Lumber Grades

Use #1 grade lumber when both strength & appearance are important:

• Boards contain few, small knots
• Knots may be no larger than 2 ¾"
• One hole is permitted every 3 feet
• No splits larger than the width of the board
• Stronger than #2 grade because it has fewer and smaller knots

Use when appearance is important:

• Prime grade lumber provides the same structural properties as #1 grade lumber, but has fewer knots and better appearance
• #2 Prime grade has the strength of #2 grade lumber, but will look better, with fewer knots

Use #2 grade lumber when appearance is not important:

• Grain slope must meet a minimum 1/8-grain slope (the less deviation from straight grain parallel to the edge, the stronger the piece of lumber).
• Boards contain splits no larger than 1.5 times width of board
• Knots may not be larger than 3 1/2"
• One hole is permitted every 2 feet
• May have wane (bark edge) on corners
• More knots and bark edges than #1 grade

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Use when small knots are desired and appearance is very important:

• Best appearance (compared to Standard)
• High-quality lumber
• Smaller and fewer knots

Use when a rustic appearance is desired:

• More knots than Premium grade
• Knots may be larger