How to Specify Wood Sustainably
A Practical Guide for
First-Time Wood Specifiers and Designers
What does wood grade mean,
and how does it affect sustainability and cost?
Wood grade refers to the clarity and size of each board, based on NHLA (National Hardwood Lumber Association or equivalent Softwood grading entities) standards. However, many projects specify higher grades than are actually necessary, leading to avoidable waste and increased costs. A few smart tweaks to your grade spec can boost yield without sacrificing quality.
Here are different grades to spec in your next project:
| Grade | Typical Clarity & Dimensions | Log Yield | Best For | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAS (First and Seconds) |
Min. 6" wide, 8' long, 83%+ clear | Top 5–10% of a log | Premium tabletops, door stiles, high-visibility details | Over-specifying FAS leads to avoidable waste and higher cost |
| Selects | Similar to FAS; min. 4" x 6" | 10–15% of a log | Finish pieces, furniture, combined with FAS for consistency | Smart pairing with FAS for consistent quality and better yield |
| #1 Common | Min. 3" x 4'; 66%+ clear | 40%+ of a log | Cabinets, cladding, flooring, furniture | Great balance of appearance and efficiency—ideal for large-scale use |
| #2 Common | ~50% usable per board | High-yield rustic grade | Accent pieces, small furniture, character-driven builds | Lower clarity, but high charm—good for non-uniform applications |
Understanding wood grades isn’t just about clarity or prestige—it’s about aligning the right material to the right application. While FAS may be ideal for standout pieces, grades like #1 Common and #2 Common can dramatically improve yield and cost-efficiency without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
When in doubt, ask yourself: does every board need to be flawless, or just functional and beautiful in context? Adjusting your grade spec is one of the easiest ways to reduce the overuse of premium material and support more sustainable sourcing.
Specifying #1 Common & Better for large-scale applications improves
yield and cost efficiency while maintaining visual quality.
What are the differences between
rift, quarter, live, and flat sawn?
These refer to how the log is cut by the sawyer at the sawmill—and each approach impacts both appearance and material efficiency.
| Sawn Type | Grain Appearance | Yield | Key Benefit | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rift Sawn
|
Clean, linear grain (cuts perpendicular to growth rings) | ~50% | Highly uniform appearance | Low yield—best used selectively for high-visibility elements |
Quarter Sawn
|
Linear grain with decorative flecking (especially in oak) | ~60% | Visual interest + moderate dimensional stability | Better yield than rift; ideal for visible but not full-scale use |
Plain (Flat) Sawn
|
Cathedral and vertical grain mix | ~70% | Traditional, efficient, widely available | High yield makes it ideal for large-scale applications |
Live Sawn
|
Blend of rift, quarter, and plain cuts | Up to 85% | Balanced aesthetic + maximum log utilization | Most sustainable option—minimal waste and high design flexibility |
Live sawn lumber gives you a mix of grain patterns, increasing character
and reducing waste—without limiting design potential.
How do board dimensions
(width and length) impact sustainability?
Size specs, often overlooked, are the most powerful levers for sustainability and cost efficiency.
| Spec Type | Common Defaults | More Sustainable Alternative | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 6"–8" | 2"–4" or mixed-width (e.g., 3"–6") | Smaller boards yield more from each log, are easier to source, and add visual rhythm to cladding and decking. |
| Length | 12'+ | 8'–10' for hardwoods Up to 16' in softwoods |
Long boards increase material loss and cost. Specifying a single fixed length can increase costs by 20% or more. |
Widths
Many specifiers default to 6"–8" widths, but most hardwood logs yield more efficiently at 2"–4". Narrower boards are easier to source, more cost-effective, and create stronger visual rhythm in cladding, fencing, and decking.
Think of a log like a square donut: the center goes to pallet wood or railroad ties. From an 18" square, how many 8" boards can you really get? Mixed-width specs (e.g., 3"–6") increase your usable yield dramatically.
Lengths
For hardwoods, 8'–10' is the most practical range. 12' is possible but requires a higher level of loss in the material. In softwoods, 16' is potentially available. If you need boards longer than that, expect longer lead times or added costs. Also, specifying a specific standard length across the entire project can add 20% or more cost to the overall project.
Mixed-width, mixed-length (8-10’) specs make sourcing easier,
increase log yield, and help keep your project within budget.
Make every board count
If you're exploring more sustainable ways to incorporate wood into your project—without adding cost or compromising design—these best practices are a great place to start. Grade, grain, and size aren’t just technical details; they’re tools that can unlock better value, smarter sourcing, and significantly lower environmental impact.
Have questions about using Carbon Smart™ Wood or how to build specs that work for your project? Let’s talk.
