The Steps in Grading Hardwood Lumber

1

Determine the species....some species have separate requirements from Standard NHLA Rules.

2

Determine the Surface Measure using a board rule (Lumber Scaling Stick).  Surface Measure is always a whole number except with exotic species.

3

Determine the "Best Face" and the "Poor Face".

4

Assign a "trial" grade to each face, based on your estimate of the yield of clear wood.

5

Determine the number of cuttings permitted in your "trial" grade, keeping in mind the minimum size of cuttings required for that grade.  FAS 1 Face and Selects minimum cutting sizes are 4" x 5' and or 3" x 7'.  #1 Common minimums are 4" x 2' and or 3" x 3'.

6

Determine the Clear-Face cutting units needed (Minimums for FAS 1 Face and Selects are Surface Measure times 10 and for #1 Common is Surface Measure times 8).

7

Calculate the total area of Clear-Face cutting units on each face.

8

If the board does not yield sufficient Clear-face cutting units of the right size and number of cuttings, try the next lower grade.

9

Tally S.M. (Surface Measure) by grade and thickness on basis of 1" (4/4) lumber.

Trees are regenerated naturally through seeding or root sprouting, or they are replanted by people

Hardwoods are usually allowed to come back naturally.  Harvesting large, mature trees in a hardwood forest lets enough sunlight reach the forest floor to stimulate the growth of new seedlings

Most softwoods do not sprout from the root so they are replanted after harvest.

1.7 billion trees are planted in the US every year-more than six trees for every man, woman and child in America.  That averages four and one-half million planted each day.

More than 80% of the trees planted were planted by forest products companies and private landowners

Each year, six trees are planted for every one that is harvested.