Our quality grading

Main thickness 27 mm

We have established quality standards for grading our sawn timber in 160+ wide derived from European standardsNF EN 975-1using the symbol "QF" for the Q of Quercus (the oak) and F for the Freezes and square edged oak.

The attached photos are just a starting point for explanation.
We distinguish qualities according to two main families:

Grading on both reference faces
QF1AQF1A/1b QF1b/2 QF2/3
Each board is inspected on both sides to ensure a selection of compliant knots. Particular attention is paid to the flatness of the board, as it is often intended to be re-sawn to thickness.

Grading on one reference face
QF1-2X QF2/3X QF3/4x KERN QF5X
Indicated by the letter X meaning that on the underside there may be limited presence of sapwood but not necessarily on all boards. In the lower choices, a trace of closed heart is accepted.

Depending on the widths and the grading programme, we also have grading variants. Here is a table for informational purposes.