Glossary of Wood Terms

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.

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.

The pine grade formerly known as #2 and #3. The grade spread is fairly broad, and does allow for knots of various size.

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.

“T&G” indicates that the materials are interlocking tongue-and-groove planks.

“ECB” indicates that the material’s profile replicates the look of a traditional tongue-and-groove wood plank.

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.

“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

“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.

This grade of wood contains knots and other natural features. The knots are “sound” and will not loosen and fall out.