AWS EDITION 1, 2009

© 2009, AWI, AWMAC, WI - Architectural Woodwork Standards - 1st Edition, October 1, 2009 85

As may be updated by errata at http://www.awinet.org, http://www.awmac.com, or http://www.woodworkinstitute.com/awserrata/

Section 4 - Sheet Products (Page 16 of 31)

PRODUCT

SHEET PRODUCT RULES (continued)

These rules are not intended to create a face grade; they are intended only to establish the acceptable requirements and/

or characteristics after the architectural woodwork is completed or installed.

DESCRIPTION E C P



4.2a

H A R D W O O D V E N E E R 

MATERIAL - HARDWOOD VENEER (continued)



4.2a.14

D E S C R I P T I O N S

VENEER FACE GRADE DESCRIPTIONS (continued)

4.2a.14.4

GRADE C - Permits unlimited color streaks and spots and color variation. An unlimited

number of small burls and pin knots are allowed with no restrictions on the size of the dark

pin knot centers, as long as the diameter of pin knots does not exceed 1/4" (6.4 mm) in

diameter. The size of sound and repaired knotholes and similar shaped openings cannot

exceed 1/2" (9.5 mm) in diameter, with a specified number allowed based on individual

species. Faces shall provide a sound face, free of open defects, with only minimal areas of

rough grain.

4.2a.14.5

GRADE D - Permits unlimited color streaks and spots and color variation. An unlimited

number of small burls and pin knots are permitted with no restrictions on the size of dark pin

knot centers, as long as the diameter of pin knots does not exceed 1/4" (6.4 mm) in diameter.

The size of repaired and sound knotholes and similar shaped openings cannot exceed 3/4"

(19 mm) (repaired) and 1" (25.4 mm) (sound) diameters, with a specified number based

on individual species. Faces shall provide a sound face, free of open defects. The size or

percentage of rough grain on the panel surface depends on the species.

4.2a.14.6

OTHER SPECIES - may be covered by these standards, provided the buyer and seller agree

to a species grouping as a basis for the evaluation and grade of the unlisted species. It is

obviously not workable to try to develop and include the individual grade requirements for

every known species.

4.2a.14.7

SPECIALTY GRADES - Applicable to veneer in which the features of greatest significance

are unusual characteristics that are not covered within grades AA-D. Characteristics shall

be as agreed upon between buyer and seller. Species such as Wormy Chestnut, Bird’s Eye

Maple, and English Brown Oak, which have unusual decorative features, are considered a

Speciality Grade.

4.2a.14.8 NOTE - Variance from these standards might invalidate certain criteria and tests.

4.2a.14.8.1

Example - Strong color contrasts will occur when rotary natural Birch

leaves are slip-matched.

4.2a.14.9 PLAIN-SLICED CATHEDRAL FIGURE, when:

4.2a.14.9.1 Vertically oriented, shall have the crowns pointing up and shall run in the

same direction for the entire project.

4.2a.14.9.2 Horizontally oriented, shall have the crowns facing a consistent relative orientation for the entire project.

4.2a.15

D E F I N I T I O N S 

TERMINOLOGY DEFINITIONS for use with following HPVA Characteristic charts:

4.2a.15.1 BARK POCKET: Bark around which normal wood has grown.

4.2a.15.2

BLENDING: Color change that is detectable at a distance of 6 - 8 feet (1800 - 2438 mm), but

does not distract from the overall appearance of the panel.

4.2a.15.3

BRASHNESS: Condition of wood characterized by low resistance to shock and by abrupt

failure across the grain without splintering.

4.2a.15.4

BURL, BLENDING: A swirl, twist, or distortion in the grain of the wood that usually occurs

near a knot or crotch but does not contain a knot and does not contain abrupt color variation.

A blending burl is detectable at 6 - 8 feet (1800 - 2438 mm) as a swirl or a roundel.

4.2a.15.5

BURL, CONSPICUOUS: A swirl, twist, or distortion in the grain of the wood that usually

occurs near a knot or crotch. A conspicuous burl is associated with abrupt color variation and/

or a cluster of small dark piths caused by a cluster of adventitious buds.

4.2a.15.6 COMB GRAINgrowth increments resembling the appearance of long strands of combed hair.: A quality of rift-cut veneer with exceptionally straight grain and closely spaced

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