What does HF mean in lumber?

The abbreviations for framing-grade softwoods, from strongest to weakest, are as follows: Doug Fir, D Fir- L: Douglas fir (L=western larch) SYP: Southern pine. Hem, Hem-fir, H-F: Hemlock or fir. S-P-F: Spruce, pine, or fir.

What is HF 2 lumber?

When you order specific lumber grades, such as HF #2, you'll get #2 &+ (and better). This means all the lumber bearing this grade stamp should be a minimum of #2 quality. Some pieces may be higher quality.

What does SPF HF mean in lumber?

It is an acronym that stands for spruce, pine and fir, referring to any of these types of coniferous trees grown and harvested in various regions of North America, primarily Canada and some northern regions of the U.S. The SPF classification originated in the Canadian lumber industry, but the SPF lumber sold in stores ...

What do the letters on lumber mean?

"#1 Structural" = at least 75% clear wood; "#2 Structural" = at least 66% clear wood; "#3 Structural" ("stud" grade) = at least 50% clear wood; "Construction Grade" = at least 57% clear wood; "Standard Grade" = at least 43% clear wood; and.

What are the 4 types of lumber?

The hardwood, softwood, plywood or MDF are the four main varieties of wood that you may use for any type of woodworking project and the following points give you the confidence to select the right type of wood for your project.

Lumber Grading and Defects

What is the strongest wood?

Generally acknowledged as the hardest wood, lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum and Guaiacum officinale) measures in at 4,500 pounds-force (lbf) on the Janka scale.

What does HT mean on wood?

Wood from certified manufacturers of heat-treated lumber are stamped with the letters “HT” along with other identifying marks and codes.

What does BF mean in lumber?

1. Hardwood lumber is typically sold by the board foot, a unit of volume equivalent to a board that is one inch thick, one foot wide and one foot long, or 144 cubic inches.

What is FAS lumber?

FAS: (first and second grade) This stands for the highest grade of lumber. FAS grade includes some defects but is considered the premier lumber for furniture and cabinet making.

Is SPF or SYP better?

So, what are the differences between SYP vs SPF? SYP is stronger and denser than SPF. Therefore, SYP is automatically heavier. Moreover, because of SYP's high resistance to decay, it can be used outdoors.

Is SPF wood good for outdoors?

This species group is frequently used in the manufacturing of flat-packed modular furniture; due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, SPF is ideal for use in modular houses, trusses, exterior decking, outdoor furniture, interior finishing, boxes, and packing cases.

What is the best lumber grade?

Hardwood grades are: FAS (First and Second) is the highest grade of hardwood lumber. It's usually 6-inches x 8-inches and is 83 percent defect-free on its best side. Select is 4-inches x 6-inches and 83 percent defect free on its best side.

Whats stronger yellow pine or spruce?

Structural Lumber

Because spruce has a higher strength-to-weight ratio, it may have a slight advantage over pine for structural applications.

What is J grade lumber?

It is a product of softwood species. These softwood species, Spruce, Pine, and Fir have the same characteristics. The SPF J Grade Lumber is a preferred and common brand in the Japan Market. It turns out to be the highest grade of dimension lumber. The grade has minimal defects, and it is white and bright in appearance.

What is BDFT wood?

A board foot is a wood measurement for a piece of lumber 12" wide by 1' long by 1" thick for estimating purposes. Learn how to figure total board feet in your next stack of lumber below.

How do you calculate MBF lumber?

What does KD SYP HT mean on lumber?

Answer: Western lumber mills and others are producing lumber showing a KD-HT mark, indicating the wood has been kiln dried and heat-treated.

What does HT mean on wooden pallets?

Pallets marked with an “HT” were heat-treated and did not come into contact with chemicals during the treating process. Avoid unmarked pallets or those stamped with an “MB” for methyl bromide. Look for the treatment codes next to the IPPC symbol.

What does SPF mean in lumber?

SPF stands for spruce-pine-fir. The three types of wood are processed together and can be used in similar situations because they have very similar properties.

What are the three lumber use classifications?

The quality of softwood lumber is classified, according to its intended use, as being yard, structural, factory, or shop lumber.

What does KD mean in woodworking?

You'll get less movement with kiln-dried (KD) or surface-dry (S-DRY) lumber, which has a moisture content between 16 and 19 percent. (KD-HT means the wood was also heat treated to kill pests, a requirement for imported lumber.)

What is better #1 or #2 lumber?

Typically wood that is two or more inches thick is graded only for strength, denoted by #1, #2 and so on. And because stronger lumber has fewer and smaller knots, it's typically more attractive. So the general rule of thumb for lumber grades is this: the lower the number, the more strength and better appearance.