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This comprehensive guide will walk you through the complex world of hardwood grading, with specific attention to the unique characteristics of Appalachian varieties. We'll help you understand how these grades affect your procurement decisions, production outcomes, and bottom line.

1. The Fundamentals of Hardwood Grading

Hardwood grading is standardized through the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) grading rules—a system developed to create consistency across the industry. These rules establish a common language for buyers and sellers, ensuring that when you order a specific grade, you know exactly what you're getting.

For Appalachian hardwoods, these standards take on particular importance because of the region's reputation for producing premier lumber. The grading process examines each board individually, considering:

• Clear face cuttings (areas without defects)
• Board size and dimensions
• Visible defects and their size/location
• Allowable sapwood percentage
• Overall yield of usable material

Graders are highly trained professionals who make quick, accurate assessments based on decades of industry experience and rigorous certification processes. At Select Hardwoods, our graders are NHLA certified, ensuring consistency in every board that leaves our facility.

2. Primary Appalachian Hardwood Grades Explained

Understanding the primary hardwood grades helps you make informed procurement decisions that align with your specific manufacturing or distribution needs.

FAS (First and Seconds)

The Premium Standard

FAS represents the highest standard grade for hardwoods. These boards offer:

• Minimum board size of 6" wide × 8' long
• Clear cutting yield of 83-1/3% or better
• Minimum cutting size requirements of 3" wide × 7' long or 4" wide × 5' long
• Limited defects, with strict limitations on sapwood, mineral streaks, and other characteristics

FAS is ideal for high-visibility applications where appearance matters most: fine furniture, architectural millwork, high-end cabinetry, and premium flooring. The exceptional quality comes with a premium price, but for manufacturers creating showcase pieces, the investment is justified by the superior yield and aesthetic quality.

FAS One Face (F1F) and Selects

Premium Quality with Flexibility

These grades allow for:

• One face that meets FAS standards
• Second face that meets No. 1 Common standards
• Same minimum board size as FAS
• Clear cutting yield requirements of 83-1/3% on best face

F1F and Selects are perfect for applications where one face will be predominantly visible. This makes them cost-effective choices for cabinet sides, table understructures, and architectural installations where one side faces a wall.

No. 1 Common

The Workhorse Grade

No. 1 Common (often called "cabinet grade") offers:

• Minimum board size of 3" wide × 4' long
• Clear cutting yield of 66-2/3% or better
• Smaller clear cuttings compared to FAS
• More character marks allowed

This versatile grade is the backbone of many manufacturing operations, offering good yield with a more accessible price point. It's widely used in cabinet making, furniture parts, flooring, and millwork where some smaller components are needed.

No. 2 Common

Value-Conscious Option

No. 2 Common features:

• Minimum board size of 3" wide × 4' long
• Clear cutting yield of 50% or better
• Smaller clear areas between defects
• More numerous natural characteristics

This grade provides excellent value for applications requiring shorter, narrower pieces. It's commonly used for flooring, pallets, small furniture components, cabinet backing, and interior components where visual appearance is less critical.

No. 3 Common

Economy Grade

No. 3 Common provides:

• Clear cutting yield of 33-1/3% or better
• Significant character and defects allowed
• Much smaller clear cuttings
• Maximum value extraction

While containing the most character and defects, this grade offers significant value for applications like small crafts, toys, core stock, and industrial uses where appearance is secondary to function and economy.

3. Specialty Grades and Classifications

Beyond the standard NHLA grades, Appalachian hardwoods often receive specialty classifications that affect both their application suitability and value.

Quarter-Sawn and Rift-Sawn Lumber

Quarter-sawn lumber (where growth rings intersect the face at 60-90 degrees) and rift-sawn lumber (45-60 degrees) offer distinct advantages:

• Enhanced dimensional stability
• Dramatic "fleck" patterns in species like white oak
• Reduced cupping and warping
• Premium appearance for mission-style furniture and high-end flooring

These cutting methods typically command price premiums of 30-50% over plain-sawn lumber of the same grade, but their stability and distinctive appearance make them essential for certain high-end applications.

Color Sorting and Specialty Selections

Appalachian hardwoods often undergo additional sorting beyond standard grading:

• White vs. red characteristics (especially in oak)
• Sapwood vs. heartwood percentage
• Color consistency across boards
• Character mark density (mineral streaks, bird pecks, worm holes)

At Select Hardwoods, we offer custom color sorting services for manufacturers requiring exceptional consistency. This becomes particularly important for architectural projects where components must match across large installations.

4. How Grading Impacts Pricing and Value

Understanding the relationship between grading and pricing helps procurement professionals make value-based decisions rather than simply focusing on the lowest cost per board foot.

The Price-Grade Relationship

While market conditions fluctuate, the relative pricing between grades remains fairly consistent:

• FAS typically commands a 40-60% premium over No. 1 Common
• No. 1 Common averages 25-35% higher pricing than No. 2 Common
• Specialty sorts (quarter-sawn, color-matched) add 15-50% to base grade prices

However, the true value equation goes beyond price per board foot.

Yield Considerations Across Grades

The higher the grade, the greater the usable yield for most applications:

Manufacturers must consider net cost after accounting for waste and processing requirements. A lower-grade board requiring more labor to work around defects might ultimately cost more than a higher grade with less waste.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

For distribution professionals balancing inventory costs against customer requirements, grade mix becomes critical. Most distributors find success with a strategic mix:

• 20-30% premium grades (FAS, Selects)
• 40-50% No. 1 Common
• 20-30% No. 2 Common
• Specialty products based on customer base

This balanced approach allows distributors to meet diverse customer needs while managing inventory investment effectively.

