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FOR HARDWOOD AND DECORATI

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
Supersedes ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2016

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

For Hardwood and Decorative Plywood

ABSTRACT

This voluntary American National Standard for Hardwood and Decorative Plywood establishes nationally recognized marketing
classifications, quality criteria, test methods, definitions, and product marking and designation practices for plywood produced
primarily from hardwoods. It is intended for voluntary use for reference in trade literature, catalogs, sales contracts, building codes,
government regulations and standards of performance, and procurement specifications to describe the quality aspects of the product
and the means to determine conformance.
Requirements are given for wood species, veneer face grades, back grades, inner ply grades, medium density fiberboard (MDF) core,
lumber core, particleboard core, hardboard core, bond line performance, updated and revised formaldehyde emissions, panel
constructions, dimensions, moisture content, sanding, and finishing. Sampling and testing provisions cover dry and cyclic-boil shear,
and cyclic cold soak test methods for bond line performance determinations, and field and laboratory moisture content measuring
methods. A glossary of trade terms is provided for better communication and understanding, and provisions are made for panel
marking to indicate compliance with this Standard. Any “Note” appearing in this Standard is explanatory in nature and not mandatory.
Key words: Decorative plywood; hardwood plywood; plywood, hardwood and decorative; veneer grades; decorative softwood and
hardwood; and formaldehyde emission requirements.

THE METRIC SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT

The 1975 Metric Conversion Act, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988, sets forth that the metric (SI)
is the preferred system of measurement in the U.S. The publication of this Standard provides a unique opportunity to examine the
metric system for a product that is predominately used in North America (less than 10% U.S. production is exported). This document
contains metric units first with English (inch-pound) units in parentheses. The metric number in almost all cases is the “soft”
conversion number for the accepted inch-pound system requirement. In order to make the metric number more conceptually coherent
and for consistency, most conversions for less than 76 mm (3 inches) in dimension are “soft” converted to the nearest 0.1 mm. For
measurements above 76 mm (3 inches), the “soft” value is converted to the nearest 1 mm.
Tables have presented a special challenge in presenting both metric and inch-pound numbers. In those cases where a limited number
of conversions are necessary, both metric and inch-pound numbers appear. In other cases, two full and separate tables are provided,
arranged to face each other on adjacent pages. In such cases, these tables are designated “Metric” or “Inch-Pound” and are designated
as the same page number, but with a “M” or “I” suffix (5 M and 5 I, for example).
It is assumed that future “hard” conversion editions of this Standard will result in the change in length and width dimensions for some
hardwood plywood products with panel thicknesses remaining virtually unchanged. For example, it is likely that the standard 4’ x 8’
or 48” x 96” panel will become 1200 mm x 2400 mm (47.2” x 94.4”). The timing of “hard” conversion for some products will depend,
to a large extent, on the coordination among various sectors of the home building and home remodeling industries. Timing for “hard”
conversion is less relevant for certain other hardwood plywood products. For example, cut-to-size panel products for furniture,
cabinet, and similar applications are cut to the dimensions required by the purchaser. These dimensions can be designated in either the
metric or the inch-pound systems as nominal or actual dimensions.

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD .............................................................................. iv TABLE 3.1b – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE
GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Ash, Beech b,
1. PURPOSE AND INTENDED USE ........................................ 1 Birch, Maple and Poplar ....................................... 13
1.1 PURPOSE ................................................................... 1 TABLE 3.2b – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE
1.2 INTENDED USE ........................................................ 1 GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Mahogany,
Anegre, Makore, Sapele and other veneers with
2. SCOPE AND CLASSIFICATION ......................................... 1 similar characteristics ............................................ 14
2.1 SCOPE ........................................................................ 1 TABLE 3.3b – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE
2.2 CLASSIFICATION .................................................... 1 GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Red and White
2.2.1 COMMERCIAL SPECIES AND Oak ........................................................................ 15
COMMERCIAL SPECIES GROUPS .................... 1 TABLE 3.4b – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE
2.2.2 GRADES OF VENEERS ....................................... 1 GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Pecan and
2.2.3 TYPES OF PLYWOOD ......................................... 2 Hickory ................................................................. 16
2.2.4 CONSTRUCTIONS ............................................... 2 TABLE 3.5b – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE
2.2.5 SIZES AND THICKNESSES ................................ 2 GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Walnut and
2.2.6 PANEL PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES ............ 2 Cherry ................................................................... 17
TABLE 4 – HARDWOOD DOOR FACE GRADE
TABLE 1 – A COMPARISON OF THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS .......................................... 18
PROPERTIES OF SOME POPULAR SPECIES ... 3 TABLE 5 – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE AND
BACK GRADE CHARACTERISTICS –
3. REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 5 Western Red Alder ................................................ 19
3.1 GENERAL .................................................................. 5 TABLE 6 – SUMMARY OF DECORATIVE SOFTWOOD
3.1.1 LEGALLY LOGGED WOOD ............................... 5 GRADE CHARACTERISTICS ........................... 20
3.2 SPECIES FOR FACES, BACKS, AND INNER
PLIES .......................................................................... 5 3.3.6 GRADE D ............................................................. 21
3.3 FACE GRADE DESCRIPTIONS ............................... 5 3.3.7 GRADE E ............................................................. 21
3.3.8 RUSTIC GRADE (R) ........................................... 21
FIGURE 1 – FACE MATCHING ........................................... 5 3.3.9 SPECIALTY GRADE (SP) .................................. 21
3.3.10 SOFTWOOD GRADES ....................................... 21
3.3.1 FACE APPEARANCE – GENERAL ....................... 5 3.4 BACK GRADES ....................................................... 21
3.5 INNER PLY GRADES .............................................. 21
TABLE 2 – COMMON FACE VENEER PATTERNS FOR 3.6 THICKNESS OF VENEERS .................................... 21
SELECTED COMMERCIAL SPECIES ................ 6 3.7 LUMBER CORES ..................................................... 21
3.7.1 CLEAR GRADE ................................................... 21
3.3.2 GRADE AA ........................................................... 7 3.7.2 SOUND GRADE .................................................. 21
3.3.3 GRADE A .............................................................. 7 3.7.3 REGULAR GRADE ............................................. 21
3.3.4 GRADE B............................................................... 7 3.7.4 CLEAR EDGE ...................................................... 22
3.3.5 GRADE C............................................................... 7 3.7.5 BANDED CORE .................................................. 22
3.8 PARTICLEBOARD, FIBERBOARD AND
TABLE 3.1a – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE HARDBOARD CORES (PB, MDF, HDF) ............... 22
GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Ash, Beechb,
Birch, Maple and Poplar ......................................... 8 TABLE 7 – SUMMARY OF ALLOWABLE NATURAL
TABLE 3.2a – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE CHARACTERISTICS FOR BACK GRADES..... 23
GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Mahogany, TABLE 8 – SUMMARY OF ALLOWABLE OPENINGS
Anegre, Makore, Sapele and other veneers with FOR INNER PLY GRADES OF CORE
similar characteristics ............................................. 9 VENEER a ............................................................. 24
TABLE 3.3a – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE
GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Red and White FIGURE 2 – TYPICAL PLYWOOD CONSTRUCTIONS* 25
Oak ....................................................................... 10
TABLE 3.4a – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE TABLE 9a – LIMITING CRITERIA FOR PLYWOOD....... 26
GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Pecan and TABLE 9b – PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR
Hickory ................................................................. 11 PLYWOOD .......................................................... 27
TABLE 3.5a – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE
GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Walnut and 3.9 SPECIAL CORES ..................................................... 22
Cherry ................................................................... 12 3.10 CONSTRUCTION .................................................... 22
3.10.1 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION ............................... 22

