| After being cut into the lengths, the lumber will then be graded. During this evaluation process, the wood is inspected for various imperfections such as holes. Timber grading can also be severely impacted by the knots and the splits discovered on the wood’s surface.
The species and the positioning of the knots and holes are also considered in the grading process. These defects can affect the appearance and the strength of the wood and therefore limit the purposes for which the timbers may be used. Higher grades of lumber, meaning those pieces that are deemed largely free of defects are termed “select grades.”
Hardwoods have first and second grades which are considered to be of even higher quality than the select grades. The grade will be stamped on the wood along with information on its moisture content and a mill identification number.
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