What is the best grade of hardwood lumber normally available?

FAS, which stands for "First and Seconds," represents the highest grade of hardwood lumber available in the marketplace. This grade is characterized by having a minimum of 83% usable wood, meaning that it has fewer defects compared to lower grades. Lumber graded as FAS is selected for its clear, high-quality appearance, making it suitable for fine woodworking, furniture making, and other applications where aesthetics and structural integrity are crucial.

In addition to the high percentage of usable wood, FAS lumber is typically sourced from mature trees, which contributes to its density and durability. When professionals seek the best quality hardwood for projects that require a polished finish or exceptional strength, FAS is the standard they reference.

The other grades, such as AFS, F1S, and F2S, do not represent the highest quality and often contain more defects or a lower percentage of clear wood, making them less suitable for high-end applications compared to FAS.