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 10 – WOOD FAILURE REQUIREMENTS FOR
TECHNICAL AND TYPE I PLYWOOD BOND
LINES................................................................... 28

3.11 BOND LINE AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS . 28

3.11.1 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS................ 28
3.11.2 TECHNICAL & TYPE I PLYWOOD ................. 28
3.11.3 TYPE II PLYWOOD ........................................... 28
3.12 FORMALDEHYDE EMISSIONS ............................ 28
3.13 DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES ...................... 28
3.13.1 SQUARENESS .................................................... 29
3.13.2 STRAIGHTNESS ................................................ 29
3.14 SANDING ................................................................. 29
3.15 MOISTURE CONTENT ........................................... 29
3.16 FINISHED PANELS................................................. 29
3.16.1 GENERAL ........................................................... 29
3.16.2 FINISH PERFORMANCE ................................... 29
3.17 PRODUCT MARKING AND DESIGNATION ....... 29
3.17.1 GENERAL ........................................................... 29
3.17.1.1 TOLERANCES ............................................... 29
3.17.2 IDENTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE ............. 29
3.17.3 IDENTIFICATION OF THIRD PARTY
CERTIFICATION ................................................ 30
3.17.3.1 CERTIFIED MARK – ............................................ 30

4. INSPECTION AND TEST PROCEDURES ........................ 30

4.1 GENERAL ................................................................ 30
4.2 SPECIMENS FOR BOND LINE TESTS ................. 30
4.2.1 TECHNICAL AND TYPE I PLYWOOD .............. 30

TABLE 13 – TEST SPECIMEN SIZES ............................... 31

4.2.2 TYPE II PLYWOOD ........................................... 30

4.3 DRY SHEAR TEST .................................................. 31
4.4 CYCLIC-BOIL SHEAR TEST ................................. 31
4.5 TWO-CYCLE BOIL TEST ...................................... 31
4.6 THREE-CYCLE SOAK TEST ................................. 32
4.7 MOISTURE CONTENT TEST ................................ 32

FIGURE 3 – PLYWOOD BOND SHEAR SPECIMENS .... 33

5. DEFINITIONS ...................................................................... 34

6. IDENTIFICATION ............................................................... 38

APPENDIX A ............................................................................ 39
APPENDIX B ............................................................................ 41
APPENDIX C ............................................................................ 42
APPENDIX D ............................................................................ 43

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

FOREWORD

(This Foreword is not part of the American National Standard for Hardwood and Decorative Plywood, ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020.)
This Voluntary Standard supersedes the American National Standard for Hardwood and Decorative Plywood, ANSI/HPVA HP-1-
2009, a standard sponsored by the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association (HPVA®), DBA Decorative Hardwoods Association
(DHA), and developed under the HPVA Policy for the Development and Maintenance of Voluntary American National Standards.
In April 1931, the commercial standard for hardwood plywood was established and published as Commercial Standard CS35-31 by
the Commodity Standards Division, National Bureau of Standards, U.S. Department of Commerce. The standard was revised in 1942,
1947, 1961, and 1971 which was designated PS-52-71. In 1983, the standard became an ANSI standard which was subsequently
revised in 1992, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2004, 2016, and the current ANSI/HPVA-HP-1-2020.
Suggestions for improvement gained in the use of this Standard are welcome. They should be sent to the American National Standards
Institute.
Consensus for this Standard was achieved by use of the “ANSI Essential Requirements: Due process requirements for American
National Standards” and the ANSI accredited “Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association Policy for the Development and
Maintenance of Voluntary American National Standards”. The following organizations, recognized as having an interest in hardwood
and decorative plywood, were contacted prior to the approval of this Standard. Inclusion in this list does not necessarily imply that the
organization concurred with the proposed Standard as submitted to ANSI.

Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) Hexion, Inc.

Bill Groah, Independent Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA)
Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association
(BIFMA) Murphy Plywood
Columbia Forest Products National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)
Canadian Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association (CHPVA) Roddis Lumber & Veneer Co. LP
Composite Panel Association (CPA) Solenis LLC
Franklin International States Industries LLC
Gail Overgard, Independent Timber Products Company

Published by: Publication

Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association, DBA Decorative Hardwoods Association Printing History:
42777 Trade West Drive 2020: PDF Only
Sterling, VA 20166
Telephone: (703) 435-2900 Fax: (703) 435-2537
Web site: www.decorativehardwoods.org

Copyright© 2020 by the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association®

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without prior permission of
the publisher.

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

THIS PAGE PURPOSEFULLY LEFT BLANK

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

American National Standard for

Hardwood and Decorative Plywood
(Including formaldehyde emission requirements for certain reconstituted wood wall panels)

1. PURPOSE AND INTENDED USE

1.1 PURPOSE – The purpose of this Standard is to establish an internationally recognized national standard covering the
aesthetic and performance criteria for the principal types, grades, and sizes of hardwood and decorative plywood. The principal wood
species used for hardwood and decorative plywood are hardwoods; however, certain softwood species and woody grasses are also
used.1

1.2 INTENDED USE – This Standard is to apply to panels as originally manufactured. The products covered by this Standard
are intended for use as: decorative wall panels; industrial panels; cut-to-size panels; made to size panels; stock panels; door skins and
other applications.2 The Standard is also intended to provide producers, distributors, architects, contractors, builders, and users with a
common basis for understanding the characteristics of these products.

2. SCOPE AND CLASSIFICATION

2.1 SCOPE – This Standard covers the principal types, face grades, back grades, inner ply grades and constructions of plywood
made primarily with hardwood faces. Included are requirements for wood veneer grading; cores of veneer, lumber, particleboard,
fiberboard (MDF/HDF (hardboard)), and combinations thereof, i.e., bond line performance, panel construction, moisture content;
formaldehyde emissions requirements; and panel dimensional tolerances. Test procedures are provided or referenced for determining
conformance with various requirements in this Standard. Definitions of trade terms, methods of ordering, and methods for identifying
products that conform to this Standard are included.
Formaldehyde emission requirements are also set forth for industrial cut-to-size and stock panel plywood, and for hardwood plywood
and certain reconstituted wood wall panels.3, 4

2.2 CLASSIFICATION – Plywood covered by this Standard is classified as follows:

2.2.1 COMMERCIAL SPECIES AND COMMERCIAL SPECIES GROUPS – The more commonly used species for
plywood faces are listed in Table 1.

2.2.2 GRADES OF VENEERS – The grades of veneers are listed below with the identification symbol for each grade:

Face Grades AA, A, B, C, D, and E

Rustic Grade R
Specialty Grade SP
Back Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4
Inner Ply Grades J, K, L, and M
The veneer face thickness will vary according to the design and intended use as specified by the manufacturer. See Appendix C for
more information on veneer face thicknesses.

1
This Standard also includes certain softwood species for decorative uses. Construction grades of plywood (predominately softwood species) are covered in the U.S.
Product Standard PS 1-19 for Construction and Industrial Plywood, or the latest edition.
2
Additional product information is available from the Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association (DBA Decorative Hardwoods Association) 42777 Trade West
Drive, Sterling VA 20166
3
The formaldehyde emission requirements set forth in this Standard for hardwood plywood and industrial panels are consistent with those established by
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (40 CFR Part 770) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Air Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) CCR Title 17,
section 93120 et seq. Formaldehyde emission requirements for reconstituted wood wall panels are consistent with those established by EPA and CARB for
hardwood plywood; however, the chamber test loading rates applied to reconstituted wood wall panels in this voluntary product standard relate more to particleboard
decking and underlayment than to wall panel applications in manufactured homes.
4
This Standard also includes formaldehyde emission requirements for reconstituted wood wall panel products made with binders and used for decorative hardwood
plywood. More extensive requirements for some reconstituted wood panel products are covered in other standards such as the latest edition of American National
Standard ANSI A208.1-2016 for Particleboard, ANSI A208.2-2016 for MDF.

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
2.2.3 TYPES OF PLYWOOD – The types of plywood are listed below in descending order of water-resistance of the bond
line (see Table 9b).
Technical (Exterior bond line)
Type I (Exterior bond line)
Type II (Interior bond line)

2.2.4 CONSTRUCTIONS –The constructions, based on the kinds of cores, commonly in 2-ply, 3-ply, 5-ply, and other odd or
even configurations are listed below:
1. Veneer core
2. Lumber core
3. Particleboard core
4. Fiberboard (MDF & HDF (hardboard)) core
5. Combination core (multiple plies of VC and composite core)
6. Special core

2.2.5 SIZES AND THICKNESSES – Hardwood Plywood may be manufactured in any specified length, width, and thickness
depending on the capabilities of the manufacturer. Panel sizes such as 1219 x 1829 mm (48 by 72 inches), 1219 x 2438 mm (48 by 96
inches), and 1219 x 3048 mm (48 by 120 inches) with thicknesses ranging from 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) to 38 mm (1.5 inches) are common.

