Shaping the Future of Character Grades

Since its inception, NHLA has worked hard to provide the industry with quality education and training. One of our most recent initiatives is the Hardwoods Processing 101 course, tailored to educate newly hired or promoted individuals on everything from tree seedlings to kiln-dried lumber and finished goods. This immersive experience not only equips students with vital knowledge but also sparks meaningful discussions about evolving industry needs.

For instance, in our latest class, Susan Pilato, CEO of Mantra Inspired Furniture, shared her perspective on the demand for more “character” in hardwood grades to satisfy unique design requirements. At Mantra Inspired Furniture, their mission to create furniture that is both beautiful and environmentally mindful is driven by a passion for sustainability. They carefully select sustainably sourced American hardwoods and implement eco-conscious production methods to enhance spaces while preserving the planet for future generations.

This feedback from Susan and our efforts to engage with the architectural and design community highlight a gap in our current 2023 Rules Book. While it outlines character grades like “Colonial Poplar” and “Rustic Oak,” these grades allow sound defects in the cut-tings but do not explicitly require them. As a result, if priced higher than Clear Face Cutting grades, these “Character” grades may lead to orders being filled with standard 1 Common boards.

With the upcoming Rules changes in 2025, I propose a potential “Character Grade” that addresses this gap, balancing the need for aesthetic character with structural requirements:

Character Grade – All Species
Widths: 4” & wider
Lengths: 6’ & longer
The entire board must be sound, except that stain is not allowed in species where stain is not admitted in Clear Face Cuttings. Boards yielding standard 1 Common or better for the respective species would not be admitted. Knot diameter should not exceed one-third the width of the piece, and no through holes are allowed. Variations must be specified in the contract.

Character Strips
Same as Character Grade, except no defects within ¼” of the edge

This idea could be included in the 2027 Rules Book if submitted to Chief Inspector Dana Spessert and passes through the Rules Committee with a 2/3 majority vote from Active members. We welcome your feedback on this or any other Rules submissions. Please reach out to Dana at d.spessert@nhla.com.

By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector

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