How to Grade Cedar Lumber

Cedar lumber is favored for outdoor projects like fences.

Known for its flexibility and stability, cedar wood is ideal for humid or wet indoor areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or steam rooms. Even when exposed to moisture, cedar does not warp or lose its shape. That's one of the reasons it's favored for outdoor projects like decks and fences. You can easily distinguish cedar from other woods by the signature smell it emits. Lumberyards offer cedar in various levels of quality; higher-quality cedars cost more than lower-grade varieties. Look for a label on each type of cedar lumber indicating its grade and qualities.

Instructions

1. Understand that CVG -- clear vertical grain -- cedar wood runs a small risk of warping. The vertical markings on CVG cedar are caused by a special cutting process. CVG wood typically costs more than regular cedar.

2. Examine A-grade lumber to make sure there are no marks or damage such as cracks -- referred to as splits -- near the ends of the board. A-grade cedar typically features minuscule knots, a few skips and some recessed areas along the length of the wood.

3. Move on to the "C" wood. C wood is derived from the outermost part of the tree. Its proximity to the bark of the tree means you will often find spots of tree sap embedded in the boards. However, the boards will be relatively clear of any anomalies. Their coloring is usually darker and you can often find splits near the board ends. As with most cedar lumber, you will notice a few knots on each board.

4. Distinguish "D" wood from other grades by its pinholes, minimal knots and occasional grain skips.

5. Notice that "TK," or tight-knot lumber, carries many decorative characteristics. TK lumber often features areas of intact bark, called burls, and decorative knots.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are having trouble choosing a type of cedar wood for your project, consult the salesperson for guidance. He will be well-versed in wood gradings and will recommend a type of wood for your particular needs.

References

• Adams All Natural Cedar: About Cedar & Cypress
• Bear Creek Lumber: Wood Species