2.2.6 PANEL PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES – Hardwood Plywood is manufactured for non-structural decorative
applications consisting of faces and backs applied to a variety of cores and core types, including veneer cores, composite cores,
combination cores, and other specialty cores. Each core, species, thickness, and final construction has its own range of physical
performance properties and natural characteristics. A variety of adhesives are also used in manufacturing. Due to the variability
inherent in the final product, an agreement between buyer and seller shall be made when performance properties are necessary for the
intended use and shall reference the appropriate performance standards (MOR, MOE, screw withdrawal, water absorption, thickness
swell, etc.). For additional information, see Appendix D.

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

TABLE 1 – A COMPARISON OF THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOME POPULAR SPECIES

Average Dried Modulus of
Weight Category Hardness Specific Elasticity
Species (lb./ft3) See § 3.7 (lb./f) Gravity (million PSI)
Ash, White Avg. of 4 Species Fraxinus spp. 42 A 1,320 0.60 1.17
Beech, American Fagus grandifolia 45 A 5,800 0.64 1.72
Birch, Sweet Betula lenta 44 A 1,470 0.65 2.17
Betula
Birch, Yellow allghnaiensis 43 A 1,260 0.62 2.01
Guibourtia
Bubinga demeusil 49 A 2,690 0.8 2.48
Hickories, True Average of 4
Species Carya spp. 51 A 1,574 0.75 2.2
Oaks, Commercial Red Average
of 9 Species Quercus spp. 43 A 1,290 0.63 1.82
Oaks, Commercial White
Average of 6 Species Quercus spp. 47 A 1,360 0.68 1.78
Pecan Caraya illinoensis 46 A 1,820 0.66 1.73
Rosewood, Brazilian Dalbergia nigra 54 A 2,720 0.87 1.88
Rosewood, Indian Dalbergia latifolia 54 A 3,170 0.75 1.78
Rosewood, Santos* Machaerium spp. 54 A 1,690 0.70 1.85
Entandrophragma
Sapele cylindricum 39 A 1,510 0.62 1.82
Anegre Aningeria spp. 33 B 995 0.44 1.17
Elm, Rock Ulmus thomasii 38 B 1,320 0.63 1.54
Cherry, Black Prunus serotina 35 B 950 0.50 1.49
Taxodium
Cypress (Baldycypress) distichum 28 B 510 0.46 1.44
Pseudotsuga
Douglas Fir menziesii 30 B 710 0.48 1.95
Liquidambar
Gum styraciflua 34 B 850 0.52 1.64
Tsuga
Hemlock, Western Heterophylla 28 B 540 0.50 1.63
Mahogany, African Khaya ivorensis 34 B 830 0.55 1.4
Mahogany, Honduran Swietenia
("True") macrophylla 35 B 830 0.45 1.5
Maple, Hard A. nigrum 43 B 1,450 0.63 1.83
Acer rubrum,A
Maple, Soft saccharinum 38 B 950 0.54 1.64
Liriodendron
Poplar, Yellow Tulipifera 29 B 540 0.45 1.58
Plantas
Sycamore occidentalis 34 B 770 0.49 1.42
Teak Tecona grandis 40 B 1,000 0.65 1.55
Walnut (Black), American Juglans nigra 38 B 1,010 0.55 1.68
Alder, Red Alnus rubra 28 C 590 0.41 1.38

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

Average Dried Modulus of

Weight Category Hardness Specific Elasticity
Species (lb./ft3) See § 3.7 (lb./f) Gravity (million PSI)
Basswood Tilia americana 26 C 410 0.37 1.46
Butternut Juglans cinerea 23 C 490 0.38 1.18
Elm, American Ulmus americana 35 C 830 0.5 1.34
Elm, Slippery Ulmus rubra 37 C 860 0.53 1.49
Tieghemella
Makore heckelii 40 C 1,110 0.64 1.46
Meranti, Light Red Shorea spp. 34 C 460 0.55 1.23
Meranti, Yellow Shorea spp. 40 C 770 0.65 1.55
Meranti, Dark Red Shorea spp. 44 C 780 0.71 1.77
Meranti,White Shorea spp. 41 C 1,140 0.67 1.49
Pine, Southern Yellow Pinus spp. 32 C 690 0.51 1.79
Pine, White Pinus spp. 22 C 380 0.35 1.24
Tupelo, Black Nyssa sylvatica 34 C 810 0.5 1.2
Tupelo, Water Nyssa aquatica 34 C 880 0.5 1.26
Populus
Aspen, Quaking Tremuloides 26 D 350 0.42 1.18
Cedar, Western Red Thuja plicata 22 D 350 0.32 1.11

Notes: For species marked with an asterisk (*), the value for hardness has been estimated using formulas found in the Wood
Handbook.
Physical Properties values are given for wood at 12% moisture content.
Hardness represents the relative toughness of wood and its ability to withstand marks and wear. The numerical value represents the
force needed to embed a 0.444-inch ball one-half its diameter in the wood.

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 GENERAL – Products represented as complying

with this Standard shall meet all of the applicable
requirements specified herein. Terms used in this Standard
shall be as defined in Section 5.

