Material Grades

There are several things to know about grading systems. First, while grading levels appear to be similar for various woods (#1, #2, Select Structural, etc.), different species are typically graded according to standards established by an organization presiding over that species (Example: Western Wood Products Association, Southern Pine Council, etc). Grading is used to evaluate the physical characteristics of a piece of wood and rate it with regard to strength and appearance. Various standards organizations approach the grading process differently. Second, even though a grade may exist in one of the standards organizations’ reference books, it may not be commercially available or economic to purchase in different regions of the country. As a result, SWC fabricates most of our trusses with readily available materials and grades stocked in the region. For some species, multiple grades are available and for others some grades are generally unavailable unless ordered special from mills providing that material.

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