5. Visual Identification Guide for Procurement Professionals

Developing the ability to visually assess hardwood quality enables better procurement decisions, especially when inspecting incoming shipments.

Key Visual Indicators of Grade

When examining Appalachian hardwoods, focus on:

1. Clear Face Percentage: Higher grades have more defect-free surface area
2. Defect Size and Type: Small, scattered defects impact grade less than large, concentrated ones
3. Board Width and Length: Larger dimensions typically indicate higher grades
4. Growth Ring Orientation: Affects stability and appearance
5. Color Consistency: More uniform color typically indicates higher grading

Common Defects and Their Impact

Some defects significantly impact grading, while others have minimal effect:

• Knots: Size, type (tight vs. loose), and location affect grade significantly
• Splits and Checks: End splits longer than the board width reduce grade
• Wane: Bark or lack of wood along edges impacts grade based on extent
• Mineral Streak: Dark mineral discoloration affects appearance but not structural integrity
• Insect Damage: Assessed based on type, size, and frequency

Tips for Visual Inspection

When receiving shipments:

1. Examine both faces of sample boards from throughout the load
2. Check multiple boards rather than just the top layer
3. Verify consistent moisture content (19-25% for green, 6-8% for kiln-dried)
4. Look for grade stamps and ensure they match what was ordered
5. Document any concerns with photographs before processing

6. Making Procurement Decisions Based on Grade

Successful procurement requires matching hardwood grades to specific end uses, balancing quality requirements with budget constraints.

Matching Grades to End-Use Applications

For manufacturing applications:

• High-Visibility Components (table tops, cabinet fronts): FAS or Select
• Secondary Visibility Areas (side panels, interior components): No. 1 Common
• Hidden Structural Elements: No. 2 Common
• Core Stock and Industrial Applications: No. 3 Common

For distribution:

• Custom Millwork Shops: Higher percentage of FAS and Select
• Cabinet Manufacturers: No. 1 Common as primary inventory
• Flooring Manufacturers: Specialized sorting by length and appearance
• Industrial Customers: Focus on consistency rather than premium appearance

Volume Considerations Across Grades

When ordering by grade, consider:

• Higher grades are typically less available in large volumes
• Certain species yield higher percentages of upper grades (cherry and maple vs. oak)
• Market conditions affect availability differently across grades
• Order lead times may vary significantly by grade and species

At Select Hardwoods, we maintain substantial inventory across all grades to ensure consistent availability, but planning ahead for specialty requirements is always recommended.

Balancing Quality Requirements and Budget Constraints

Smart procurement strategies include:

1. Grade Mixing: Using appropriate grades for each component rather than ordering all material at the highest grade
2. Yield Analysis: Calculating true cost based on usable material after processing
3. Just-in-Time Inventory: Working with suppliers who can provide consistent quality on schedule
4. Relationship Development: Building partnerships with suppliers who understand your specific requirements

7. Working with a Lumber Provider: Getting the Right Grade

The relationship between buyer and supplier is critical to ensuring you receive exactly the right material for your needs.

Questions to Ask Your Supplier

When establishing a relationship with a hardwood supplier, ask:

1. "Are your graders NHLA certified?"
2. "Can you provide custom sorting beyond standard grades?"
3. "What is your procedure for addressing grade concerns?"
4. "How do you handle special requirements for color, width, or other characteristics?"
5. "What documentation do you provide with shipments?"

Documentation to Request

For quality assurance, request:

• Grade certificates
• Moisture content verification
• Species certification
• Tally sheets with detailed breakdowns
• Sample photos (especially for international shipments)

Building Specifications for Orders

Detailed specifications help ensure you receive exactly what you need:

• Specify both grade and any special characteristics
• Include acceptable ranges for dimensions
• Note any color or appearance requirements
• Specify moisture content requirements
• Include packaging and loading instructions

At Select Hardwoods, we work with customers to develop detailed specifications that go beyond standard grades, ensuring consistent quality that matches your exact requirements.

8. Conclusion: Making Informed Hardwood Procurement Decisions

Understanding hardwood grades is more than an academic exercise—it's a fundamental business skill for anyone in the wood products industry. The right grade for your application balances appearance, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Appalachian hardwoods, with their exceptional quality and distinctive characteristics, deserve particular attention to grading to maximize their value. Whether you're a distributor managing inventory or a manufacturer creating premium products, the right grade directly impacts your success.

At Select Hardwoods, we pride ourselves on not just meeting grading standards, but exceeding expectations through careful selection, consistent grading, and attention to the specific needs of each customer. Our inventory of premium Appalachian hardwoods is carefully graded, sorted, and maintained to provide exactly the material you need for your specific applications.

Ready to Discuss Your Hardwood Requirements?

Contact our team today to discuss your specific needs for premium Appalachian hardwoods. Our experts can help you select the perfect grade for your application, ensuring you receive the ideal balance of quality and value.

• Phone: (336) 838-1256
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Or visit our facility in Millers Creek, NC

For domestic sales inquiries, contact Rick Rufo at 336-928-5213 For export sales inquiries, contact John Linn at 336-566-8350