Timber Grades
Clear Grades
Clear cedar in the grades shown *on
the following pages* has a limited number of natural
characteristics and is specified when appearance of the
highest quality is desired. Clear grades of timbers are
normally supplied green (unseasoned). When required,
seasoning is achieved by ari-drying.
Knotty Grades
Knotty cedar presents a more rustic
appearance and is typically supplied green (unseasoned)
in the appearance and structural grades *shown on the
following pages.*
Grade Classifications
Depending on size, Western Red Cedar timbers are
classified either as Beams and Stringers or Posts and
Timbers.
- Beams and Stringers are rectangular members,
either rough sawn or surfaced, 5 inches and thicker
with a width 2 inches (or more) greater the width.
- Posts and Timbers are square members, either rough
sawn or surfaced, 5 inches by 5 inches and larger
with a width not more than 2 inches greater than the
thickness.
Grades of Western Red Cedar Timbers
| Grade | Description | Grading Rule Paragraph1 |
| NO. 2 AND BETTER CLEAR |
| 
| This grade should be specifi ced when the fi nest
quality rough lumber is desired. The lumber is
sound and well manufactured. Its natural
characteristics do not detract from the wood’s fi ne
appearacnce. | Export R List 401 |
| D AND BETTER CLEAR |
| 
| The C and better Clear grade offers good
appearance in high quality, well manufactured
lumber. Suitable for high quality landscape structures
and as exposed posts and beams in heavy
timber construction. In most cases, this grade is
sold with a specifi ed allowance of D grade.
D Clear grade permits larger and more numerous
natural characteristics which are widely accepted
in the construction of outdoor structures. Some
pieces of D Clear may require trimming to yield
lengths for the intended use. | NLGA 203 b,c,d
WCLIB 150 b,c,d |
| APPEARANCE KNOTTY |
| 
| A non structural product manufactured to meet the appearance requirements of quality projects. This materials has highly restricted wane allowances to give well defi ned corners. Contains no holes or other characteristics. Represents good value for appearance end uses. Available rough sawn or rougher headed in nominal 2” and thicker sizes.
Note: Upon request, Appearance Knotty timbers are available
with structural grading. Be certain to specify Appearance Knotty
structural lumber when strength characteristics are required. | Proprietary |
| NO. 2 AND BETTER STRUCTURAL |
| 
| Material of this grade is evaluated for structural
strength characterisitics. The classifi cation
includes pieces meeting the grades of Select structural,
No.1 Structural, and No.2 Structural. Lumber
of this grade is intended for engineered applications
where strength is more important than appearance.
Available surfaced or rough textured.
*Graded as Light Framing
**Graded a Structural Joists and Planks
| 5”and thicker, with more than 2”
greater than thickness
NLGA 130 a,b,c
WCLIB 130 a,b,c
WWPA 70.10
Width less than 2” greater than
thickness
NLGA 131 a,b,c
WCLIB 131 a,b,c
WWPA 80.10 |
| STANDARD BEAMS, POSTS AND TIMBERS |
| 
| Timbers of this grade are intended for general
construction purposeswhere serviceability is
more important than appearance. No Structural
values are assigned. Available surfaced or rough
textured. | 5” and thicker
NLGA 131 c
WCLIB 131 c
WWPA 81.11 |
1NLGA – National Lumber Grades Authority
WCLIB – West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau
WWPA - Western Wood Products Association
R List - Export R List (applies to rough sawn/rougher beaded lumber)