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| Southern Pine Flooring: Grades |
Grades
Flooring grades are based upon appearance criteria,
limiting defects such as tight knots, splits, pitch, shake,
stain, or wane. The Southern Pine Inspection Bureau
(SPIB) has established a variety of lumber grades for the
manufacture of Southern Pine flooring.
When selecting a Southern Pine floor, individual tastes
or perhaps a design requirement will govern which grade
best suits a given application. Knot sizes, and overall content
of knots may or may not be desirable to a specifier
or homeowner in a given application.
Refer to Table 1 below for a brief description of
Southern Pine flooring grades. For more detailed information
regarding specific lumber characteristics — size, condition
and limitations of knots, splits and checks permitted — refer to Section 200 of SPIB’s Standard Grading
Rules for Southern Pine Lumber, 2002 Edition.
| Table 1: Southern Pine Flooring Grade Descriptions |
| GRADE |
CHARACTERISTICS |
*B&B |
Highest recognized grade of flooring. Generally clear, although a limited number of pin knots are permitted.
Finest quality for natural or staining finish. |
C |
Excellent for painted or natural finish where requirements are less exacting. Reasonably clear but permits limited number of
surface checks and small tight knots. |
C&BTR |
Combination for B&B and C grades; satisfies requirements for high-quality finish. |
D |
This grade requires a face as good as D Finish grade except scant width of face not permitted and only medium warp allowed.
Economical, serviceable grade for natural or painted finish. |
No.1 |
No. 1 Flooring is not provided under SPIB Grading Rules as a separate grade but, if specified, will be designated and graded as
D flooring. |
No.2 |
This grade requires a face as good as No.2 Boards which is suitable for high-quality sheathing. High utility value where
appearance is not a factor. |
No.3 |
Admits all pieces below No.2 Flooring, if suitable for low-cost sheathing or lathing without wasting over 1/4 length of any piece. |
* Most mills do not manufacture all products and all grade separations.
SOURCE: Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber, 2002 Edition, published by the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau
To obtain a copy, please contact SPIB; phone: 850/434-2611, FAX: 850/433-5594. Order online at: www.spib.org.
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