Why Grades Matter
Every board that comes from a log has unique characteristics—knots, grain patterns, color variation, and mineral deposits. Grading is the industry’s way of sorting lumber by appearance and usable yield so buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
Higher grades produce more clear, defect-free material per board, which means more raw log is consumed and the price is higher. Lower grades allow more natural character, cost less, and are often preferred for rustic or casual designs.
There are two main grading systems used in North America:
- Softwood grading — governed by regional associations (Western Wood Products Association, Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association). Focuses on knot size, frequency, and appearance.
- Hardwood grading — governed by the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA). Based on the percentage of clear cuttings that can be obtained from each board.
Tropical hardwoods follow a simpler two-tier system (Premium vs. Standard) since their density and natural durability make structural grading less critical.
Softwood Grades
Eastern White Pine • Western Red Cedar • Cypress • Southern Yellow Pine • Douglas Fir • European Spruce
Softwood grading evaluates the size, number, and type of knots plus overall appearance on the face side of the board. Grades are listed here from highest (fewest defects) to lowest (most character).
| Grade | Description | Common Species |
|---|---|---|
| Premium & Better | Virtually clear on the face—minimal knots, no wane, uniform color. The highest appearance grade for finish applications like formal interiors, custom cabinetry, and premium trim. | Eastern White Pine, Western Red Cedar, Cypress, Southern Yellow Pine |
| Clear | No visible knots or defects on the face. May allow minor heartwood/sapwood color variation. Ideal for stain-grade trim and high-visibility applications. | Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir |
| Select | Near-clear with only minor character marks (small pin knots, slight color variation). An excellent balance of appearance and value for interior paneling, siding, and flooring. | Eastern White Pine, Western Red Cedar, Cypress, SYP, Douglas Fir, Spruce |
| C & Better / D & Better | Construction & Better—allows sound, tight knots up to a moderate size. Faces are still clean enough for paint-grade or semi-transparent stain applications. Popular for siding, tongue-and-groove paneling, and exterior trim. | Eastern White Pine, Southern Yellow Pine |
| #2 (Standard / Knotty) | Sound knots throughout, providing the warm, rustic character most customers associate with pine paneling and cabin interiors. Our most popular softwood grade. Great for ceilings, accent walls, and casual living spaces. | All softwood species |
| #3 Common | Larger knots and more character marks. A budget-friendly option for garages, workshops, sheds, and utility spaces where appearance is secondary. | Eastern White Pine, SYP, Douglas Fir |
| Appearance Grade | A Western species designation—clear on one face with mixed heartwood/sapwood color allowed. Used where one face is visible (siding, fascia, soffits). | Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir |
| Standard | General utility grade allowing a range of natural characteristics. Suitable for framing, blocking, and structural use where appearance isn’t the priority. | Most softwood species |
Hardwood Grades (NHLA System)
Red Oak • White Oak • Maple • Walnut • Hickory
Domestic hardwoods are graded by the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA). The system measures the percentage of clear cuttings—rectangular areas free of defects—that can be obtained from each board. Higher grades mean a higher clear-face percentage.
| Grade | Clear Face | Description | Common Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS (Firsts & Seconds) |
83%+ | The highest NHLA grade. Wide, long, and predominantly clear boards. Used for high-end furniture, architectural millwork, and formal flooring where near-perfect appearance is required. Boards must be at least 6″ wide and 8′ long. | Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Walnut, Hickory |
| Select (FAS 1-Face) |
83%+ (one face) | One face meets FAS standards; the reverse side meets #1 Common. A cost-effective way to get a premium face when only one side is visible—perfect for cabinetry, paneling, and built-ins. | Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Walnut, Hickory |
| #1 Common | 66%+ | The most popular grade for flooring and cabinetry. Allows some sound knots and color variation, giving a warmer, more natural look that many homeowners prefer over the uniformity of FAS. Boards must be at least 3″ wide and 4′ long. | Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Walnut, Hickory |
| #2 Common (Rustic) |
50%+ | Full character with larger knots, pin worm holes, and mineral streaks. A budget-conscious option that still delivers the real-wood look. Popular for farmhouse-style flooring, rustic paneling, and accent walls. | Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Walnut, Hickory |
| #3 Common | 33%+ | Maximum character and the most affordable hardwood grade. Suitable for paint-grade projects, utility shelving, and applications where appearance is secondary or where a heavily distressed look is desired. | Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Walnut, Hickory |
Tropical Hardwood Grades
Ipe • Cumaru • Garapa • Tigerwood • Tali • Massaranduba
Tropical hardwoods don’t follow the NHLA or softwood grading systems. Instead, they use a simpler two-tier system because these species are so dense and naturally durable that structural grading is rarely a concern—the focus is on cosmetic appearance.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Premium | Virtually free of knots, sapwood, and surface defects. Tight, consistent grain and color. Specified for high-visibility decking, luxury outdoor living spaces, and commercial projects where a uniform appearance is required. |
| Standard & Better | Allows minor sapwood, small pin knots, and slight color variation. Still an excellent-quality board for residential decking, siding, and exterior cladding. The most common grade for tropical decking orders. |
Because each tropical species comes from different regions and mills, grading standards can vary slightly between suppliers. At Timberline, we inspect every shipment and hold our tropical stock to consistent standards regardless of source mill.
Species & Available Grades
Not every species is available in every grade. Use this quick reference to see which grades we carry for each species.
Domestic Softwoods
| Species | Prem & Btr | Clear | Select | C & Btr | #2 | #3 | Appear. | Std |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern White Pine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Western Red Cedar | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Cypress | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Southern Yellow Pine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Douglas Fir | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| European Spruce | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Domestic Hardwoods (NHLA)
| Species | FAS | Select | #1 Common | #2 Common | #3 Common |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| White Oak | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Maple | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Walnut | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hickory | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Tropical Hardwoods
Choosing the Right Grade
The “best” grade depends on your project, your aesthetic preference, and your budget. Here’s a quick guide:
Formal & High-End
Grades: FAS, Premium & Better, Clear
Architectural millwork, formal dining rooms, luxury flooring, stain-grade trim. When near-perfect uniformity matters.
Residential Living
Grades: Select, #1 Common
Flooring, paneling, built-ins, and cabinetry. The best balance of appearance and value—how most homes are finished.
Rustic & Character
Grades: #2 Common, #2 Knotty
Accent walls, farmhouse-style floors, cabin interiors, covered porches. When knots and variation are the point.
Budget & Utility
Grades: #3 Common, Standard
Workshops, garages, sheds, utility shelving, paint-grade projects. Maximum material at minimum cost.
Not sure which grade is right? Give us a call or request a quote—we’ll help you match grade to application and budget.