Grading Rules for Cedar 5/4 x 6 - No. 2 and Better - No Hole S4SRE

On the face , the better side, the grade will be #2 and better and will also include the limitation of no wane, no wormholes, and no holes.

Face

• Clean Dressing
• Knots- sound and tight up to 2 3/4" and firmly fixed up to 1". No more than one maximum knot per 2 lineal feet. Distorted grain not allowed
• Spike knots – must be sound and tight, 50% cross section maximum
• Splits - limited to 1 ½ x with of board

Reverse Face

• Wane will be considered on the original thickness of 5/4"
• ½ thickness x 1/3 width on one edge only or ¼ thickness x ¼ width on two edges
• Worm: medium but none through

Reverse Side

• Unsound wood, or peck, limited spots and streaks on 1/3 the cross section at any point of the length
• Reverse side - Skip allowing a hit and miss dressing of 1/16th inch
• Knots- up to max 3 ¾" any type
• Distorted grain allowed if not large than an equivalent knot size
• Slope of grain 1 in 8

Comments on the grading

1. This is a grade of lumber designed for economical decking and will have some defects the builder will have to work with. The grading is done on the “better face" of the board and graded to be acceptable as a deck face. Typically the back side will have some wane or defect so that the builder will have to determine which side is best to use.
2. As an estimate of what is required, the boards are 5 ½" wide and with a small gap coverage will be 5 5/8" so that you will need 2.13 lineal feet to make a square foot. With the a trim allowance that depends on the deck design, allow about 10-15%.
3. Grading is a subjective process, and some boards will exceed the average and some boards will meet the minimum standard, but overall the quality above will give an acceptable deck.
4. In making a comparison, this decking would be a direct competitor to the pressure treated decking, without preservative chemicals. An economical choice that will give the home owner a beautiful appearance to finish their home.