How to Read Lumber Grade Stamping
Any lumber you purchase should have a grade stamp or end tag. These markers provide a lot of important information related to the characteristics of the wood. Each piece of lumber will be visually or mechanically inspected according to the number of defects that are present and graded accordingly to meet consistent visual and structural standards.
The stamp will include a seal that identifies which certified agencies' rules were used in grading the lumber as well as identifying the mill where the lumber was processed. The species of wood will be identified in an abbreviated form and the grade designation will be placed in the center of the stamp. There are many industry-specific grades for different wood products. The most common are FAS, Select, #1 Common and #2 Common, from best to worst. The surface texture of each face will be listed as either S for smooth or RS for rough sawn. The moisture content will be referenced by the abbreviations Grn for green (containing more than 19% water weight), Dry (containing less than 19% water weight), or KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment).
Using grade stamp information will be helpful when selecting your materials, but the markings themselves act as a visual defect on the surface of a deck. You may be able to turn the board over to hide the stamp. Otherwise, the only way to remove grade stamps from lumber is to sand the board.
Capped Composite Decking
What is capped composite decking? It's a great option if you like the look of wood but not the maintenance. Learn about capped composite at Decks.com.
Bark Side Up vs. Best Side Up
Unsure which way to lay your decking boards? Check out our guide to learn if your deck boards should lay bark side up or bark side down at Decks.com.
Deck Screws vs Wood Screws
Your guide to understanding the differences between wood deck screws and composite deck screws.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Do I need to use rebar?
Our inspector discusses using steel rebar for deck footings.
How to Install & Build Deck Footings
Learn how to install concrete footings to properly support your deck. Watch our step-by-step foundations video.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Is Trex Decking Worth the Investment? Expert Insights and Reviews
Discover why Trex decking is worth the investment. Learn about its durability, low maintenance, eco-friendliness, and the long-term value it adds to your home.
Rhino
Rhino composite decking is manufactured by Master Mark Plastics in Paynesville, MN.
UltraDeck
UltraDeck encapsulated composite decking is manufactured by Midwest Manufacturing Extrusion in Eau Claire, WI.
How many footings do I need?
Avoid a wobbly deck! Learn how to calculate the right number of footings to keep your structure safe and solid.
Deck Footing Depth
Find out how deep you need to dig your footings in your area. Look at our U.S. map of extreme frost penetration.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights