Design with the whole tree in mind
How Smarter Wood Specs
Improve Cost, Sustainability, and Yield
Let’s be honest.
No one gets into design for the grading tables.
But understanding wood specs — grade, grain, and size — can make or break a project’s sustainability, cost, and supply chain impact.
In this guide, we’ll break down the hidden tradeoffs in common wood specs—and explain how to make smarter ones.
👉 If you’re earlier in the process and looking to rethink your spec mindset entirely, start here with our guide on how to spec sustainably.
Grade: The Hidden Lever in Every Spec
What exactly is “grade”? In short, it’s how we describe a board's visual clarity and size—how free it is from knots, color variation, and other “defects” (many of which are actually beautiful). The National Hardwood Lumber Association sets these grades and typically fall into four tiers:
| Grade | Typical Clarity & Dimensions | Log Yield | Great For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS (First and Seconds) |
Min. 6" wide × 8' long 83%+ clear |
~10% | High-end finishes, furniture, tabletops, architectural millwork |
| Selects | Min. 4" wide × 6' long Similar clarity to FAS |
~15% | Furniture parts, finish trim, matched sets with FAS |
| #1 Common | Min. 3" wide × 4' long 66%+ clear |
~40% | Cabinetry, flooring, cladding, durable furniture applications |
| #2 Common | ~50% clear More knots and color variation |
~30%+ | Rustic designs, smaller parts, accent builds, character-grade projects |
Here’s where it gets interesting: When projects spec only FAS, they’re asking for the top 10% of the tree—and leaving the other 90% out in the cold. Imagine digging up an entire vineyard just to bottle a single glass of wine. That’s what happens when we spec only the “best” grade without considering how the rest of the log gets used.
That’s why we typically recommend a #1 Common & Better spec. It pulls from all the higher-grade material (FAS, Selects, #1 Common), offering a smart blend that balances quality and sustainability—without waste.
Specifying this way doesn’t just help reduce waste—it also makes your project more resilient in the supply chain.
Specifying #1 Common & Better for large-scale applications improves
yield and cost efficiency while maintaining visual quality.
Grain: It’s More Than Just a Pretty Pattern
You’ve heard the term Rift Sawn. Quarter Sawn. Plain Sawn. Maybe even Live Sawn. They describe how the log is sliced—and each method affects both the appearance and the amount of usable lumber you get.
| Sawn Type | Grain Appearance | Yield | Key Benefit | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rift Sawn
|
Sliced perpendicular to the growth rings, producing a uniform, linear grain prized in modern design. | ~50% | Highly uniform aesthetic | Comes at a cost—up to 50% waste from all those triangular offcuts |
Quarter Sawn
|
Shows beautiful medullary rays (those “flecks” in oak) | ~60% | Visual texture and moderate stability | More efficient than Rift Sawn, but still selective |
Plain (Flat) Sawn
|
The most common and efficient cut, with large cathedral grain patterns | ~70% | Great for traditional, cost-effective projects | High yield makes it ideal for large-scale use |
Live Sawn
|
Combines rift, quarter, and plain cuts depending on where each board falls in the log | Up to 85% | Balanced aesthetics + excellent efficiency | Gold standard for sustainability—minimal waste, maximum use |
Yield losses add up fast. Combine a low-yield cut like Rift Sawn with a top-grade-only spec like FAS, and you’re down to just 7.5% of the log being used.
Size: The Spec That Silently Drives Waste (and Cost)
If there’s one thing designers and specifiers tend to underestimate, it’s how board size affects yield. Let’s say you specify a finished 6" wide board. To achieve that after surfacing (S4S), the mill often needs to start with a board that’s 7" or more—and cut the edges off. That edge? Straight to the chipper.
| Board Width | Estimated Log Yield |
Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| 10–12" | <10% | Premium wide widths—limited availability, lower yield, higher cost. |
| 8" | ~15% | Still limited—often requires sourcing from larger-diameter logs |
| 6" | ~60% | Much more available and common—efficient balance of width and yield |
| 4" | >80% | The most efficient and sustainable option—maximizes use of each log |
So if you’re only speccing 6” boards, you’re overlooking the most available — and most efficient — widths. Specifying a mix between 3” and 6” not only improves yield, it can lower cost and introduce more visual variation into your design.
As for length: 8’–10’ is standard for most hardwoods. Anything longer can be sourced, but expect limited availability and a higher price tag.
Real-World Math:
How Common Specs Can Drain the Supply Chain
Let’s run the numbers on a real-world example:
3,000 SF of 1x6 boards, FAS grade, rift sawn, white oak
→ high waste
→ only top-tier clarity
larger cuts = more waste
→ 🪵 300 logs needed
*Only 4% of each log used. 96% becomes waste or sits unsold.
So… What’s the Alternative?
We’re not saying never spec FAS or Rift Sawn. But defaulting to them every time? That’s where the waste (and cost) adds up.
Here’s what to consider instead:
Need consistency? Try a #1 Common & Better blend — it pulls from FAS, Selects, and #1 Common for a balance of quality and availability.
Want sustainability without sacrificing aesthetics? Go with Live Sawn mixed widths — higher yield, dynamic visuals.
Trying to reduce cost without downgrading the look? Use Selects strategically in high-visibility areas and mix in lower grades where appropriate.
Working with a fabricator or mill? Share your performance goals and let them guide you toward smarter, supply-friendly options.
💬 Not sure where to start?
Our team can help you build a smarter, more efficient spec.
