Plywood Grading Standards
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ANSI Plywood Grading Standards & Descriptions
FACE GRADE: Applications
A
Where excellent appearance is very important as in cabinets and furniture.
B
Where the natural characteristics and appearance of the species are desirable.
C
D
Provide sound surfaces but allow unlimited color variation. Repairs in increasing size ranges allowed respectively from C to D. Suitable for applications where surface will be hidden or a more natural appearance is desired.
BACK GRADE: Descriptions
1
2
Provide sound surfaces with all openings in the veneer repaired except for vertical worm holes not larger than 1/16.”
3
Some open defects. Repaired splits, joints, bark pockets, laps and knotholes can achieve a sound surface if specified by the buyer.
4
Some open defects. Knotholes up to 4″ in diameter are permitted. Open splits and joints limited by width and length.
FACE GRADES: Birch | Ash | Maple | Poplar
Veneer: Rotary-Cut | Plain-Sliced | Quarter-Cut
| Pin Knots & Small Burls Combined Average | Conspicuous Burls Maximum | Sound & Repaired Knots | Repaired Knots | Mineral Streaks | Vine | Rough Cut | Blended Repaired Tapering | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | MAX 10 (4 UP TO 1/4″) | 3/8″ | NO | NO | SLIGHT | SLIGHT | NO | TWO 1/16″ X 6″ |
| B | MAX 16 (8 UP TO 1/4″) | 1/2″ | 4 | 4 TO 1/8″ | SLIGHT | YES | SLIGHT | FOUR 1/8″ X 8″ |
| C | NO LIMIT | NO LIMIT | 8 | 4 TO 1/2″ | YES | YES | TWO 8″ AREAS | FOUR 3/16″ X 8″ |
| D | NO LIMIT | NO LIMIT | 10 | 5 TO 3/4″ | YES | YES | 5% OF PANEL | SIX 1/4″ X 10″ |
FACE GRADES: Red and White Oak
Veneer: Rotary-Cut | Plain-Sliced | Quarter-Cut
| Pin Knots & Small Burls Combined Average | Sound & Repaired Knots | Repaired Knots | Mineral Streaks | Sap | Blended Repaired Tapering Hairline Splits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | MAX 12 (4 UP TO 1/4″) | NO | NO | SLIGHT | 5%(1) | TWO 1/16″ X 6″ |
| B | MAX 24 (16 UP TO 1/4″) | 4 | 4 TO 1/8″ | FEW TO 8″ | UP TO 20%(2) | FOUR 1/8″ X 8″ |
| C | NO LIMIT | 8 | 4 TO 1/2″ | YES TO 12″ | YES | FOUR 3/16″ X 8″ |
(1) No sap allowed in Rift, Comb, and P/S; Allowed in Rotary White Oak
(2) Rotary Red Oak; 10% sap allowed in Rift, Comb, and P/S; Any sap allowed in Rotary White Oak
BACK GRADES
| Sound Tight Knots | Knotholes | Repaired Knots | Sound Tight Burls | Mineral/Sap | Rough Cut | Splits or Joints | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MAX 16 (UP TO 1/4″) | NO | NO | YES | YES/YES | TWO 8″ DIA. AREAS | SIX 1/8″ X 12″ REPAIRED |
| 2 | MAX 16 (8 UP TO 1/4″) | ALL REPAIRED | 8 TO 1/2″ | YES | YES/YES | YES | SIX 3/16″ X 12″ REPAIRED |
| 3 | MAX 16 (8 UP TO 1/4″) | ALL 3/8″ TO 1″ | NO(1) | YES | YES/YES | YES | 3/8″ X 1/4 LOP |
| 4 | YES | UP TO 4″ | NO | YES | YES/YES | YES | 1″ TO 1/4 LOP, 1/2″ TO 1/2 LOP, 1/4″ TO FULL LOP |
(1) May be obtained repaired, if specified
LOP = Length Of Panel
