Wood Grade Implications for Tabletops

See how wood grades like FAS and #1 Common influence how tabletops are built, from wide panels to finger joints, and when laminate or veneer is used instead.

Grading System Used for Wood

  • Top Tier

    • Grade name: FAS (USA)
    • Cost: $$$$
    • Wood yield: >80% clear face
    • Minimal knots or defects with uniform grain and colour
    • Best suited for high quality furniture and solid wood moulds

  • Mid Tier

    • Grade name: #1 Common (USA)
    • Cost: $$
    • Wood yield: >60% clear face
    • Some knots, colour streaks and mineral marks
    • Widely used in manufacture of furniture parts such as table legs

  • Low Tier

    • Grade name: #2 Common (USA)
    • Cost: $
    • Wood yield: >50% clear face
    • Large knots, defects with colour inconsistencies
    • Mostly used in non-exposed parts of furniture to conceal imperfections
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Tabletop Construction by Wood Grade

  • Wide Panel Construction

    • Made from large continuous solid wood planks with clear face, requires FAS grade lumber
    • Fewer joints for a clean, natural look
    • Showcases authentic wood grain and texture
    • Our solid wood tabletop construction of choice

  • Finger Joint Construction

    • Made from small blocks of wood joined with interlocking "fingers", does not require FAS grade lumber
    • More efficient use of lumber
    • Less natural-looking vs wide panel construction tabletops
    • Common mid range tabletop structure sold in the market

  • Laminate or Veneer Finish

    • Thin veneer (made from solid wood) or laminate (sythentic) applied over engineered wood or solid wood
    • Knots and defects may not be removed
    • Consistent look that hides the real underlying material
    • Construction of choice for budget solid wood tabletops
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