Key Lumber Terms and Definitions

• Design Value is determined by the base strength value x any adjustment factors
• Grades -
  • No.1 & No. 2 - Grade 2 grades are available; No.1 and No. 2. No.2 is the preferred or better grade. Grade is usually determined by the appearance of the wood.
  • No. 2 grade - Cut stock is selected to produce 40% or better clear cuttings at least 3" wide and 1 square foot in area. The maximum number of cuttings cannot be exceeded. The clear cutting are joined together to produce a defect-free face for highest quality architectural or appearance uses. The "Standard NeLMA Grading Rules for Northeastern Lumber " shows all allowable grade characteristics.
  • appearance grades - lumber graded based on its appearance
  • factory grades - factory and shop grade lumber is lumber specifically designed for cutting and millwork.
  • stud grade - light framing grade used for vertical construction
  • structural grades - treated lumber in which the structural grade has been increased through pressure treatment.
• Size factor is determined by type of construction. For standard, construction and utility grades the size factor is 1.0. For stud grade, the size factor can vary.
• Species - a type of wood or lumber available. Examples are listed below
  • alpine fir
  • balsam fir
  • cedar
  • jack pine
  • lodgepole pine
  • spruce (various types)
• SPF - Spruce-Pine-Fir
• Spruce-Pine-Fir (aka SPF)
• Wood Handbook - http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr113/fplgtr113.htm

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Last modified: November 7, 2011

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