How to Grade Refurbished Lumber

The use of refurbished or reclaimed lumber allows someone making a woodworking project to give it a genuine aged look, rather than achieving it through the use of stains or other doctoring methods. Refurbished wood is usually as strong now as it was when it was new and a lot of refurbished wood is available in sizes not commonly available today. The grading of refurbished lumber is the same as it is for any kind of lumber. Lumber is graded primarily by size and quality. Knowing what to look for is key to grading lumber correctly.

Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Determine what type of wood the lumber is made of. Check to see if you have hardwood or softwood lumber, based on the number of pores in the wood. Check the grain against a wood chart that can be obtained from a home improvement store or online. Compare the color of the wood to the types shown in the chart as well.
- 2
  Measure the length and the width of the refurbished lumber using a measuring tape to determine surface measure.
- 3
  Check the surface area of the wood for any imperfections, such as knotholes, indentations or wormholes. Use the side of the wood that has the most imperfections for your gauge.
- 4
  Determine how many clear cuttings you will be able to obtain from the refurbished lumber; the grade will be higher for lumber that yields more cuttings.
- 5
  Compare the information you obtained against a lumber grading chart. For example. to earn the top grade of FAS, lumber has to be at least 8 feet long by 6 inches wide, with a minimum cutting size of 4 inches by 5 feet or 3 inches by 7 feet, and yield a minimum percentage of clear cuttings of 83 1/3 percent.

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