All species in the Midwest Hardwood Premium Rustic line are sawn and graded to their own proprietary specifications that are designed to channel a wider board containing a good sampling of these naturally occurring character markings into the manufacturing process. The Midwest Hardwood Premium Rustic program moves the grading of Rustic lumber away from the traditional clear cuttings grading methodology, where graders looked at each board to determine the percentage of clear wood that could be derived from a board. Instead, they have moved to an appearance grading methodology, where skilled grading personnel look at each board for what it truly is, a unique piece of nature to be appreciated and used as near to its entirety as possible.
Midwest's Rustic Lumber Program is divided into 3 width ranges; 5-1/2 to 8-1/2, 8-1/2 to 11-1/2, and 11-1/2 and wider in Black Walnut, Hickory, White Oak, Cherry and Hard Maple. Graded for the pleasing appearance of tight captured knots and other naturally occurring characteristics. Rustic Lumber is gaining in popularity particularly in the western United States.
General Grade Rules
Character marked hardwoods shall admit any kind, number or distribution of the following characteristics incident to tree growth; heartwood, sapwood, knots, burls, swirls or other fiber irregularities, bird pecks, holes or grooves, knots not exceeding 3” in diameter and color streaks or spots, and light stain, but the cuttings shall not admit decay, loose knots, excessive pith, shake, or split.
- Minimum 75% of each board usable in its full width
- Widths: 5½” and wider (140mm and wider)
- Lengths: 4’–12’ (1220mm – 3660mm) heavy to 7’– 8’ (2135mm – 2440mm)
- Knot size limitation 3” (76mm) or one half the width of the board
- Stain allowed one face
- Open knots or holes allowed up to 1” (25mm) in diameter
- Minimum full width x 2’ (610mm) cutting size
- The reverse side of each cutting shall be as defined as Sound Cuttings, and will not allow holes and open knots larger than 1” (25mm) in diameter.
- Wane: 1” width wane in total aggregate from both sides of the board in cuttings. Total wane less than ½ length of the board in cuttings.
- Board Ends: within 1’ (305mm) of either end of board piece must be minimum 75% of full width of board, or be trimmed back.
