Lumber Grades Directory
Understand exactly what a grade promises, which defects it permits, who writes the standard, and where it should be used. This directory covers 21 commercial grades across six grading systems.
Premium Decking
Highest quality decking boards — tight grain, minimal defects, uniform appearance
WWPA, species-specific →
FAS (Firsts and Seconds)
The highest standard hardwood lumber grade with 83%+ clear face cuttings
NHLA →
Select Structural
Highest structural softwood grade with maximum strength and minimal defects
WWPA, SPIB, NLGA →
Ground Contact (UC4A)
Pressure treated for direct ground contact — fence posts, structural posts, retaining walls
AWPA →
C & Better (Clear)
Premium clear softwood for trim, finish carpentry, and visible applications
WWPA, NLGA →
Clear Heart
All-heartwood, clear of defects — the premium cedar and redwood grade
WRCLA, RIS →
#1 Grade
High-quality structural grade with excellent strength values and few defects
WWPA, SPIB, NLGA →
Architect Clear
Clear cedar/redwood allowing some sapwood — excellent appearance at better value
WRCLA, RIS →
D Select
Near-clear softwood with minor defects — excellent value for finish work
WWPA, NLGA →
Standard & Better Decking
Good quality decking with some natural character — the most popular decking grade
WWPA, species-specific →
FAS One Face (F1F)
FAS quality on one face, #1 Common on the reverse — great value for one-sided applications
NHLA →
Select
Nearly identical to F1F with a smaller minimum board size
NHLA →
Above Ground (UC3B)
Pressure treated for above-ground outdoor use — deck boards, fencing, outdoor framing
AWPA →
Stud Grade
Special grade optimized for vertical load-bearing wall studs
WWPA, SPIB, NLGA →
#2 Grade
Standard structural grade — the most commonly used grade for residential construction
WWPA, SPIB, NLGA →
#2 Common (Sterling)
Board grade with visible knots — popular for shelving, paneling, and paint-grade trim
WWPA, NLGA →
#1 Common
Good quality hardwood with 66%+ clear face — the most popular cabinet-grade hardwood
NHLA →
#2 Clear (STK)
Tight knot cedar/redwood — popular grade for decking, fencing, and general outdoor use
WRCLA, RIS →
#3 Grade
Economy structural grade for non-critical applications
WWPA, SPIB, NLGA →
#2A Common
Economy hardwood grade with 50%+ clear face for paint-grade and utility applications
NHLA →
Utility Grade
Low-grade structural lumber for temporary and non-structural use
WWPA, SPIB, NLGA →