What information is contained on a lumber grade stamp
What do the stamps on lumber mean?
When a building is inspected, the inspector will look for a grade stamp on the lumber. This grade stamp is the only way for the inspector to determine if the lumber used in the structure is acceptable. The grade stamp is extremely important to building inspectors, as it is required by all building codes.
What does a grade stamp on the back of a wood structural panel indicate?
The first number indicates roof and wall support spacing. The second number is for floors (2 layers may be required to meet code). Sturd-I-Floor grade stamp will only display one number that indicates maximum joist spacing. Sized for spacing – panels are manufactured to allow for the required 1/8” spacing along edges.
How do you read plywood stamps?
What are lumber grades?
Table 2: Lumber Grades for Common (nonstress-graded) Lumber
| Grade | Designation | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | Construction | Siding, shelving, paneling |
| No. 2 | Standard | Similar uses to No. 1 |
| No. 3 | Utility | Sheathing, subflooring, crate construction |
| No. 4 | Economy | Sheathing, subflooring, creation of forms for concrete work |
What does #2 grade wood mean?
#2 Grade: When appearance is of moderate concern, this construction grade will contain moderate sized knots (occasionally unsound) and can have a considerable amount of wane. Keep in mind, that with the introduction of Prime grades, #2 Grade no longer contains some of the better grades that used to be included.
What does the grade stamp on plywood mean?
Exposure Ratings – The grade/trademark stamp lists the exposure durability classification for plywood. There are two basic types or ratings, exterior and interior. The exterior type has a 100 percent waterproof glue line, and the interior type has a highly moisture resistant glue line.
What are the markings on plywood?
Typical plywood grades and characteristics
- “A” Grade. Sanded smooth, paintable. …
- “B” Grade. Solid surface with some repairs, usually football-shaped patches and/or wood filler. …
- “C” Grade. Tight knots to 1-1/2 in. …
- “D” Grade. Knots and knotholes up to 2-1/2 in.
How is exterior plywood marked?
There are many types of exterior plywood to choose from — the most common being CDX or ACX. Exterior plywood is marked with an X to denote this use and the construction grade is in the first two letters; the first letter refers to the front of the plywood and the second refers to the back.
What is the best grade of selects softwood lumber?
In spite of all of these complexities, many woodworkers will encounter four grades of Select boards in shopping for project lumber. These are denoted A, B, C, and D with A being the highest grade, and D the lowest. In practice, grades A and B are combined into one grade known as B and better (B&BTR).
What does CDX stand for in plywood?
CDX signifies class C to D exposed plywood. Manufactures make any type of plywood from several plies pressed firmly together to create a larger and stronger piece of plywood. Plywood usually is available in plies of three, five, seven, and nine, with the most reduced numbers denotes the highest class plywood.
What is OSB stamp?
Rated Sheathing OSB panels are for Roofs and Walls. Sturd-I-Floor indicates a sub-floor end use. Span Rating – Refers to the maximum center to center support spacing when panels are installed during typical construction. The first number indicates roof and wall support spacing.
How do you determine lumber grade?
Grade is determined by the amount of clear surface area a particular board has on its poorest looking side (with hardwoods one side will look better than the other). A higher grade board is long and wide with a large percentage of its area defect-free.
What are the four grades of lumber?
Stress-graded lumber is divided into four main categories: structural light framing, light framing, stud, and structural joists & planks, each with their own grades to indicate quality.
What is best grade of lumber?
FAS (First and Second) is the highest grade of hardwood lumber. It’s usually 6-inches x 8-inches and is 83 percent defect-free on its best side. Select is 4-inches x 6-inches and 83 percent defect free on its best side.
What is the difference between FAS and select grade lumber?
The difference between the two grades is the better face: When grading No. 1 Common, the better face is the same or better than the poorer face. When grading Select, the better face must grade FAS, which means that the better face of Select must be clearer than the better face of No. 1 Common.
What is premium grade lumber?
Characteristics. Prime grade lumber provides the same structural properties as #1 grade lumber, but has fewer knots and better appearance. #2 Prime grade has the strength of #2 grade lumber, but will look better, with fewer knots.
What are the different grades of treated lumber?
Pressure treated wood is sold with the lumber grades Premium, Select, Number 1, Number 2, and Number 3. The higher the grade, the fewer the defects—that is splits or knots. In general, you will want to choose Number 2 grade boards, or higher, for decks.
What is the best grade of hardwood lumber?
The highest grade boards are FAS and Select, followed by #1 Common and #2 Common. What grade you choose depends on your project. Some projects, such as tabletops and high quality furniture, may dictate the highest grade available.
What do lumber numbers mean?
Lumber sized according to “Quarters” reflects the number of quarters of an inch thick the lumber is. To figure the thickness of a board referenced in “quarters” sizes, simply divide the second number (4) into the first number. The second number (4) means “quarters of an inch”, or “quarters”.
What is D grade pine?
Select D grade pine lumber is not as fine in appearance as grade C but maintains a similar level of structural quality. The minimum requirements for Select C grade only allow for a single half-inch knot per 4 feet of surface area. Select D grade allows one tight half-inch knot for every foot of surface area.
What is the best grade of pressure treated lumber?
The best pressure treated wood for decks is Select, #1 or #2 grade wood. Within all grades, there are planks that will be freer of blemishes and knots and may be called premium. Decking materials such as 2Ă—6 and 5/4Ă—6 frequently are of better-looking #1 and #2 lumber.