The best grade of Cedar for your project depends on the aesthetic and level of durability required. Consider the specific requirements of your project and consult experts to help you select the right choice for you.
Deciphering cedar grades can be a bit challenging, but it’s important to understand the nuances of wood grading before selecting your fence boards. We’ve broken down the different cedar grades to make your decision a little easier:
1. Grade 1
Cedar is a durable wood that’s naturally resistant to moisture and decay. Its preservative oils and tight grain structure further enhance its longevity, allowing it to resist warping, cracking, and swelling better than other softwoods. This enables it to endure a range of weather conditions without damage or degrading, making it an ideal choice for exterior siding or cladding, roof shingles, decking, and interior paneling.
Western red Cedar can be purchased in a variety of grades, depending on the desired appearance, structural requirements, and budget. Choosing the right grade is critical, as it affects the final product’s durability and appearance. Higher-grade options, such as Clear Cedar or Grade A, offer superior aesthetics and enhanced durability but come at a premium price. Lower-grade options, such as Knotty Cedar or STK, provide a more rustic appearance and embrace a natural look for your project.
When it comes to selecting a Cedar grade for your next project, it’s important to assess your specific needs and consult with a professional if needed. Cedar lumber grades are determined using two different criteria, structural and appearance, and are often labeled differently by each mill and retailer.
Structural lumber is graded according to standards set by grading agencies, which identify categories such as Select Structural and Number 1. However, Cedar is also rated based on numerous characteristics besides its visual characteristics, with knots and other defects being a key factor in the classification process.
Cedar can be categorized into nine different cedar grades based on growth characteristics and the amount of visible defects. Generally, the higher-grade Cedar is better suited for architectural and decorative applications and requires less job site trimming than lower-grade options.
Clear Cedar is the highest quality of all cedar grades. It is free of any major flaws and offers a clean, smooth surface that accepts finishes well. Typically used for siding and trim, it can be stained or painted either before or after installation.
Staining and painting Cedar is recommended, as the wood’s natural oils help protect it from UV rays. It’s also a good idea to use weatherproofing sealants and paints. However, it is important to note that Cedar should not be treated with transparent coatings, as the UV rays will penetrate the film and degrade the wood.
2. Grade 2
Cedar is a beautiful and versatile material that can be used for a variety of home projects. Its natural durability and attractiveness make it a popular choice for both residential and commercial structures. It has a rich reddish-brown color, straight grain, and excellent workability. It can be shaped and carved into many different forms to suit the design of any project.
Like all wood, each piece of Cedar is unique and has its characteristics. These features are what determine the grade of a piece of lumber. For example, knots are imperfections that can affect the structural integrity of a piece of Cedar. They are the remnants of branches that have fallen from a tree and tight knots can be either intergrown or encased in the wood.
In a cedar grading system, knots are classified into two categories: structural and fine appearance grade. Structural grades are determined by a numbering system that categorizes different qualities of lumber in terms of their structure and functionality. Structural grades are typically used for lumber that is 2 inches thick or more, such as joists and planks.
Appearance grades are based on the visual characteristics of Cedar and can be a more difficult choice to make. The key factors when selecting an appearance grade are the desired aesthetic and level of durability. The higher-grade options are sleek and refined, while lower-grade options offer a rustic look and other natural features that can add character to any project.
To make the best selection, consult a professional. Architects, contractors, and experienced woodworkers can provide insights into the specific needs of your project and recommend the appropriate cedar grade to meet those requirements. They can also assess local climate and building codes to make sure the selected grade is up to code.
When choosing a grade, be sure to specify the type and size of Cedar you require and check for signs of grade mismatched lumber. If the product you receive has a different cedar grade than specified, look for a label or tag with the correct information. If a tag or label is missing, ask to see the lumber’s receipts or wrappers to verify that the Cedar you are receiving is what you expect it to be.
3. Grade 3
Cedar is renowned for its natural durability, resistance to decay and insect infestation, and stability. These natural characteristics make it the ideal material for fences, pergolas, decks, and other outdoor projects that are exposed to a variety of weather conditions.
To take advantage of these unique properties, you’ll want to use the very highest grade of quality cedar possible on your project. But with a range of different grades available, it can be challenging to decide what grade is best for your needs. To help you determine the right grade for your project, let’s look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Clear, Vertical Grain – Known simply as “VG,” this clear grade of Cedar is the top choice for projects that require a clean, uniform appearance. Its pieces are sawn specifically to produce a uniform, smooth face of decay-resistant heartwood. It also has excellent dimensional stability and holds finishes very well.
This is the best-quality Cedar, but it’s also the most expensive. This is because it comes from the center of the tree, where knots and blemishes are less common. In addition, it’s typically kiln-dried, which helps the wood retain its shape and moisture resistance.
While #1-grade cedar is the most popular for residential applications, it’s important to understand its limitations. While it has few knots and blemishes, the few that are present are oversized and may contain rot pockets or wane on edges and corners. Items in this grade can still be used for structural purposes, but you’ll need to consider using a more durable finish or a more visually appealing material.
Knotty Cedar
Knotty Cedar has a rich, rustic character and fine appearance that can complement any home design. While this grade can be a bit more expensive than other cedar grades, it’s worth it for its beauty and ruggedness. Unlike other types of wood, knots in Cedar aren’t a threat to long-term performance because they’re intergrown or encased rather than loose and unsupported.
The unique composition of knotty Cedar allows it to withstand the elements and resist decay, mildew, and insects. It also contains oils that repel water, making it a good choice for areas that experience heavy rainfall. Because of its durability, this type of Cedar has been used to build boats for centuries. Its natural composition also makes it resistant to fungus and stains, which can easily penetrate other types of wood.
4. Grade 4
The specific requirements of a project will impact the cedar grade that is chosen. For projects where durability is paramount, higher-grade options are recommended. However, if the appearance of the finished project is also important, a lower-grade option may be better suited. To make a clear decision about the best cedar grade for a particular application, it is important to consult with a professional, such as an architect or contractor, who has experience working with Cedar and can offer valuable insights.
The highest-quality cedar grades are characterized by a clean, smooth finish, free of knots and other imperfections that detract from the overall appearance. At the other end of the scale, utility-grade cedar is characterized by a greater number of blemishes and knots, which can affect appearance and make it less suitable for decorative applications.
Regardless of the appearance grade chosen, all Cedar provides exceptional durability and beauty. Its resistance to insect attack and decay is unmatched, and its low moisture content prevents rotting and swelling. Moreover, its large proportions of cell cavities, which are filled with air, provide superior insulation.
Deciphering cedar grades can be difficult, particularly because the term “cedar” can be used to refer to two different things: structure and appearance. In addition, grading systems can differ between lumber mills and retailers.
Lumber is typically grade stamped at the mill where it was produced and graded on both its structural (Number) and appearance characteristics. Depending on the species and how it is processed, Cedar may be graded using different grading systems such as Light Framing, Structural Joists and Planks, Beams and Stringers, Posts and Timbers, or Rough Sawn (closer to its nominal dimension).
When choosing the right Cedar for a specific project, consider the desired aesthetic, level of durability, and budget constraints. While higher-grade options may be more expensive, the superior quality and long-term benefits of Cedar make it a wise investment.
