Grading Guidelines for Radiata Pine

 
No.1 Grade

A premium grade which is clear on all four faces with the occasional minor blemish permissible as per N.Z. Timber Grading Rules NZS 3631:1988. Typical
end uses include mouldings, dressed boards, panelling, and products that require a stained finish.

Radiata Dressing Grade

An appearance grade, with sound tight knots and other natural defects as per N.Z. Timber Grading Rules NZS 3631:1988. Ideally suited where a paint finish is
required. Typical end uses include weatherboards and dressed boards.

No.2 Grade

Clear on three faces as per No.1 clears above, but the reverse face is allowed some natural defects or in allowance with the dressing grade guidelines.

SG8 Dry

Structural Grade 8 suitable for Lintels, floor joists, roof beams, general framing, trusses, decking joists, Verandah posts, Pergola and other
outdoor applications

Industrial OR Boxing Grade

Contains the core (pith) of the log and surrounding heavy heartwood zone.  Grading allows any amount of pith, spiral grain, large knots, broken knots, spike and cluster knots.   Grading allows cone hole, needle trace, resin pockets, moderate blue stain and wane on 50% of edges.   Grading does not allow decay, broken and fallen knots bigger than half the width, heavy blue stain, and pieces of timber that do not hold together (are not structurally sound).

Merchant Grade

Contains the next layer of wood beyond the core of the log. Grading allows heartwood and any number of knots and defects which are generally sound and tight (inter-grown). Grading allows for a small amount of pith (less than 10% of the length), cone hole, needle trace, light to moderate resin, light blue stain and wane on up to 30% of the edge. Cluster and spike knots are allowed as long as structurally sound. Grading does not allow pith (greater than 10% of length), dead knots, decaying timber and broken pieces.

H3.1 Outside, above ground, periodic wetting but where the timber can dry out; some leaching, maintained paint system
H3.2 Outside above ground, periodic wetting but where the timber can dry out; some leaching
H4 In or on the ground subject to severe wetting and leaching
H5 In or on the ground subject to severe wetting and leaching, with or in freshwater
WAT Wet After Treatment
UT Untreated
GS Green Sawn
KD Kiln Dried
   
R/S Rough Sawn
DAR Dressed 
D4S Dressed four sides
RHD Rougher Headed
P/G Planer Gauged
G/T  Grip Tread
T& G Tongue & Groove