Northern Hardwood Lumber Grades
We manufacture six (6) grades of hardwood boards based on the National Lumber Grading Standards ranging from our highest FAS grade, Selects, and Common Grades 1 through 3.
FAS
The best off all grades. Boards are 6" and wider, 8' and Longer. Yields 83 - 1/3 of clear face cuttings with minimum size of 4" x 5' or 3" x 7'. Suitable for Fine furniture, mouldings, cabinetry and applications where clear, wide boards are needed.
Selects
Face side is FAS, back side is No. 1 common. Boards are 4" and wider, 6' and longer. Yields 83 - 1/3 percent clear face cuttings with minimum size of 4" x 5' or 3" x 7'. A cost effective substitute for FAS when only one good face is required.
No. 1 Common
A typical "shop" grade. Boards are 3" and wider, 4' and longer Yields 66 - 2/3 percent clear face cuttings with minimum size of 4" x 2' or 3" x 3'. Provides a good selection of long, medium and short cuttings at a reasonable price. This grade is most often used by cabinet manufacturers, cabinet door manufacturers and furniture manufacturers.
No. 2 Common
Boards are 3" and wider, 4' and longer. Yields 50 percent clear face cuttings with minimum size of 3" x 2'. This grade is most often used by large-scale box cabinet producers, some cabinet door manufacturers, flooring, picture frames, and unexposed hardwood framing.
No. 3a Common
Boards are 3" and wider, 4' and longer. Yields 33 - 1/3 percent clear face cuttings with minimum size of 3" x 2'. Economical choice for paneling and flooring application.
No. 3b Common
Boards are 3" and wider, 4' and longer. Yields 25 percent clear face cuttings with minimum size of 1-1/2" wide containing 36 sq. inches. Graded on the basis of sound cuttings rather than clear cutting. Good for utility application like crates, pallet and truck flooring.