3.1.1 LEGALLY LOGGED WOOD – Wood used

under this standard shall be harvested in compliance with the
laws of a U.S. state, U.S. federal government, or any foreign BOOK MATCHING SLIP MATCHING
law that protects plants or timber.
Figure 1 – Face Matching
(For more examples of face matching & matching arrangements,
3.2 SPECIES FOR FACES, BACKS, AND INNER see Hardwood Plywood Handbook available at
PLIES – The species for the face, back, and inner www.decorativehardwoods.org)
plies shall be from any hardwood, softwood, or woody grass.
The panels shall be identified by the species of the faces (see 3.3.1 FACE APPEARANCE – GENERAL – Hardwood
3.17). Designation of the face species is not required for wall plywood shall be graded in accordance with sections 3.3.2
panels when the surface is a decorative simulation, such as through 3.3.9, Tables 3.1a through 3.5b, and Tables 4, 5 and 6.
that of a wood grain of another species. The species of The grade characteristics described in these paragraphs and
industrial panel backs shall be the same as the faces for panels tables are based primarily on appearance features with a fewer
having grade 1, 2, or 3 backs, unless otherwise designated (see number of natural characteristics in grade AA. More and
3.17). Special backs such as resin impregnated paper are larger characteristics are allowed progressively with the
permitted as agreed to by the buyer and seller, provided all alphabetical grade designation. In addition, grain
requirements of this Standard are met. Species of wood configuration, figure, ability to achieve a full cathedral in plain
commonly used for veneers are listed in Table 1. sliced veneer, amount of distorted grain, amount of end grain,
and other similar appearance features shall be taken into
3.3 FACE GRADE DESCRIPTIONS – The grade consideration when determining the grade classification. This
requirements and identification symbols for hardwood veneers provision applies to figure only in a general sense as
are given in 3.3.2 through 3.3.10. The patterns achieved by the mentioned in NOTE on the following page, and to certain
various cuts (rotary, flat, and quartered) for selected hardwood elements of figure specifically addressed in the grade tables,
species are listed in Table 2. When faces consist of more than e.g. color variation, burls, knots, cross bars, slope, sweep, and
one piece, the edges shall appear parallel. Book and slip match flake. It does not apply to any particular recognized
faces are illustrated in Figure 1. Face grade characteristics for decorative patterns, e.g., birdseye, burl, fiddleback, pomele,
important commercial species appear in Tables 3.1a through etc., which are sometimes requested for architectural or other
3.5b and Tables 4 and 5. Softwood veneer characteristics are special projects. Special decorative figure of this type is not
given in 3.3.10 and in Table 6. The requirements for veneer defined in the Standard. Such figure characteristics should be
and manufacturing characteristics relate to the minimum clearly defined between buyer and seller, and must be
requirements for that grade. Natural characteristics which are addressed independently of grade by other means such as a
not specifically limited in the paragraphs and tables referenced supplemental written specification, or by individual selection
above, e.g., burls and pin knots that are not conspicuous, cross of specific flitches to be used.
figure, and ray fleck in species other than oak, are not
restricted unless specified otherwise and agreed upon by the
buyer and seller. Other hardwood species not specifically
listed in Table 1, Table 2, and Tables 3.1a through 3.5b are
also covered by this Standard. For unlisted species, the buyer
and seller shall select from species groupings in Tables 3.1a
through 3.5b, Tables 4, 5, or 6 most similar to the product
required as a basis for the grade of the unlisted species. For
other applications, and as agreed to by buyer and seller,
requirements for veneer and manufacturing characteristics are
not prohibited from being more restrictive than those outlined
in 3.3.2 through 3.3.10 and as listed in Tables 3.1a through
3.5b and in Tables 4, 5 and 6. When unsanded face veneers
are graded, rough areas of grain, shallow depressions, machine
marks and other such characteristics which are capable of
being corrected by sanding are not considered. Panels shall be
identified by the veneer species and grade of the face (see
3.17). A tolerance of 5 percent of the shipment or order is
allowed (see Appendix A1).

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

TABLE 2 – COMMON FACE VENEER PATTERNS FOR SELECTED COMMERCIAL SPECIES

Primary Face Veneer Patterns a

Commercial Plain-Sliced Rift-Cut and
Hardwood Species (Flat-Cut) Quarter-Cut Comb Grain Rotary-Cut
Ash Yes Yes --- Yes
Birch Yes --- --- Yes
Cherry Yes Yes --- Yes
Hickory Yes --- --- Yes
Lauan --- Yes --- Yes
Mahogany (African) Yes Yes --- Yes
Mahogany (Honduras) Yes Yes --- Yes
Maple Yes Yes --- Yes
Meranti --- Yes --- Yes
Oak (Red) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Oak (White) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pecan Yes --- --- Yes
Walnut (Black) Yes Yes --- Yes
Yellow Poplar Yes --- --- Yes
Plain-Slicing
Typical Methods or Half-Round Quarter Off-Set Quarter
of Cutting b on Rotary Lathe Slicing on Rotary Lathe Rotary Lathe
a
The headings above refer to the face veneer pattern, not to the method of cutting. Face veneer patterns other than those listed above
are obtainable by special order.
b
The method of cutting for a given face veneer pattern shall be at mill option unless otherwise specified by the buyer in an explicit
manner to avoid the possibility of misunderstanding. For example, specifying plain sliced veneer cut on a vertical slicer or specifying
plain sliced veneer cut on a half round rotary lathe.

