Hardwood Industries, Inc. www.hardwoodind.com Why are NHLA standards lower for grading Walnut? Walnut trees have more branches and a lot of twisted and contorted grain in comparison to most other American hardwoods. More defects, narrower widths, smaller cuttings, shorter lengths, inconsistent grain, and a stark contrast between heart and sap wood are all inherent in Walnut lumber. These factors make the production of clear, long length, and wide lumber a very difficult task in Walnut. However, it is primarily due to these natural characteristics that Walnut remains one of the most sought after hardwoods in North America. It is because of this demand that a loosened NHLA grading system was established years ago in order to promote a wider use of the species. At Hardwood Industries, we realize that a loosened NHLA grading standard isn’t necessarily the right answer for a manufacturer that is down line in the production process. Not only does it make it difficult to manufacture a product using Walnut lumber, it also makes it extremely difficult to confidently bid the job and produce a successful result. Walnut graded similar to other species, with a heart and clarity specification to get you what you need. HI BRAND WALNUT WHAT'S THE ANSWER? • Smaller boards are allowed in FAS grade. • More and smaller cuttings are allowed. • 6' - 7' FAS is graded by defects, not clear cuttings. Here are some Key Grade Differences: The question you need to ask yourself: Do you need walnut better than NHLA grade? Grade: Page # Minimum Board Size Minimum Cutting Size Number of Cuts SM = Surface Measure 1 SM = 1 sq. ft. Big Cut Grade of Best Face Grade of Back Face Heart Content Standard NHLA FAS1F & BTR (non-Walnut) - 6" x 8' 4" x 5' or 3" x 7' on best face 4" x 2' or 3" x 3' on back face 4-7 SM: 1 cut 8-11 SM: 2 cuts 12+ SM: 3 cuts No FAS1F & BTR 1 Common & Better No Restriction HI Superior Veneer Walnut 6 6" x 6' 4" x 3' or 3" x 6' on both faces 3-7 SM: 2 cuts 8-11 SM: 3 cuts 12+ SM: 4 cuts Yes* FAS FAS H2F to 90/70 HI Superior Prime Walnut 7 6" x 6' 4" x 3' or 3" x 6' on both faces 3-7 SM: 2 cuts 8-11 SM: 3 cuts 12+ SM: 4 cuts Yes* FAS FAS H2F to 90/70 HI Superior Plus Walnut 8 5" x 6' 4" x 3' or 3" x 6' on best face 4" x 2' or 3" x 3' on back face 3-7 SM: 2 cuts 8-11 SM: 3 cuts 12+ SM: 4 cuts Yes* Select & Better 1 Common & Better H2F to 90/70 HI Superior Chop Walnut 9 5" x 6' 4" x 3' or 3" x 6' on best face 4" x 2' or 3" x 3' on back face 3-7 SM: 2 cuts 8-11 SM: 3 cuts 12+ SM: 4 cuts No Select & Better 1 Common & Better H2F to 90/70 HI Superior HI Walnut 10 5" x 6' 4" x 3' or 3" x 6' on best face 4" x 2' or 3" x 3' on back face 3-7 SM: 2 cuts 8-11 SM: 3 cuts 12+ SM: 4 cuts No Select & Better 1 Common & Better 90/70 to 70/50 HI Superior 1 Face Walnut 11 5" x 6' 4" x 3' or 3" x 6' on best face 4" x 2' or 3" x 3' on back face 3-7 SM: 2 cuts 8-11 SM: 3 cuts 12+ SM: 4 cuts Yes* Select & Better 1 Common & Better 100/50 to 90/0 HI Superior Calico Walnut 12 5" x 6' 4" x 3' or 3" x 6' on best face 4" x 2' or 3" x 3' on back face 3-7 SM: 2 cuts 8-11 SM: 3 cuts 12+ SM: 4 cuts No Select & Better 1 Common & Better Less than 70/50 Standard NHLA FAS Walnut - 5" x 6' 4" x 3' or 3" x 6' on best face No restriction on back face 3-7 SM: 2 cuts 8-11 SM: 3 cuts 12+ SM: 4 cuts No Select & Better Sound & Better No Restriction on Steamed Walnut Standard NHLA 6-7' FAS Walnut - 5" x 6' On best face: 6-7' boards are defect graded. Boards under 8" wide allow 1 standard defect, over 8" wide allow 2 standard defects. Sound & Better No Restriction on Steamed Walnut HI Brand Walnut vs. NHLA Standard vs. NHLA Walnut Grading Rules * See Big Cut rule on grade page.