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 Some
of the terminology used in the hardwood industry is
quite different from softwoods and the building materials
trade. We receive questions all the time regarding
kiln drying, grades, thickness, measurement. We've
included this new section on our website to help answer
a few of the most commonly asked questions.
Kiln Drying:
The process of taking the moisture out of green or
"fresh cut" lumber. Most hardwoods are dried
to a 6% - 8% moisture content thus causing the lumber
to shrink. Some softwoods such as pine are dried to
between 9% and 12%. There are woods that are dried
to an even higher moisture content especially exotics
with high oil levels.
Grades:
Hardwood lumber grades are set by the National Hardwood
Lumber Association. We at Highland Hardwoods strive
to hold all our Lumber to these high standards.
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Fas:
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This stands for the highest grade of lumber.
This grade includes some defects but is considered
the premier lumber for furniture and cabinet
making.
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#1 & #2
common:
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These two grades will have a fair amount of
allowable defects and color variations. This
lumber will need more manufacturing to achieve
clear cuttings.
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C+:
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This is the highest grade of pine, which will
have the clearest look but can still have some
small defects.
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D+:
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The second grade of pine allowing more defects
than C+ but they are spaced out still giving
a lot of clear material.
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Furniture
Pine:
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Also known as Knotty or Premium grade is generally
used for utility purposes.
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Pattern:
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A term used in mahogany for the type that is
used to make templates or patterns.
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Special:
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This term is used for any closeout, odd lot
or sale item. Grades may vary from #1 Com to
FAS.
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Brown:
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Primarily in Hard Maple this gives a variation
of color allowing more heartwood or the "dark
color" of the tree.
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Measurement of lumber:
All lumber thicknesses are measured by the 1/4 of
inch. The first number is how many 1/4 there are.
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4/4
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=
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1"
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5/4
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=
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1-1/4"
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6/4
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=
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1-1/2"
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8/4
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=
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2"
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10/4
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=
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2-1/2"
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12/4
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=
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3"
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16/4
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=
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4"
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All lumber is sold on a board footage scale. A board
foot measures 1" thick by 12" long by 12"
wide. To calculate a board foot multiply the length
of board in feet by the width of board in inches by
the thickness of board.
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12' x 6" x 1"
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=
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6 bf (board feet)
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12' x 6" x 1.5" (6/4)
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=
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9 bf
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12' x 6" x 4" (16/4)
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=
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24 bf
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Milling:
Rough-cut and surfaced lumber are manufactured to
full standard thickness. All milled lumber is sold
on a rough board foot basis. Example: 4/4 Surfaced
lumber milled to 3/4" is measured based on a
full inch thickness.
| Rgh: |
Rough cut lumber will require surfacing to
achieve a smooth finish.
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| S2S: |
Surfacing of lumber on two faces.
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| S3S: |
Surfacing of lumber on two faces and ripping
one edge.
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| S4S: |
Surfacing of lumber on all four sides to nominal
width. All nominal stock is sold by the linear
foot or "running foot"
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4" nom
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=
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3-1/2"
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6" nom
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=
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5-1/2"
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8" nom
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=
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7-1/2"
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10" nom
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=
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9-1/4"
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12" nom
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=
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11-1/4"
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| Qtr : |
Quartered-sawn refers to a method of cutting
lumber to achieve straight grain. This type
of lumber is more dimensionally stable.
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| 9"+: |
Refers to lumber that is 9" or wider before
milling.
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Figured Woods:
These woods are highly sought after for their character
and typically they are more costly due to the unusual
grain and character.
| Curly: |
Also known as "Flame or Tiger", will have a
wavy grain appearance.
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| Birdseye: |
A figure on wood, usually maple and a few other
species. The figure is composed of many small
BB size rounded areas resembling a bird's eye.
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