NOTE: Many of the products covered in this Standard are act differently in different species. For example, pecan can be
decorative. This note is provided only as explanatory characterized by much color variation in grain, in part,
information for linking various natural characteristics in wood because of the “pecky” nature of the wood. Pecan, walnut, and
to grades based on the appearance of such characteristics on cherry often have a relatively large number of pin knots. Some
the exposed face surface or surfaces. Wood is a natural species, such as birch, have a relatively small number of
material. Thus, its appearance is influenced by a number of conspicuous natural imprints; however, no species and no tree
factors uncontrolled by man. In temperate zones, the primary can be totally free of these characteristics. Because of the
growing seasons affect the formation of springwood and inherent individuality of trees, consideration should be given
summerwood which can result in wood with different cellular to the overall appearance of the veneer face to determine the
porosity and appearance as it is formed during the spring and appropriate grade for that veneer.
summer seasons. These differences can be pronounced in
some species. The outer sapwood is often distinctly different
and lighter in color from the inner heartwood due to the
presence of colored extraneous components (chemical
compounds) in the heartwood. The presence of adventitious
buds and limbs that are pruned by nature are responsible for
the formation of small pin knots and some larger knots.
Minerals and other soil factors can result in color variation in
wood. Insects, vines, other living things, and variants of nature
can interact with the living tree causing colorations and
wounds which are healed by the living tree organism. These
natural processes are, in part, responsible for the inherent
natural characteristics or imprints in wood. These factors often

6
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
3.3.2 GRADE AA – The veneer shall be smooth, tight- requirements shall be in accordance with Tables 3.1a through
cut, and full-length. When the face consists of more than one 3.5b, Tables 4,5, and 6.
veneer component or piece, the edges shall appear parallel and
be edge matched as described for the various species in Tables 3.3.4 GRADE B – The veneer shall be smooth, tight-
3.1a through 3.5b, and Table 4. All components of a book or cut, and full-length as described for the various species in
slip matched face shall be from the same flitch. Rotary-cut Tables 3.1a through 3.5b. Slip or book matched veneers are
faces shall be whole piece or multi-piece with edge joints tight available if specified by the buyer. In sliced veneer, all
with no sharp color contrasts at the joints. Species specified components of a book or slip matched face shall be from the
for natural color will allow color contrasts, but must be book same flitch. If not specified, multi-piece faces shall be
matched or conform to the type of matching as specified. The pleasing matched for color. Sharp color contrasts at the joints
components of plain-sliced (flat-cut) and multi-piece rotary are not permitted. Species specified for natural color will
faces shall be book matched, unless otherwise specified with a allow color contrasts, but must be pleasing matched or
running, balanced, or center matched arrangement. Unless conform to the type of matching as specified. Plain sliced,
otherwise specified, components in plain-sliced faces shall quarter cut, rift cut, and comb grain faces shall consist of two
have a matching arrangement selected by the manufacturer. or more components with no component, except outside
Plain-sliced faces shall consist of two or more components. components, being less than 76 mm (3 inches) wide. Rotary
Rotary faces shall consist of one or more components. Neither faces shall consist of one or more components with no
plain-sliced nor rotary faces shall have any components, component, except outside components, being less than 102
except outside components, that are less than 152 mm (6 mm (4 inches) wide. Outside components shall be sized to
inches) in width. Outside components shall be sized to allow allow for certain types of matching or panel edge trim loss.
for certain types of matching or panel edge trim loss. No plain- Sapwood and heartwood requirements shall be in accordance
sliced components shall have a split heart. No full quarter-cut with Tables 3.1a through 3.5b, Tables 4, 5, and 6.
is allowed in plain-sliced faces. The width of any single
component in quarter-cut, rift-cut, or comb grain faces, except 3.3.5 GRADE C – Requirements for grade C faces
outside components, shall not be less than 76 mm (3 inches). appear in Tables 3.1a through 3.5b, Table 5, and Table 6. The
Outside components shall be sized to allow for certain types of grade permits unlimited color streaks and spots and color
matching or panel edge trim loss. variation. An unlimited number of small burls and pin knots
are allowed with no restrictions on the size of the dark pin
3.3.3 GRADE A – The veneer shall be smooth, tight- knot centers as long as the diameter of pin knots does not
cut, and full-length. When the face consists of more than one exceed 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) in diameter. The size of sound and
veneer component or piece, the edges shall appear parallel and repaired knotholes and similar shaped openings shall not
be edge matched as described for the various species in Tables exceed 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) in diameter with a specified
3.1a through 3.5b, and Tables 4, 5, and 6. All components of number allowed based on individual species. Grade C faces
a book or slip matched face shall be from the same flitch. shall provide a sound face, free of open defects.
Rotary-cut faces shall be whole piece or be multi-piece with
edge joints tight; however, no sharp color contrasts are
permitted at the joints and the face shall provide a good
general appearance. Species specified for natural color will
allow color contrasts, but must be book matched or conform to
the type of matching as specified. The components of plain-
sliced (flat-cut) and multi-piece rotary faces shall be book
matched, unless otherwise specified with a running, balanced,
or center matched arrangement. Unless otherwise specified,
components in plain-sliced faces shall have a matching
arrangement selected by the manufacturer. Plain-sliced faces
shall consist of two or more components. Rotary faces shall
consist of one or more components. Neither plain-sliced nor
rotary faces shall have any components, except outside
components, that are less than 127 mm (5 inches) in width.
Outside components shall be sized to allow for matching or
panel edge trim loss. There shall not be any split heart in
plain-sliced faces unless manufactured cathedral is achieved.
(See definition for split heart in Section 5, DEFINITIONS).
No full quarter-cut is allowed in plain-sliced faces. The width
of any single component in quarter-cut, rift-cut, or comb grain
faces, except outside components, shall not be less than 76
mm (3 inches). Outside components shall be sized to allow for
matching or panel edge trim loss. Sapwood and heartwood

