• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Sozo Fire

A Hot Spot of Knowledge

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Business
    • Construction
    • Family
    • Health
    • Swimming Pools
    • Technology
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact Us

How To Determine NHLA Grades Of Hardwood Lumber

August 6, 2012 By Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

The lumber industry relies heavily on the National Hardwood Association to create and maintain the standards for lumber sales. J. Gibson McIlvain, an industry leader for over 200 years, follows those standards carefully and specializes in keeping a large inventory of the highest grade (FAS) lumber in their yards. Providing their customers with premium wholesale lumber is J. Gibson McIlvain’s trademark. They work with domestic and international mills to fulfill custom orders with high quality lumber.

Knowing as much as possible about the meticulous process of lumber grading helps builders and other wood working professionals understand the market for whole sale lumber. Extensive knowledge of wholesale lumber grades makes J. Gibson McIlvain a top quality wholesale lumber supplier.

Professionally grading lumber is a grueling process full of minutia and complicated guidelines. However, any customer can come to understand this process by internalizing ten simplified steps. Amateur evaluations will not provide the assured quality of a professional grading, but following these steps and understanding the NHLA terms allows anyone to loosely determine the grade of a piece lumber.

Step 1

Look up the specifications related to the species of lumber being graded.

Step 2

Determine the SM (surface measure) of that specific piece of lumber.

Step 3

Determine the lowest grade face, also known as the poor face. This is the face with the lowest quality, and this is the face to use initially.

Step 4

According the specific species rules, decide which grade the wood falls under. Double check the decision against the conditions for the grade.

Step 5

Check the size requirements for the determined grade, and make sure the lumber measures up.

Step 6

Measure how many clear and sound cuttings are available, and check that number against the grade requirements.

Step 7

Multiply the required cutting yield by the SM:

  • For FAS, multiply by 10.
  • For No. 1, multiply by 8.
  • For No. 2, multiply by 6.
  • For No. 3A, multiply by 4.
  • For No. 3B, multiply by 3.

Step 8

Figure out the maximum cutting area and how many cuttings are available. Make sure the cuts will not be smaller than the minimum for trial grading.

Step 9

Determine the grade of the opposite side, and decide on a final grade for the whole piece.

Step 10

Go through each qualification for the board again. Include specifications for wain, pitch, and imperfections to finally determine the grade.

For more details, illustrations, and discussions on the grading system of the NHLA, visit their website. You can also read a more in-depth article by clicking here. If you want more information or if you’re ready to purchase lumber, J. Gibson McIlvain, one of the country’s oldest and most reputable lumber wholesalers, is more than willing to give an extensive in-person explanation of this process at their headquarters in White Marsh, MD.

Want insider tips on the lumber industry? Visit McIlvain’s website, or check out these selections from their lumber blog:

  • Comparing plywoods
  • Understanding hardwood lumber quality grading
  • Choosing a tropical decking wood

Filed Under: Construction

Additional Articles

concrete flooring in parking garage
What to Look for in an Industrial Concrete Flooring Contractor
Going Beyond Lumber Grades, Part 2
Going Beyond Lumber Grades, Part 1
Why Teak Becomes Discolored & What You Can Do About It
Teak in Focus: Questions To Ask Your Supplier

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

three × three =



Primary Sidebar

Lyon Financial

Popular Posts

  • Berg Furniture Children’s Furniture Lines: Options and Space Savings, Galore
  • Dream Furniture for Your Child, Part 2
  • Tropical Decking and Ipe Alternatives
  • Dream Furniture for Your Child, Part 1
  • Benefits of Going on a Mission Trip
  • Why Walnut Gets Special Treatment, Part 2
  • Business Flash Drives
  • Septic System Pumping in the Charlotte, NC Area
  • Custom Wire Oven Racks by Three M Tool for Bakeries
X10 Home Automation

Recent Posts

  • Setting Up Your X10 System: Beginner’s Guide to Home Automation
  • Options for Home Automation: What Makes X10 Different?
  • Benefits of Aquatic Exercises, Part 2
  • Benefits of Aquatic Exercises, Part 1
  • Black Algae in Your Pool? Here’s What to Do, Part 2
  • Black Algae in Your Pool? Here’s What to Do, Part 1
  • How the X10 HUB Advances Already Incredible Technology
  • What Makes X10 Home Security Systems Unique
  • Should You Think About a Pool & Hot Tub Combination?
  • Drowning Prevention in Swimming Pools
Lyon Financial

Recent Comments

  • Alice Carroll on Pool Choices: Pool Fences
  • Zachary Tomlinson on Swimming Pool Cover Advantages
  • Hannah on X10 GSM Home Security Systems
  • Michael Cobb on X10 GSM Home Security Systems

Copyright © 2023 Sozo Firm Inc · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap