Understanding the Different Types of Wood Grades

All lumber can be graded based on its quality characteristics.  When grading lumber, graders are looking for defects, such as knots. Lumber graders check the size and the frequency of defects within a certain linear length. Since there is a correlation between lumber grade and defects, higher grade lumber can have better performance characteristics than lower grade material, but sometimes the higher grade is more of an aesthetic.

Hardwood vs Softwood Lumber for Pallets

For purposes of pallets and packaging, we need to talk about hardwood and softwood separately.

• Hardwood
  The hardwood that is used in pallets and packaging is normally off grade (or non-graded) material. On grade hardwood is typically used in industries such as furniture and flooring. Upper grades of hardwood such as FAS and Selects are normally used for moldings. 1 Common and 2 Common hardwood is used for cabinets, furniture and flooring.
  
  
• Softwood
  In regards to softwood lumber, grades are usually 1 through 4, with 1 being the best.  Grade 1 Common softwood is characterized by clear wood with very small, tight knots. Pallets and packaging are typically made using Grades 2 through 4. The lower grades of softwood have larger and more frequent knots.

Knowing your application and consulting with a pallet and packaging professional is the best start in determining the proper grade of lumber.

What is your pallet application? Comment below and we can work with you to decide the best lumber grade for your application. 

Post by: Rich Reiher, Vice President