7
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 3.1a – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Ash, Beech , Birch, Maple and Poplar b
METRIC
Cut Plain-Sliced (Flat-Cut), Quarter-Cut, Rotary-Cut – See Table 2 for Common Face Veneer Patterns
Grade Description AA A B C D E
Color and Matching Sap Heart Nat. Sap Heart Nat. Sap Heart Nat.
Sapwood Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks or Spots Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Variation Slight Yes Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or
Sharp Color Contrasts at Joints Yes Yes Yes
Random matched Random matched Random matched
Type of Matching
Book Matched Yes Yes Specify -- -- --
Slip Matched Specify Specify Specify -- -- --
Pleasing Matched -- -- Yes -- -- --
Nominal Minimum Plain-S. 152 mm 127 mm 76 mm
Width of Face Quarter 76 mm 76 mm 76 mm No Limit No Limit No Limit
Components a Rotary 152 mm 127 mm 102 mm
Natural Characteristics (Except as limited below, natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Small Conspicuous Burls & Pin
2 per 1 m2 4 per 1 m2 6 per 1 m2 No Limit No Limit No Limit
Knots – Combined Avg. Number
Conspicuous Burls – Max. Size 6.4 mm 9.5 mm 12.7 mm No Limit No Limit No Limit
Conspicuous Pin Knots
Avg. Number No 4 per 3 m2 3 per 1 m2 No Limit No Limit No Limit
Max. Size: Dark Part 3.2 mm 3.2 mm
Total 6.4 mm 6.4 mm
Scattered Sound and Repaired
Knots – Combined Avg. Number No No 4 per 3 m2 3 per 1 m2 4 per 1 m2 No Limit
Max. Size – Sound 9.5 mm 12.7 mm 25.4 mm 38 mm
Max. Size – Repaired 3.2 mm 12.7 mm 19 mm 25.4 mm
Avg. No. – Repaired 4 per 3 m2 4 per 3 m2 2 per 1 m2 6 per 1 m2
Mineral Streaks No; Maple, slight Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes
Few to Few to
Bark Pockets No No 6.4 mm x 50.8 mm Yes
3.2 mm x 25.4 mm 6.4 mm x 50.8 mm
Worm Tracks Slight Slight Slight; Ash, yes Yes Yes Yes
Vine Marks Slight Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes
Cross Bars Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturing Characteristics
Two 203 mm dia.
Rough Cut / Ruptured Grain No No Slight 5% of panel 10% of panel
areas or equivalent
Blended Repaired Tapering Two 0.8 mm x 76 mm Two Four Four Six Yes
Hairline Splits on panel ends only 1.6 mm x 152 mm 3.2 mm x 203 mm 4.8 mm x 203 mm 6.4 mm x 254 mm
Repairs Very Small Blending Small Blending Blending Yes Yes Yes
Special Characteristics (Except as limited below, special natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Quartered 25.4 mm in 305 mm maximum grain slope, 63.5 mm in 305 mm maximum grain sweep
Unfilled wormholes, open splits, open joints, open bark pockets, or doze not allowed in above grades.
a Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain types of matching.
b American or European

8
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 3.2a – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Mahogany, Anegre, Makore, Sapele and other veneers with similar
characteristics See paragraph 3.3 METRIC
Cut Plain-Sliced (Flat-Cut), Quarter-Cut, Rotary-Cut – See Table 2 for Common Face Veneer Patterns
Grade Description AA A B C D E
Color and Matching
Sapwood No No No Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks or Spots Slight Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes
Color Variation Slight Slight Moderate Yes Yes Yes
Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes Yes Yes
Sharp Color Contrasts at Joints
Random matched Random matched Random matched
Type of Matching
Book Matched Yes Yes Specify -- -- --
Slip Matched Specify Specify Specify -- -- --
Pleasing Matched -- -- Yes -- -- --
Nominal Minimum Plain-S. 152 mm 127 mm 76 mm
Width of Face Quarter 76 mm 76 mm 76 mm No Limit No Limit No Limit
Componentsa Rotary 152 mm 127 mm 102 mm
Natural Characteristics (Except as limited below, natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Small Conspicuous Burls & Pin
2 per 1 m2 4 per 1 m2 6 per 1 m2 No Limit No Limit No Limit
Knots – Combined Avg. Number
Conspicuous Burls – Max. Size 6.4 mm 9.5 mm 12.7 mm No Limit No Limit No Limit
Conspicuous Pin Knots
Avg. Number No 4 per 3 m2 3 per 1 m2 No Limit No Limit No Limit
Max. Size: Dark Part 3.2 mm 3.2 mm
Total 6.4 mm 6.4 mm
Scattered Sound and Repaired
Knots – Combined Avg. Number No No 4 per 3 m2 3 per 1 m2 4 per 1 m2 No Limit
Max. Size – Sound 9.5 mm 12.7 mm 25.4 mm 38 mm
Max. Size – Repaired 3.2 mm 12.7 mm 19 mm 25.4 mm
Avg. No. – Repaired 4 per 3 m2 4 per 3 m2 2 per 1 m2 6 per 1 m2
Mineral Streaks No Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes
Few to Few to
Bark Pockets No No 6.4 mm x 50.8 mm Yes
3.2 mm x 25.4 mm 6.4 mm x 50.8 mm
Worm Tracks No No Slight Few Yes Yes
Vine Marks Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cross Bars Occasional Occasional Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturing Characteristics
Two 203 mm dia.
Rough Cut / Ruptured Grain No No Slight Slight 5% of panel
areas or equivalent
Blended Repaired Tapering Two 0.8 mm x 76 mm Two Two Four Six
Yes
Hairline Splits on panel ends only 1.6 mm x 152 mm 3.2 mm x 203 mm 4.8 mm x 203 mm 6.4 mm x 254 mm
Repairs Very Small Blending Small Blending Blending Yes Yes Yes
Special Characteristics (Except as limited below, special natural characteristics are not restricted.)
1.6 mm max.
Unfilled Wormholes No No No 1.6 mm max. dia. 1.6 mm max. dia.
dia.
Quartered 25.4 mm in 305 mm maximum grain slope, 63.5 mm in 305 mm maximum grain sweep
Open splits, open joints, open bark pockets, or doze not allowed in above grades.
a
Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain types of matching.

