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Compare Grades Interactively
Click a grade below to explore details
Select & Better
Premium
A premium grade that includes Select boards and higher-grade boards mixed together - the sweet spot of quality and value.
NHLA Mapping
Includes NHLA Selects, F1F (FAS One Face), and some FAS boards mixed together
Quick Comparison
At a glance
FAS / Prime
Best for premium decking & high-visibility projects
Select & Better
Best for decking, fencing, and siding
Mill Run
Best for rustic builds & budget projects
NHLA Grading Standards
The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) establishes objective, enforceable standards for hardwood lumber
FAS (Firsts and Seconds)
Highest standard grade
F1F (FAS One Face)
FAS on one face
Selects
High quality below FAS
No. 1 Common (1C)
Clear cuttings, some defects
No. 2A Common (2AC)
Lower yield, more characteristics
No. 2B Common (2BC)
Similar to 2AC
Sound Wormy
Wormholes, character marks
No. 3A Common (3AC)
Significant characteristics
No. 3B Common (3BC)
Lowest NHLA grade
How Our Products Map to NHLA Grades
FAS / Prime
NHLA FAS grade — the highest standard
Select & Better
Includes NHLA Selects, F1F, and some FAS boards
Mill Run
Typically No. 2A Common and above, unsorted
Why Lumber Grades Matter
Appearance
Clean vs rustic
Install Time
Sorting & rejecting
Material Waste
Cutting around defects
Total Cost
Labor + yield
Higher grade lumber costs more per board — but often saves money by reducing labor and waste
NHLA Grading vs. "Self-Grading"
Why objective standards matter and how to protect your project
The Central Problem
Many suppliers use terms like "Premium," "Deck Grade," or "Architectural Grade" — but these are internal labels with no third-party enforcement.
The key question: Who determines if the product meets the grade?
What Credible Sellers Do
Buyer Protection Tips
"If a supplier's material truly meets NHLA FAS or Select, they should be able to state that directly on the invoice. When they use private grade names instead, it usually means the rules are flexible and the seller determines compliance."
Common Questions
Get answers before you order
Grade Terminology
Understanding common terms
Checking
Small surface cracks from natural drying
Sapwood
Lighter outer wood layer
Mineral Streaks
Natural dark streaks - cosmetic only
Worm Holes
Small holes from natural exposure
Wane
Edge irregularity where bark may be visible
End Splits
Board-end splits from drying - trim off
Interlocked Grain
Grain pattern that increases stability
Surface Marks
Minor milling marks - usually sand out
Why Higher Grades Can Save Money
Higher grade lumber costs more per board — but reduces sorting time, cut waste, rejected boards, and labor cost
If you're paying for installation, upgrading the grade often pays for itself through faster installs and less waste