Hardwood producers across the world label their lumber on the basis of a number of factors – in the U.S., these include the size of the cutting area, the number of knots or other natural characteristics in the surface, and any variations in colour and grain. In other words, the grade reflects the percentage of ‘clear wood’ in the board. Number 1 Common – aka No.1C – hardwood generally comprises the same clear wood as upper grades but in smaller cuttings. Although this category of timber was originally created as the ‘cabinet grade’, specifically selected to be used in cabinetry, flooring or furniture parts, it is not commonly used in Europe, in favour of ‘cleaner’ grades of timber.

American hardwood forests contain more than twice the volume of standing timber today as 50 years ago. To maximise the potential of this natural resource, we need to rethink how we use timber – learning to appreciate and utilise not just the most ‘pristine’ cuts, which make up only up to 10% of the tree, but as much of the tree as possible.

Learn more about the U.S. hardwood grading system in this video workshop.