WANE is a term that identifies a board that is
All softwood framing lumber, and most other
softwood lumber, is cut to even-numbered foot
not full or true to size. It lacks wood along corners,
edges, or ends, or is partially composed of bark.
lengths, such as 10 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet.
Hardwood is sometimes cut to odd-numbered as
BLUE STAIN is a blemish caused by a mold
well as even-numbered foot lengths.
fungus. It does not weaken the wood.
A BARK POCKET is a patch of bark that has
other finish work are cut to specific thicknesses (in
had the tree grow over. It is entirely or almost
graduations of 1/4 inch). They are cut to random
entirely enclosed.
widths and lengths (RWL) with a specified
minimum. For example, a written order for walnut
CROSS-GRAINED LUMBER has grain that is
would be 4/4x4x6 RWL. This would tell the
not parallel to the length of the lumber.
supplier that you require material 1 inch thick (4/4),
at least 4 inches wide, and at least 6 feet long.
There are several lumber defects caused by
i m p r o p e r seasoning. One common one is
LUMBER GRADES
honeycombing. Honeycombing is a series of checks
or cracks on the surface or in the center of the
Lumber grades are based on the type and extent
lumber caused by drying stresses. If the stress is not
of defects, size of the pieces, and seasoning
relieved by the addition of moisture during the
condition. Softwood lumber is graded for quality
seasoning process, honeycombing will result.
according to American Lumber Standards. These
standards are set by the National Bureau of
Standards for the U.S. Department of Commerce.
LUMBER SIZES
The major quality grades, in descending order of
Lumber is sized according to how thick it is.
quality, are select lumber (usually used for interior
Boards are pieces of lumber less than 2 inches thick.
finish) and common lumber (usually used for house
Planks or dimension lumber are pieces of lumber
construction).
Each grade has subdivisions in
from 2 to 5 inches thick. Timbers are heavier
descending order of quality as follows:
pieces. Softwoods are usually cut to standard
thicknesses, widths, and lengths.
1. Select lumber
The dressed dimensions of lumber are always
Grade A lumber. This lumber is select
smaller than the specified size (nominal size) (table
lumber that is practically free of defects and
3-1). The nominal size is the size of the lumber in
blemishes.
its rough form as it comes from the saw mill.
Dressed lumber has been surfaced (planed smooth)
Grade B lumber. This is select lumber that
on two or four sides. Lumber surfaced on two sides
contains a few minor blemishes.
is S2S (surfaced on two sides). Lumber surfaced on
four sides is S4S (surfaced on four sides).
Grade C lumber. This is finish item lumber
that contains more blemishes and more significant
blemishes than grade B. These blemishes must be
Table 3-1.--Nominal and Dressed Lumber Sizes
able to be easily and thoroughly concealed with
Nominal Size
Dressed Dimensions
paint.
22
1 5/8 1 5/8
24
1 5/8 3 5/8
Grade D lumber. This is finish item lumber
that contains more blemishes and more significant
26
1 5/8 5 5/8
blemishes than grade C, but it is still capable of
28
1 5/8 7 1/2
presenting a satisfactory appearance when painted.
2 10
1 5/8 8 1/2
2. Common lumber
2 12
1 5/8 11 1/2
44
3 5/8 3 5/8
No. 1 common lumber. This is sound,
tight-knotted stock containing only a few minor
3-5