Grades of Western Red Cedar
The following has been re-typed from the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association's pamphlet Specifying Cedar Siding, (copyright 1993, 93-491 revised March 1996)

Clear Grades of W.R.C. Bevel Siding
Clear V.G. Heart
This is the highest bevel siding grade. All Clear V.G. Heart grade is sawn vertical grain (edge grain) and is kiln dried. Pieces have a smooth face of decay-resistant heartwood and are free from growth characteristics that affect appearance or performance. Pieces have excellent dimensional stability and hold finishes exceptionally well.
A Clear
This is a fine appearance grade that allows only slightly more growth characteristics than Clear Heart. Pieces are of mixed grain. These mixed grain (vertical and flat) pieces are graded from the surfaced face.
Rustic
Rustic grade bevel siding is recommended for use as sidewall covering where the distinctive charm of a rustic saw textured appearance is desired. This grade allows limited characteristics that do not detract from serviceability.
B Clear
This grade permits slightly more numerous and larger growth characteristics. It is nevertheless highly serviceable and often yields short lengths of fine appearance from longer stock.

Knotty Grades of Western Red Cedar Bevel Siding
Select Knotty*
Knots and other natural features define the visual character of knotty siding. In Select Knotty grades, knots are sound and tight. Available rough or dressed, kiln-dried or unseasoned and smooth or saw textured. Some companies may supply this grade with knots glued on the reversed face. *Shipments of Select Knotty grade siding usually specify a percentage of Quality Knotty grade pieces.
Quality Knotty
In this grade, natural growth characteristics are not limited as stringently as in Select Knotty. Cross cutting may be required on some pieces to yield tight knotted siding.

Clear Grades of W.R.C. Pattern Siding
Clear Heart
The highest grade. Includes only pieces with heartwood on the exposed face. Many pieces completely clear, others have minor imperfections that do not detract from their fine appearance.
A Clear*
Permits somewhat more imperfections than Clear Heart but the grade is still restricted to pieces with excellent appearance. *Common specifications are A and Better and A and Better with a percentage of B grade allowed.
B Clear
Permits slightly larger and more numerous characteristics than A grade and occasional pieces may require trimming to yield high grade pieces in short lengths. Most often supplied as a percentage with A grade.

Knotty Grades of W.R.C. Pattern Siding
Select Knotty
Available kiln dried or unseasoned. Knots are sound and tight
Quality Knotty
In this grade, natural growth characteristics are not limited as stringently as in Selected Knotty. Cross cutting may be required on some pieces to yield tight knotted siding
Proprietary Grades*
Designed to meet appearance required for cedar siding and trim. Ask your WRCLA [ Standard Building Supplies Ltd.] distributor for details. *Manufactures may market their proprietary grades.
Standard and Better
Suitable for exterior construction. Occasional pieces may require trimming to yield suitable quality for the intended end use.

Clear Grades of W.R.C. Board-and-Batten Siding
Clear heart
The highest grade. Includes only pieces with heartwood on the exposed face. Many pieces completely clear, others have minor imperfections that do not detract from their fine appearance.
A Clear*
Permits somewhat more imperfections then Clear Heart but the grade is still restricted to pieces with excellent appearance. *Common specifications are A and Better and A and Better with a percentage of B Grade allowed.
B Clear
Permits slightly larger and more numerous characteristics than A Grade but occasional pieces may require trimming to yield high grade pieces in short lengths. Most often supplied as a percentage with A grade
C and Better Clear
High quality lumber for use where appearance is important. In addition to interior and exterior trim, lumber of this grade is used for cabinetry, doors, windows and similar applications.
D Clear
This grade permits larger and more numerous natural characteristics and is used where general utility is more important than appearance.

Knotty Grades of W.R.C. Board-and-Batten Siding
Select Knotty*
Knots are sound and tight. Other characteristics are limited so they do not detract from the end use intended. *Typically available commercially as Select allowing 10%-15% Quality Knotty in rough or surface products.
Quality Knotty
Natural growth characteristics not limited as stringently as in Select Knotty. Cross cutting may be required on some pieces to yield tight knotted siding.
Proprietary**
Graded to manufacturer's specification to meet the intended end use. Boards often represent good value in the no-hole product range. **Consult manufacturer's [Standard Building Supplies Ltd.] for grade descriptions and nomenclature.
Standard and Better***
Suitable for exterior construction. Occasional pieces may require trimming to yield suitable quality for the intended end use. ***Typically supplied as S1S2E products. S4S products may require special ordering.

[to top]