CLASSIFICATION OF HARDWOOD | WOOD GRADE

Eastern Lumber wood grades are based on NHLA rules. The NHLA rules were designed to provide the furniture industry a mathematically measurable method to grade lumber for its amount of clear, defect-free wood. In detail: The size and number of clear pieces that can be obtained from a board when it is cut up to be used to make a product. The wood grade is not determined by gut reactions to what a person thinks the grade should be, but actual measurements of clear sections and definitions for defects.
Wood Grade based on NHLA rules
The Standard Hardwood Grades
 
 

1/ FAS – First and seconds: FAS on both faces 

FAS stands for “First And seconds_Os first and second class”. This type of wood grade often offers to the user a good quality wood, long version. Optimal in the production of high-quality furniture, solid wood, and furniture. 
  • FAS Minimum clear percentage: S.M. x 10 or 83 1 /³% (10/12).
  • Minimum size board: 6” x 8’.
  • Minimum size clear cuttings: 4”x 5’ or 3” x 7’.

Example: Determine S.M. Determine poor face Measure clear-cutting available Compare with required clear percentage 8 ¼” x 12’ / 12 = 8’ S.M.

Clear cutting: 8 ¼” x 10’ = 82 cutting units Required cutting units = S.M. x 10 = 80 cutting units Grade of the board is FAS Note: Both faces must meet this Minimum Requirement.

2/ FAS One Face (FAS 1 Sided-Sided-F1F)

This type usually exports the same FAS, the good surface must meet the FAS requirements, the worse surface must meet the requirements of the No. 1 common grade. 80/20 blend ratio means 80% FAS grade and 20% F1F grade wood board.

3/ Selects Type (Selected Goods)

This is similar to F1F, differing in the minimum dimensions required for boards. Selected products have wooden panels with a width of 4 “or more, length 6 ‘or more.

4/ Prime Grade Class (Excellent)

The wood is squarely cut and mostly not being notched. The minimum amount of good wood is selected from the ‘selected grade’ or higher grade. The size of the board is not fixed but varies by species, region, and seller.

5/  Wood Grade | Comsel Class

This grade is derived from the first grade and selected grade in accordance with NHLA’s regulations. Toward the export market, the minimum amount of good timber must be at least the # 1 popular grade or slightly better. The size of the board is not fixed but varies by species, region, and seller.

 

6/  No1 COMMON (1Com)| Wood Grade

This type is suitable for the standard size of kitchen cabinet doors used throughout the United States. Used for the manufacture of hardwood parts. Type 1 consists of boards of a minimum width of 3 “and a minimum of 4 ‘in length, which must contain a reasonable amount of good wood 66 2/3% or more. But is not required to include, the minimum requirement of FAS grade (83 1/3%).
 
The minimum amount of good wood must be 3 inches x 3 feet or 4 inches x 2 feet in width and length. The number of good logs is determined by the size of the board. Both sides of wood must meet the minimum requirements of common type 1. Wide face: 3 ”& wider / Length: 4” and longer.
 
 
7/  Type No2 Common (2A Com) 
 
This class is considered as an “Economic” type because of its suitability and affordable price. Which popularity for many furniture parts. This type is quite popular in the flooring industry in the United States. This common type applies to boards of minimum size: 3 ”wide and 4 feet long and having a good wood amount, count of 50% (6/12) or more. But 2A Com type does not include a minimum requirement of common grade 1 (66 2/3%).
 
Cuts that can be made with good lumber should be 3 inches wide and 2 feet long, and the number of cuts depends on the size of the board. If the worst face meets the minimum requirement of this rating, it doesn’t matter what the grade of the better side is. Wide face: 3 ”& wider / Length: 4” and longer.

8/ Type 2B Common (3AC) | Wood Grade

NO. 3A COM Minimum percentage clear: S.M. x 4 or 33 1 /³ % (4/12).

Minimum size board: 3” x 4’ Minimum size cuttings: 3” x 2’ 6” 6” x 4’ 6” x 7’ 14’.

Boards are 3″ and wider, 4′ and longer. Yields 33-1/3 percent clear face cuttings 3″ and wider by 2′ and longer. An economical choice for rough utility applications:, crates, palettes, fencing, etc.

Grade lower than grade 2 such as 3 (3 Common): Wood of this grade often uses floor liners, sub or used in the United States. A comparison between the export-grade names of Prime and Comsel with the NHLA .

grades of FAS and No. 1 Com can be accomplished appropriately when specified for export. As to the exact requirements being applied to these export-grade names, it is important to consult with your supplier.