Pine grading can be confusing and daunting for those unfamiliar with the complex characteristics. OWL supports mills that adhere to CLA (Canadian) and NeLMA (United States) grading rules. These two agencies are responsible for maintaining the quality of White Pine lumber produced. Below is a simple breakdown between the different grades:
Grade Breakdown
No. 5 Common / Industrial
No. 5 Common / Industrial grade is the lowest common board grade. It permits large characteristics in any combination as long as the piece is functional. This material is generally used in rough construction where strength and appearance are not of primary importance.
No. 3&4 Common / Standard is a multi-purpose grade used in a wide variety of applications that take advantage of the full range of White pine characteristics. The reverse face of this grade permits characteristics typical of the next lower grade.
No. 3/4 Common / Standard
No. 1&2 Common / Premium grade is a good appearance knotty grade used where larger and more numerous characteristics are desired at an economical price. This grade is the most popular choice among retailers. The reverse face of this grade permits characteristics typical of the next lower grade.
No. 1-2 Common / Premium
No.1 Common / Finish grade material is a fine appearance, knotty grade calling for smaller knots that can be finished to take advantage of the natural characteristics of the piece or to give a fine smooth painted surface. The reverse face of this board does permit sound characteristics typical of the next lower grade.
No. 1 Common / Finish
D Select & better is a combination of the top two White Pine grades, C Select and D Select. Material of this high-quality grade combination is used for natural or stained finish applications, fine woodworking, or interior trim. Although the reverse face of D Select does permit sound characteristics typical of a lower grade material, C Select shall only permit the characteristics of D select on the back.
D Select & Better
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