Wood Construction + Design Tools
Lumber Grades + Design Values
Structural framing products are graded for their strength and other physical properties, as opposed to appearance products, which are graded for their aesthetic properties. Industrial products include a combination of both structural and non-structural properties.
The American Lumber Standard Committee lumber program, operating under the Board of Review, currently has 31 accredited independent third-party agencies headquartered throughout the United States and Canada. Each of these agencies operates under one or more of the seven sets of grading rules certified by the Board of Review as conforming to the American Softwood Lumber Standard PS 20.
Appearance
Understanding lumber grades will help ensure you meet design expectations. Below are resources for species-specific appearance lumber grades.
Douglas Fir
Western Wood Products Association
Eastern White Pine
Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association
- Standard Grading Guides for Northeastern Lumber
- The 5 Grades of Eastern White Pine Grade – Photo Sheet Hem Fir
Hem Fir
Western Wood Products Association
Ponderosa Pine
Western Wood Products Association
Southern Pine
Southern Forest Products Association
Southern Pine Inspection Bureau
Cross-species Resources
Western Wood Products Association
Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
- Grades, Sizes, Grade Classifications and Specifications
- How to Specify Western Red Cedar
- Quick Facts
Structural
Learn more about structural lumber grades with these resources.