This is the Pine grade that includes all of the select grades. This grade may allow sound tight knots (STK), but for the most part this lumber is clear and free of defects.
Read More...Glossary of Wood Terms
We’ve updated our “Definition of Terms” page and renamed it “Glossary of Wood Terms.” We’ve tried to include some of the most commonly used, and in some cases, most confusing, terms we use on our site.
This is a work in progress – if there is a term we use that you don’t understand and would like to see added to this glossary, please let us know!
Better (“BTR”)
When the abbreviation “BTR” is used as a suffix to a grade it indicates that the specified grade is enhanced as it includes varying quantities of higher grades.
Read More...Premium Grade Pine
The pine grade formerly known as #2 and #3. The grade spread is fairly broad, and does allow for knots of various size.
Read More...Standard (“STD”) Grade Pine
Also written as “STD” is the Pine grade #4. The grade allows large red knots, and some loose knots. This is the grade most often used in the manufacture of ship-lapped siding.
Read More...Tongue and Groove (“T&G”)
Edge and Center Bead (“ECB”)
“ECB” indicates that the material’s profile replicates the look of a traditional tongue-and-groove wood plank.
Read More...Drop (Novelty) Siding
Also referred to as “novelty siding”, similar in look to clapboards and is an exterior building siding often with a tongue-and-groove edge joint, rabbeted or shiplap joint.
Read More...Clear Vertical Grain (“CVG”) Softwood Grade
“CVG” is a softwood term which indicates that the materials have a clear vertical grain. Clear meaning that it has no more than the allowed blemishes for the highest grade as determined by the species, the thickness, and the width of the material. Vertical grain is the softwood description which is the equivalent of “quarter
Read More...Clear Mixed Grain (“CMG”) Softwood Grade
“CMG” indicates that the materials have a clear mixed grain. Generally, the pattern on the face of the board will be the “cathedral” pattern and will indicated that the boards are flat (plain) sawn. The CMG boards will be less stable than the CVG boards.
Read More...STK Softwood Grade: Sound Tight Knot
This grade of wood contains knots and other natural features. The knots are “sound” and will not loosen and fall out.
Read More...What is Plywood Grading

Face veneer grades range from “A” to “D” where A is the finest veneers and D is the lowest grade. Back side veneer is graded from “1” to “4“, again where 1 is the highest grade and 4 is the lowest. The face veneers for this type of plywood are “plain sliced” or cut to
Read More...Grade A1 Plywood

What is Grade A1 Plywood? Grade A1 plywood is of the highest quality and can be used in a project where both sides of the plywood will be seen.
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