Timber Grades Explained

European Standard Classification

Here we see the timber grades explained simply using the European Standard. This system uses a three character format to represent the three main factors used to grade timber, for example Q–BA or Q–B1.

Timber grading and specifically oak grading can be explained in two ways: visual and machine testing.

Historically, visual testing was the main system used due to the lack of suitable machinery and the prohibitive cost. This is still the main type of grading used by many timber merchants. Suitably qualified and experienced staff use visual cues alone to assess the properties of the timber.

Originally, machine testing was mainly used to test strength through weight tolerance and resistance to bending. However, modern machines use X–ray scanning, moisture measurement, digital imaging and a wealth of other methods to grade timber.

It’s crucial for joiners, builders, and architects to have the right material for the job when working with timber.

Thankfully, reputable timber merchants will grade their products and provide ratings to assist the consumer. European Standard grading gives a clear, concise ratings.

This is based on three factors – wood type, product and quality, to give an accurate assessment of timber strength and the aesthetic properties of the material.

The Three Main Factors Used to Grade Timber

Wood Type

There are two species of European Oak that are used in construction: Quercus Petraea and Quercus Robur. As its genus is Quercus, all Oak grades will be represented by a Q in this category. This explains the first character of the European Standard Classification that we see above.

Product

This is divided into four categories defined by the source, size and purpose of the timber. These are represented by the initials B, S, F or P, depending on the category. The product category makes up the second letter.

B – Boules

Boules are boards cut lengthwise from the tree and include the bark and sub – bark sapwood.

This is also known as Waney Edge Oak. All boules must be cut from the same tree and are described as un-edged boards. These can be any thickness but must measure at least two metres in length. The width of the board at its narrowest point, as well as physical quality, will determine its quality grading. The entire boule is assessed for quality and at least 65% of the entire boule must be of the quality needed for the grade given.

S – Selected Boards

Selected boards are identical to boules in appearance and are also un-edged.

However, there is no need for them to all be cut from the same tree. Only the visual appearance must be consistent between boards. Grading due to width follows the same criteria as for boules. As with boules, these can be cut to any length or thickness required for the customers’ requirements.

Each board is assessed for quality and no more than 10% of the boards present can be below the quality rating for the batch as a whole.

F – Square Edged

This is the designation given to Kiln Dried strips or boards with Sawn Edges that have been Cut to Size. These lack the bark common to the previous categories and have regular straight edges, hence the name. Square Edged timber quality is mainly based on the appearance and consistency of grain, along with the presence of knots or other features.

P – Beams

These are usually Freshly Sawn Green Oak and due to the nature of their use are thicker than other timber. They can be cut to any length required and quality is judged on the distribution of features along their whole length.

Quality Grades

The third and final character of the grading describes the quality of the timber.

‘A’ grade represents prime quality and the numbers 1-3 describe lower levels of quality in descending order.

Grade 4 exists but is best avoided due to the relatively poor quality of the timber.

The quality of the timber is judged on the presence of what are known as features. These are imperfections or flaws in the appearance of the wood. However, these can be desirable in character pieces for the novel appearance.

Prime

As the name and the ‘A’ designation suggests, this is the highest grade of Oak. It is as near to perfect as possible for a natural material.

Very few knots will be present and one bark pocket and only small sap bands are permitted. Prime oak is the best choice for furniture, cladding or joinery where a particularly flawless finish is desired.

First and Seconds

Also known as FAS grade, first and seconds is equivalent to grade 1 in quality and is very similar to prime grade.

Again, there will be very few features or imperfections to timber of this grade. It does provide a more cost-effective alternative to prime, with only a slightly diminished appearance.\

Joinery

Joinery grade timber is the equivalent of quality grade 2, also known as secondary grade timber. More knots, sap and other features are allowed for this grade than prime or FAS. This is more often used as structural Oak or for jobs where a finer finish is less of a priority.

Character

Character is grade 3, but this does not mean it is a poor product. In fact, the presence of features such as colour variations, splits or knots sometimes makes it more desirable.

The irregular appearance lends itself well to projects with a rustic feel and can be quite eye catching. As a result, this is the first choice for many feature pieces.

Pippy

Pippy Oak is characterised by clusters of small knots. It is also known as ‘patte de chat’ or ‘cat’s paw’ due to the similarity of the pattern to tiny paw prints. It is ungraded but can be used to give an unusual and interesting finish to feature pieces.