Introduction

Having recently explained our kiln process, we’ll now cover our kiln products. We often talk about our 7 species of Appalachian hardwoods, but this article gives the chance to go more deeply into our offerings.

To that end, we’ll begin by overviewing the various grades of lumber we offer, then provide information on each species. To wrap things up, we will explain the special options you can ask for when ordering.

Short Summaries of Grades

As a reputable hardwood supplier, we use National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) standards for grading. (In reality, we consider these to be minimum standards. Ours are higher.)

A note about walnut

NHLA rules allow for smaller minimum size boards (width & length) for walnut than other species. This is meant to promote the maximum use of this prized species.

First and Second Grade (FAS)

Lumber that qualifies as FAS is the highest grade possible. Since the boards come from a natural organism, they are likely to have some defects, but the standards are extremely high. Here are the following requirements to meet FAS:

• Minimum board size: 6” wide, 8’ long. 
• Must have one or more (depends on board size) clear cuttings that are at least 3” x 7’ or 4”x5’. 
• Must yield between 83 ⅓% and 100% clear cuttings over the entire board surface. 
• Both faces of the board must meet the requirement.

FAS (First and Seconds)*

This grade is premium lumber, with size minimums of 6” wide and 8’ long. Boards must be from 83 ⅓% to 100% clear over the entire board. Clear cuttings must be at least 3” x 7’ or 4” x 5’. Both faces of the board must meet these requirements.

FAS One Face (F1F)*

The better face must meet FAS standards, the poorer face must meet No. 1C standards. 

FAS Selects*

These are nearly identical to F1F, but the minimum board size is different. (Selects minimum can be 4” x 6’).

*At Stoltzfus Hardwoods, we group FAS, F1F, and FAS Selects together.

Number 1 Common (No. 1C)

This lumber is often called cabinet grade. Both faces must meet the standard. Boards must be at least 3” x 4’, yielding from 66 ⅔% clear cuttings up to (not including) 83 ⅓%. The smallest clear cuttings are 3” x 3’ and 4” x 2’. Minimum number of cuttings varies by board size.

Number 2A Common (No. 2AC)

Often called economy grade. This is the quality of choice for hardwood flooring. Minimums of 3” x 4’, yielding from 50% up to (not including) 66 ⅔%. The smallest clear cutting is 3” x 2’, and the minimum amount of these cuttings varies by board size.

Number 2B Common (No. 2BC)

These have the same requirements as No. 2A, but the required cuttings need only be sound. It is a combination of No. 2A and No. 2B. No set percent of either is required in a shipment.

Moulding grade

Boards that meet this grade must be nearly 100% clear on 1 face. 

Rustic

Rustic grade allows for sound knots that are 1 ¾” and smaller.  Some pith is also allowed. For example, in white oak, we allow pith because it is not possible to get the livesawn character without it.

Light rustic 

Light rustic allows for sound knots that are 1” and smaller. There is no limit to how many knots may be present. 

Wormy 

Boards in this category are 1C and better, and wormholes are not considered defects.

Sap 

At Stoltzfus, we use Sap grading for hickory and soft maple. Soft maple cuttings are sap on 1 face and better, meaning that at least one side has sapwood. For hickory, one face is at least 90% Sap, and the other is at least 70% Sap (90/70).

7 Species of Hardwoods

Red oak

Overview

Red oak is preferred for its appealing color, but it is neither as hard nor as moisture-resistant as white oak. It is popular for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring and has a Janka hardness rating of 1290.

Note: The Janka hardness scale measures how dense a species of wood is and how well it resists wear and dents. The upper limit of the Janka scale is 4000.

Available grades

FAS

1C

White oak

Overview

White oak is both tough and moisture-resistant. It is used primarily for flooring but also finds use in cabinetry and furniture. White oak’s Janka score is 1360.

Available grades

• FAS
• Rustic 
• Light Rustic 

Poplar

Overview

Poplar is preferred because it is easy to work. It is also one of the most plentiful woods and comes with a cost savings over many hardwoods. One downside of poplar is its softness, making it prone to surface injury. Its Janka score is 540. Poplar is popular for moulding.

Available grades

• FAS

Walnut

Overview

Nearly everyone knows that walnut stands above nearly every domestic hardwood and is priced accordingly. Its dark brown color can hardly be matched. With a Janka score of 1010, it is suitable for flooring, but also is ideal for cabinetry and furniture.

Available grades

• FAS 1 common, 2 common
• FAS walnut rules
• Premium walnut: FAS oak rules

Hickory

Overview

With a Janka score of 1820, hickory is one of the hardest domestic hardwoods. This makes it well suited for flooring, cabinetry, and furniture. Since it is a high-demand wood that is not as common as oaks and maples, it comes with a higher price tag.

Available grades

• FAS 
• Rustic 

Soft maple

Overview

This category of lumber includes species such as red and silver maple. It is a softer hardwood, with Janka scores ranging from 700-950. This softness makes it easy to work with but makes it less durable. Soft maple is often used in cabinetry and sometimes in furniture.

Available grades

• FAS Sap
• FAS Brown (heartwood)
• 1C Sap
• 1C Brown 
• Wormy 

Cherry

Overview

Cherry is preferred for its rich color. It is a softer wood, with a Janka score of 950. It is relatively easy to work with. But, since it is less available than oak and maple, it comes at a higher price. It is often used for cabinetry and furniture.

Available grades

Fas 

1C 

Rustic 

Special Options

We make several services available for lumber orders. We are happy to work with you to provide the material and efficiency that you need.

Specialized bundling

Bundled by width

Color-sorting

Color refers to heartwood & sapwood. 

Number 1 white/Number 2 white

This applies to soft maple.

Number 1 white: both faces & edges of the clear cuttings are 100% sapwood.

Number 2 white: one face and both edges of the clear cuttings are sapwood, and no less than 50% sapwood on the other face.

Red one face and better (90/70 heart)

Offered for cherry and walnut, we use this grade when at least one face is heartwood. 

Surfaced 2 Sides (S2S)

We will plane both faces of your lumber before shipping it to you. 

Ripped to width

Upon request, we can create standard width boards for your order, which helps you to minimize waste and excess shipping costs.

Straight-Line Rip

We will rip-saw one or both sides of your lumber, giving you one or two perpendicular edges to work from.

Conclusion

For more information about our lumber, or to place an order, call us at 717-548-2668. We are happy to answer your questions and help you with your ongoing needs.