Grade Lumber Information

Many people that buy figured lumber have no idea of what grade of lumber they are buying . While it is true that there is no official grading system for the actual figured in the lumber, it is still a piece of lumber and as such does come under standards established by the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA).

Be suspicious of dealers who do not tell you the grade of lumber you are buying. The saying "comparing apples to apples" is especially true when you buy hardwoods. If you buy a piece of highly figured lumber and you do not know it is graded 2com or 3com, you better be making small projects because it will have defects.

The grading process is complicated to go into depth here. You can get an excellent layman's explanation of the NHLA grading system here. Be an informed buyer! Know exactly what grade of lumber you are buying so the lumber will fit your purpose. After that the primary concern for buyers of figured lumber is the figure itself....and that's what this page is all about!