Grade Application 201: Knots and Wane

This chart depicts the largest size Black Knots permissible in each grade according to nominal board width. To properly measure a knot, take a measurement of the width and a measurement of the length, add the two measurements together and divide the total by two to get the average diameter of the knot.

(Length + Width)/2 = Average Knot Diameter

To see a demonstration of a spike knot measurement, click on the instructional video segment below.

* In an occasional piece, one small (maximum 3/4″), sound, tight knot permitted. This knot will be counted as two pin-knots when determining the number of knots permitted in the piece.

** Further information regarding Knot Quality will  be discussed in Level 300.

This chart depicts the largest size Red Knots permissible in each grade according to nominal board width. Red Knots are measured by the same method as Black Knots, which you learned in the previous Black Knot course.

The presence of Wane automatically dictates the reverse face; the opposite face becomes the grade face.  Measurements of Wane on a board are based on actual size, not nominal.  The following chart demonstrates the limiting provisions for Wane across the various grades.  A visual representation of Wane limitations for each grade is provided in the image to the right (Click on the image to enlarge, then click anywhere outside the image to return to course page).   View the video below to learn how to measure Wane.