TIMBER PRODUCTS | GRADES

Surface Textures
Saw Textured The saw textured surface, obtained during the milling process which uses either circular or band saws, is present on all four sides.

Rougher Headed The lumber receives its texture from a milling process which uses roughened planer knives. The rough texture is clearly visible on all four sides.

Surfaced Four Sides (S4S) The smooth surface on all four sides presents a uniformly sized product with a high quality appearance. Sizes from 2×4 (51mm x 102mm) up to 6×6 in. (152mm x 152mm) are generally available. Larger sizes are produced on special orders.

Grade	Description
No. 2 and Better Clear
	This grade should be specified when the finest quality rough lumber is desired. The lumber is sound and well manufactured. Its natural characteristics do not detract from the woods fine appearance. Grading Rule Paragraph Export R List 401
D and Better Clear
	This grade consists of D Clear, C Clear, and B 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. WRCEA members produce this grade without cut-outs. In most cases, this grade is sold with a specified 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 clear lengths for the intended use. Available surfaced or rough textured.
Appearance Knotty
	A non structural product manufactured to meet the appearance requirements of quality projects. This material has highly restricted wane allowances to give well defined corners. Contains no holes or other characteristics. Represents good value for appearance end uses. Available rough sawn or rougher headed in nominal 2″ (51mm) 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. Grading Rule Paragraph Proprietary
No. 2 and Better Structural
	Material of this grade is evaluated for structural strength characteristics. The classification 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.

Suggestions on how to care for your log home products:

Exterior wood products:
Materials should be stored under a roof until used. They should be stacked on 2×4’s on top of concrete. If that is not possible, stack on 4×4’s that are placed on top of a tarp, tar paper or plastic.

Cover all sides with a tarp. If a tarp is not available, black plastic can be used instead.

When choosing your exterior finish, keep in mind that the darker the stain, the more protection it will offer against ultraviolet rays. There are many different brands of stain but we prefer the Sikkens products. 
Interior Wood Products:
Materials should be stored under a roof until used.

Lumber for interior use has been kiln dried differently than lumber for exterior use and MUST BE KEPT DRY.

Pine doors that are not installed immediately must be sealed on all sides and stored in a warm, dry place.

If you purchase quarter or half log for interior use, we recommend storing it inside your home for two weeks to let is acclimate. Lumber is kiln dried differently for interior and exterior use.

If you want the natural look for your interior wood, we suggest using a non-yellowing finish. Keep in mind that ultraviolet rays will affect the color.

For the best results when finished, lightly sand the wood in between coast of finish.

It is very important to use a humidifier after you have installed wood products in your home. The best type is one installed on your furnace if forced air is used. If not, a portable humidifier is an acceptable option.

Using these guidelines will minimize any shrinking or swelling of the wood and will result in less maintenance.