Softwood Structural

#2 Grade

Standard structural grade — the most commonly used grade for residential construction

Standard: WWPA, SPIB, NLGARelative price: Mid-RangeRank: 3

What this grade means

#2 grade is the workhorse of residential construction. It is the most commonly specified and available structural grade, providing good strength values at an economical price. Most framing lumber sold at retail is #2 or better grade.

Defects allowed

Sound knots up to specified sizes, moderate wane, minor checks and splits, moderate grain slope

Typical uses

Wall studs, floor joists, rafters, general framing, residential construction, decking substructure

Grade rules vary by species, region and grading agency. For structural work, use the grade stamp and governing code or an engineer’s specification—not appearance alone.
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