Why the “Grade” Matters More Than the Species
When you are shopping for a fence in Dallas, Forney, or Wylie, you will see wide price gaps between retailers. Often, the difference isn’t just the type of wood—it’s the Grade. Lumber grading is a standardized system that tells you how many knots, holes, and structural defects are in a single picket.
At Fence Supply Inc., we primarily stock #1 Grade Western Red Cedar. Understanding these grades will help you see why a “cheap” picket from a big-box store often ends up costing more in waste and early replacement.
1. Clear Grade (The Luxury Choice)
Clear cedar is the highest grade available. It is harvested from the “heart” of the tree and is virtually free of knots.
- Appearance: A smooth, consistent surface with almost zero visual interruptions.
- Performance: Because there are no knots to fall out or create weak points, Clear Grade has the highest dimensional stability.
- Best For: High-end horizontal fences, estate entries, and contemporary “architectural” designs in neighborhoods like Sunnyvale or Preston Hollow.
2. #1 Grade (The Professional Standard)
This is the “sweet spot” for North Texas fencing and the primary grade we sell at our yard.
- Appearance: Contains small, “sound” (tight) knots. These knots are part of the wood’s natural structure and will not fall out over time.
- Performance: It features minimal “wane” (missing wood or bark on the edges). Every picket is square and full-thickness, ensuring a tight fit for privacy fences.
- Best For: Professional-grade board-on-board and side-by-side residential fences where durability and beauty are the priorities.
3. #2 Grade (The Economy Choice)
This is the grade most commonly found at high-volume retail hardware stores.
- The Risks: #2 Grade allows for “loose” knots—knots that can shrink, crack, and eventually fall out, leaving a “peep hole” in your privacy fence.
- The “Wane” Factor: These pickets often have “wane,” where the edge of the board is rounded or still has bark on it. This makes it impossible to get a perfectly flush fit between boards.
- Best For: Temporary fencing, budget-conscious repairs, or areas where total privacy and aesthetics are less critical.
4. Comparison: Why We Choose #1 Over #2
In the intense heat of a North Texas summer, wood expands and contracts rapidly.
- #1 Grade boards have the structural integrity to handle this “cycling” without warping.
- #2 Grade boards often have “heart-center” or “pith,” which causes the boards to “cup” or “bow” within the first six months of exposure.
| Feature | #1 Grade (Pro) | #2 Grade (Retail) |
| Knots | Small, tight, and structural. | Large, loose, and may fall out. |
| Edge Quality | Square and consistent. | Often features bark or missing wood (wane). |
| Stability | High (Less warping). | Moderate (Higher chance of bowing). |
| Waste Factor | 1% – 3% | 10% – 15% (Picking through the pile). |
5. The “Waste Factor” Warning
When you buy a bundle of #2 Grade lumber, you will often find that 10 out of every 100 boards are unusable due to cracks, holes, or extreme bowing. This is the Waste Factor.
- Pro-Tip: While #2 Grade is cheaper per picket, once you throw away the “bad” boards, the price-per-installed-picket is often nearly identical to #1 Grade. By starting with #1 Grade, you save time on the job site and ensure a better finished product.
Ready to Build with the Best?
We don’t make you “pick through the pile.” We source high-quality #1 Grade Western Red Cedar so that every board you take home is ready to be part of a beautiful, long-lasting fence.
