How to Grade Southern Pine Dry Densities
- 1). Lay out the piece of southern pine and inspect the surface of the lumber. Look for knot holes and any other blemishes in the wood. Hold it up on its side and check that it is straight. If there are no blemishes or knots, and the lumber is perfectly straight, it is select lumber.
- 2). Check the lumber and locate all knot holes. If the knots are smaller than 1 1/2 inches, and the knot holes are spaced out every 3 feet, the lumber is No. 1 southern pine.
- 3). Inspect the lumber and check if the knots are 2 inches or smaller. Run your hands over the board and check if the knot holes are spaced out less than 2 feet. If they are this close together and 2 inches in size, you have No. 2 southern pine.
- 4). Lay out the board and measure the large knots with a tape measure. If the knots are more than 2 1/2 inches, and the knot holes are found every foot, you have No. 3 southern pine.
