
Buying hardwood lumber for the first time can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. From grading and moisture content to thickness measurements, there’s a lot to understand. At Helmwood, we want to make the process easier for new woodworkers by providing both quality wood and expert advice. Here are five things to know when buying hardwood lumber that will help you make confident, informed choices.
1. Understand Lumber Grading
Lumber grading determines the quality of the wood and how much usable material you’ll get from each board. The higher the grade, the fewer the defects, but higher quality usually means a higher price. The most common hardwood grades include:
FAS (Firsts and Seconds):** The highest quality grade, with the least amount of defects. FAS lumber is excellent for projects where large, clean surfaces are needed, like tabletops.
#1 Common:** Slightly lower quality than FAS but still very usable for most woodworking projects, especially in areas that won’t be highly visible.
#2 Common:** Contains more defects, such as knots and checks, but can be perfect for rustic projects or areas where aesthetics are less critical.
It’s also important to note that many sawmills sort their lumber into higher, unofficial "grades" that not only meet the requirements for FAS but also adhere to even stricter standards. These unofficial grades can go by different names depending on the sawmill, so if you’re looking for the absolute best quality, it’s worth asking if these options are available.
Knowing the grading system will help you select the right balance between quality and cost for your project.
2. Understanding Quarter Scale
Hardwood lumber is typically measured using the quarter scale, which describes the thickness of the wood in quarters of an inch. For instance:
4/4 (Four Quarter): 1 inch thick.
6/4 (Six Quarter): 1.5 inches thick.
8/4 (Eight Quarter): 2 inches thick.
Understanding this system helps ensure you buy the right thickness for your project. Keep in mind that rough lumber will lose some thickness during surfacing, so plan accordingly, especially when working on projects that require specific dimensions.
3. Rough vs. S4S Lumber
When buying lumber, you’ll encounter the terms “rough” and “S4S.” Rough lumber is unsurfaced and may vary slightly in thickness and flatness. This offers flexibility, as you can mill it to your exact needs, but it requires more equipment and skill.
S4S lumber, which stands for “Surfaced on Four Sides,” is planed and squared, making it ready for immediate use. S4S lumber is more expensive but is ideal for beginners or those without access to the equipment needed to mill rough lumber.
4. Moisture Content Matters
Wood continues to absorb and release moisture even after it’s been cut. For this reason, moisture content is critical to a successful woodworking project. Kiln-dried lumber is often used for indoor projects because it has been dried to a moisture content of around 6-8%, which stabilizes the wood and minimizes the risk of warping or cracking. At Helmwood, we use vacuum kilns to ensure that our lumber is properly dried and ready for immediate use.
Before purchasing lumber, always ask about its moisture content. Choosing properly dried wood can save you from issues like shrinking or warping after assembly.
5. Buy More Than You Think You’ll Need
A common mistake new woodworkers make is underestimating how much lumber they’ll need. A good rule of thumb is to purchase 10-20% more than you think you’ll use. This extra wood will account for mistakes, grain matching, or unexpected issues that arise during the build.
Having additional lumber on hand also allows you to be more selective when choosing which parts of the board to use, especially when working with natural variations in grain and color.
At Helmwood, we’re committed to helping new woodworkers succeed by offering high-quality hardwood and expert advice. Whether you need guidance on choosing the right grade, understanding thickness, or managing moisture content, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
By keeping these five tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate your next woodworking project. Ready to get started? Explore our selection of hardwoods today, and let us help bring your ideas to life!
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