CLEAR ASH

The face shall be practically free of defects. The following characters are admitted: small burls (less than 1/8" in diameter); fine pin worm holes with no discoloration (1 for every 3' in length); or in the absence of these, one (1) thin light brown streak (3" long to be allowed for every 6' of length or equivalent). Brown heartwood is allowed as follows; 3/8" entire length or 1" for one-third the length of the strip. Clear Ash is usually chosen for it's light color. Bundles to be 1 1/4' and up. Average length (standard packaging) 3 3/4'. Average length for shorter packaging, nested or otherwise, 3 1/2'.

SELECT ASH

The face shall contain mostly sapwood, unstained. The following characters are admitted: narrow streaks not running entire length of the strip; pin worm holes (up to 3 every 3' in length); imperfection in milling (torn grain) which will sand out; one (1) small tight knot (1/4" in diameter) to every 3' in length; small pith fleck (less than 1/4" diameter); an intermittent brown machine burn across the face not exceeding 1/4" in width; and unlimited cambium miners. Brown heartwood is allowed as follows: 3/8" entire length or 1" for one-third the length of the strip. Will admit pieces with 1/2 tongue. Most defect are lost sight of after the floor is laid and finished, giving a good appearance. Bundles to be 1 1/4' and up. Average length (standard packaging) 3 1/4'. Average length for shorter packaging, nested or otherwise, 3'.

NO. 1 COMMON ASH

A floor with varying wood characteristics such as heavy streaks, stained sapwood, and sound knots typical of this grade. All defects must readily fill and be sound. The following characters are admitted: broken knots up to 1/2" in diameter; pith flecks less than 3/16" in diameter; worm holes up to 3/16"; checks and end splits less than 1/16" wide and not extending through the piece; and sticker stain. Minor imperfections in machining permitted; torn grain (not over one-fourth (1/4) of the surface, less than 1/26" in depth); one (1) dark machine burn across the face for every 3' of length, not exceeding 1/2" in width, 1/64" in depth. Will admit pieces with 1/4 tongue. Bundles to be 1 1/4' and up. Average length (standard packaging) 2 3/4'. Average length for shorter packaging, nested or otherwise, 2 1/2'.

NO. 2 COMMON ASH