Understanding FAS Hardwood & Straight-Line-Ripped Lumber
What FAS hardwood grading, kiln drying, and a straight-line-ripped edge mean for cabinetmakers and woodworkers in Aiken and Augusta.
What is FAS hardwood?
FAS means Firsts and Seconds. It is the highest standard NHLA hardwood grade for many North American species, emphasizing a high yield of clear, usable cuttings. It does not mean every inch of a board is flawless or that a board is perfectly straight or flat.
Our domestic selection—white oak, hard maple, walnut, cherry, and poplar—is represented as kiln-dried FAS lumber. Imported woods may use different grading systems; we do not label every exotic as NHLA FAS.
For cabinetry and furniture making, clear cutting yield can mean more flexibility when laying out doors, rails, panels, and other parts.
What is straight-line-ripped lumber?
A straight-line-ripped board has one edge sawn into a straight reference line, making it easier to start ripping material to width. It saves a preparatory step compared with irregular or waney-edged stock.
Illustrative edge comparison; actual boards vary. Straight-line ripping does not guarantee a flat face, a square edge-to-face relationship, or a board ready for glue-up. Jointing, planing, and acclimation may still be needed.
Why kiln drying matters
Kiln drying reduces lumber moisture content to help prepare it for interior woodworking. Proper storage, acclimation, and milling are still important because wood can continue to move as its environment changes.
Browse our domestic hardwoods, or call or text to discuss your next project.