACT
Active infestation requires treatment and can spread to other wood. Old, inactive damage reduces cross-section slightly but is structurally acceptable if limited. Kiln drying kills all active insects.
GRADING NOTE
Not typically addressed in standard grading. In reclaimed grading, we verify no active infestation exists. Small wormholes are considered character features in wormy chestnut and similar specialty products.
Recommended Grade by Application
This table provides a quick reference for choosing the right grade based on your project type. These are general recommendations — specific project requirements, local building codes, and personal aesthetic preferences may warrant different choices.
| Application | Softwood Grade | Hardwood Grade | Reclaimed Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Framing (hidden) | #2 Grade | N/A | Structural Grade | Cost-effective choice. Defects hidden behind drywall. Verify load ratings for your span. |
| Exposed Beams & Posts | Select Structural | FAS or Selects | Premium Character | Appearance and strength both matter. Reclaimed timbers prized for visual drama. |
| Exterior Decking | #1 or #2 Grade | FAS or #1 Common | Exterior Grade | Use naturally rot-resistant species (cedar, redwood, ipe). Avoid interior-only grades. |
| Fine Furniture | C Select or D Select | FAS | Premium Reclaimed | Maximum clear area for large panels. FAS provides the longest, widest clean boards. |
| Kitchen Cabinets | D Select | #1 Common | Character Grade | #1 Common hardwood offers best value since boards are cut to cabinet-part sizes. |
| Interior Trim & Moulding | C or D Select | Selects or #1 Common | Character Grade | Needs paintable or stainable surface. Clear grades minimize filler and patching. |
| Flooring | #1 Grade or Better | #1 or #2 Common | Floor Grade | Tight knots and character add visual interest. Avoid loose knots that create tripping hazards. |
| Accent Walls / Paneling | #2 Grade or Better | #1 or #2 Common | Barn Wood / Character | Character and variation are desirable. Mix of grades and tones creates the best visual effect. |
| Fencing | #2 Grade | N/A | Utility Grade | Appearance is secondary. Use rot-resistant species or treated lumber for ground contact. |
| Raised Garden Beds | #2 Cedar/Redwood | White Oak | Untreated Utility | Must be untreated for food safety. Cedar and redwood naturally resist decay. |
| Rustic Furniture & Crafts | #3 / Economy | #2A/#2B Common | Character / Rustic | Defects are features, not bugs. Knots, checks, and patina add authenticity. |
Species-Specific Grading Notes
Different species have unique characteristics that affect grading, performance, and best use cases. Here are detailed notes on the species we most commonly carry at LA Lumber, with special attention to their reclaimed forms.
Douglas Fir
The primary structural softwood of the Western US. Graded by WWPA. Extremely strong for its weight. Old-growth reclaimed Doug fir is highly prized for its tight, vertical grain and rich color. Commonly found in reclaimed heavy timbers from warehouses and industrial buildings.
BEST NEW GRADES
Select Structural, #1
COMMON RECLAIMED FORMS
Heavy timbers, decking, T&G flooring
Southern Yellow Pine
The dominant structural softwood of the Southeast. Graded by SPIB. Very strong and dense for a softwood. Accepts pressure treatment well, making it the standard for ground-contact applications. Reclaimed SYP often comes from demolished barns and industrial structures.
BEST NEW GRADES
#1, #2 (Dense grades available)
COMMON RECLAIMED FORMS
Barn siding, flooring, structural timbers
Western Red Cedar
Naturally rot-resistant and insect-resistant due to high extractive content. Light weight and easy to work. Does not accept pressure treatment. Graded by WWPA or WRCLA. Premium choice for decking, fencing, and siding without chemical treatment.
BEST NEW GRADES
Clear Heart, A Grade, B Grade
COMMON RECLAIMED FORMS
Siding, shingles, fence boards, deck boards
Redwood
The ultimate rot-resistant softwood. Heartwood is highly resistant to decay and insects. Sapwood (lighter colored) has no natural resistance. Graded by RIS. Old-growth reclaimed redwood is extremely rare and valuable. New-growth redwood has wider grain and less heartwood.
BEST NEW GRADES
Clear All Heart, Heart B, Construction Heart
COMMON RECLAIMED FORMS
Tank stock, siding, deck boards, garden structures
White Oak
Closed-pore structure makes it naturally water-resistant (unlike red oak). Excellent for exterior applications, boat building, and barrel making. Graded by NHLA. Reclaimed white oak is prized for flooring and furniture. Develops a silver-grey patina when weathered.
BEST NEW GRADES
FAS, F1F, #1 Common
COMMON RECLAIMED FORMS
Flooring, barn beams, whiskey barrel staves, ship planking
Red Oak
The most common domestic hardwood. Open-pore structure means it is NOT suitable for exterior or wet applications. Strong, hard, and relatively affordable. Takes stain well due to its open grain. Reclaimed red oak is abundant from demolished buildings and furniture.
BEST NEW GRADES
FAS, #1 Common
COMMON RECLAIMED FORMS
Flooring, stair treads, trim, furniture
American Chestnut
Virtually extinct as a living species due to chestnut blight (early 1900s). Only available as reclaimed wood from old barns and structures. Naturally highly rot-resistant. Light, easy to work, with a warm honey color. "Wormy chestnut" (with insect holes) is a sought-after specialty product.
BEST NEW GRADES
N/A (reclaimed only)
COMMON RECLAIMED FORMS
Barn siding, beams, flooring, paneling, furniture
Heart Pine (Longleaf Pine)
Old-growth longleaf pine with extremely tight grain (15-30 rings per inch). Much harder and denser than modern pine. The heartwood has a rich amber color that deepens with age. Virtually unavailable as new lumber. One of the most prized reclaimed species.
BEST NEW GRADES
N/A (reclaimed only)
COMMON RECLAIMED FORMS
Flooring, stair treads, countertops, trim, furniture
How We Grade Reclaimed Lumber
Reclaimed lumber doesn't always fit neatly into standard grading categories. The NHLA and WWPA systems were designed for freshly milled lumber, not wood with decades or centuries of history. We've developed our own comprehensive assessment system that accounts for the unique characteristics of salvaged wood while giving our customers clear, reliable quality indicators.
Every piece of reclaimed lumber that enters our yard goes through a multi-step evaluation process before it is priced and made available for sale. Here is what we assess and how our grading system works.
Structural Integrity
We test for load-bearing capacity using visual stress grading methods and, when needed, mechanical testing. We check for internal decay using sounding (tapping with a hammer), probing with an awl, and moisture metering at multiple depths. Any piece with hidden decay, significant shake, or compromised fiber integrity is either downgraded or rejected.
Moisture Content
All reclaimed lumber is tested with a pin-type moisture meter at multiple locations and depths. We target 6-8% for interior use and 12-15% for exterior. Wood above target MC is stickered and air-dried or kiln-dried before sale. We document MC readings and can provide them on request.
Metal Detection
Every piece passes through our industrial metal detector to find hidden nails, screws, lag bolts, and embedded objects that could damage saw blades or cause injury. Detected metal is removed, and the area is inspected for damage. We guarantee all stock is metal-free before sale.
Character Assessment
We evaluate patina, nail holes, weathering, saw marks, bolt holes, and other character marks that make reclaimed wood unique. Character features are documented and factored into our grading. What some might call a defect, we recognize as a story worth preserving.
Species Identification
We identify every piece by species using grain analysis, density testing, and when necessary, microscopic examination. Accurate species identification is critical for structural applications, finish compatibility, and fair pricing. We label all stock by verified species.
Dimensional Accuracy
Every piece is measured for actual thickness, width, and length. We document any taper, variation, or irregularity. For milled products, we verify that profiles (T&G, shiplap, etc.) meet our dimensional tolerances. Reclaimed lumber is sold by actual, not nominal, dimensions.
Our Reclaimed Grade Tiers
Premium Reclaimed
The finest reclaimed stock. Structurally sound, verified species, optimal moisture content, beautiful character without compromising integrity. Suitable for fine furniture, exposed beams, and high-end architectural features. Every piece is individually selected.
Character Grade
Good structural integrity with more pronounced character features: nail holes, patina, minor checks, and surface weathering. Ideal for accent walls, rustic furniture, paneling, and decorative applications where history and texture are valued.
Structural Grade
Verified structural performance suitable for load-bearing applications. Appearance is secondary. May have significant surface weathering or character but core wood is sound and strong. Perfect for framing, blocking, and concealed structural members.
Utility / Rustic Grade
Functional wood with heavy character, surface wear, or minor defects that limit premium applications. Excellent for garden structures, temporary construction, art projects, and applications where extreme rusticity is desired. Great value.
How to Choose the Right Grade for Your Project
Selecting the right grade comes down to answering a few key questions about your project. Use this decision framework to narrow down the optimal grade.
1. Is the wood structural (load-bearing)?
If yes, you need a structural grade rated for your loads and spans. Consult local building codes and span tables. For softwood framing, #2 is typically sufficient for most residential applications. For exposed structural members, Select Structural provides both strength and appearance.
For reclaimed structural use, have a structural engineer verify your specific application. We can provide species identification and estimated grade, but code compliance is the responsibility of the project engineer.
2. Will the wood be visible in the finished project?
If the wood will be hidden (behind drywall, under flooring, etc.), choose the most economical grade that meets your structural requirements. If visible, balance appearance grade with your budget. For a natural or clear finish, you need a higher appearance grade than for a painted surface.
Reclaimed wood is often chosen specifically for its visible character. Our Character Grade and Premium Reclaimed tiers are ideal for visible applications.
3. What size pieces do you need?
If your project uses long, wide pieces (tabletops, long shelves, wide panels), you need higher grades that provide larger clear areas. If you are cutting lumber into small pieces (cabinet parts, short trim, small projects), lower grades provide excellent value because you can cut around defects.
For hardwood, this is the single most important factor. A kitchen cabinet maker buying #1 Common instead of FAS can save 35-45% while getting almost identical usable yield from boards cut to cabinet-part lengths.
4. Interior or exterior application?
Exterior applications require either naturally rot-resistant species (cedar, redwood, white oak, ipe) or pressure-treated lumber. Higher grades are preferred for exterior because defects like checks, loose knots, and wane can allow moisture penetration and accelerate decay. For interior use, the full range of grades is available.
Reclaimed heartwood from rot-resistant species is especially valuable for exterior use. It has already proven its durability over decades of exposure.
5. What is your budget?
Grade premiums add up quickly on large projects. A 12' x 16' deck built with #1 cedar might cost 30-50% more than the same deck in #2 cedar. For projects where the entire surface is visible (decking, siding), the upgrade may be worth it. For projects where most wood is hidden (framing), the savings are significant. Our team can help you optimize grade selection to balance quality and budget for your specific project.
Free Grade Consultation
Not sure which grade is right for your project? Visit our South LA yard and our experienced team will walk you through the options, show you samples of each grade, and help you select the best value for your application. We are available during regular business hours and welcome walk-in consultations. You can also email project details to info@losangeles-lumber.com for a recommendation.