9
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 3.3a – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Red and White Oak METRIC
Cut Plain-Sliced (Flat-Cut), Quarter-Cut, Rift and Comb grain, Rotary-Cut – See Table 2 for Common Face Veneer Patterns
Grade Description AA A B C D E
Red Oak White Oak Red Oak White Oak Red Oak White Oak
Color and Matching
Sapwood No No 5%a Yes a 10-20%b Yes Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks or Spots Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Variation Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sharp Color Contrasts at Joints Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes Yes Yes
Random matched Random matched Random matched
Type of Matching
Book Matched Yes Yes Specify -- -- --
Slip Matched Specify Specify Specify -- -- --
Pleasing Matched -- -- Yes -- -- --
Nominal Minimum Plain-S. 152 mm 127 mm 76 mm
Width of Face Quar/Rift 76 mm 76 mm 76 mm No Limit No Limit No Limit
Componentsc Rotary 152 mm 127 mm 102 mm
Natural Characteristics (Except as limited below, natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Small Conspicuous Burls & Pin
3 per 1 m2 4 per 1 m2 8 per 1 m2 No Limit No Limit No Limit
Knots – Combined Avg. Number
Conspicuous Burls – Max. Size 6.4 mm 9.5 mm 12.7 mm No Limit No Limit No Limit
Conspicuous Pin Knots
Avg. Number No 4 per 1 m2 6 per 1 m2 No Limit No Limit No Limit
Max. Size: Dark Part 3.2 mm 3.2 mm
Total 6.4 mm 6.4 mm
Scattered Sound and Repaired
Knots – Combined Avg. Number No No 4 per 3 m2 3 per 1 m2 4 per 1 m2 No Limit
Max. Size – Sound 9.5 mm 12.7 mm 25.4 mm 38 mm
Max. Size – Repaired 3.2 mm 12.7 mm 19 mm 25.4 mm
Avg. No. – Repaired 4 per 3 m2 4 per 3 m2 2 per 1 m2 6 per 1 m2
Mineral Streaks No Slight, Blending Few to 305 mm Yes Yes Yes
Few to Few to
Bark Pockets No No 6.4 mm x 50.8 mm Yes
3.2 mm x 25.4 mm 6.4 mm x 50.8 mm
Worm Tracks No No Slight Few Yes Yes
Vine Marks No Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cross Bars Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturing Characteristics
Two 203 mm dia.
Rough Cut / Ruptured Grain No No Slight Slight 5% of panel
areas or equivalent
Blended Repaired Tapering Two 0.8 mm x 76 mm Two Four Four Yes Six
Hairline Splits on panel ends only 1.6 mm x 152 mm 3.2 mm x 203 mm 4.8 mm x 203 mm 6.4mm x 254 mm
Repairs Very Small Blending Small Blending Blending Yes Yes Yes
Special Characteristics (Except as limited below, special natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Ray Fleck d Slight, Blending Slight, Blending Slight, Blending Yes Yes Yes
Rift permits 25.4 mm in 305 mm maximum grain slope, 63.5 mm in 305 mm maximum grain sweep, fleck not to exceed 9.5 mm in width.
Rift and Comb Grain
Comb permits 12.7 mm in 305 mm maximum grain slope, 12.7 mm in 305 mm maximum grain sweep, fleck not to exceed 2.4 mm in width.
Unfilled wormholes, open splits, open joints, open bark pockets, or doze not allowed in above grades.
a
Sap allowed in rotary only unless otherwise specified. b 10% sap allowed in rift, comb, quarter-cut and plain-sliced; 20% sap allowed in rotary.
c
Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain types of matching. d Unless otherwise specified, quartered permits unlimited fleck.

10
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 3.4a – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Pecan and Hickory METRIC
Cut Plain-Sliced (Flat-Cut), Quarter-Cut, Rotary-Cut – See Table 2 for Common Face Veneer Patterns
Grade Description AA A B C D E
Color and Matching
Sapwood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks or Spots Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Variation Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sharp Color Contrasts at Joints Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes Yes Yes
Random matched Random matched Random matched
Type of Matching
Book Matched Yes Yes Specify -- -- --
Slip Matched Specify Specify Specify -- -- --
Pleasing Matched -- -- Yes -- -- --
Nominal Minimum Plain-S. 152 mm 127 mm 76 mm
Width of Quarter 76 mm 76 mm 76 mm No Limit No Limit No Limit
Face Components a Rotary 152 mm 127 mm 102 mm
Natural Characteristics (Except as limited below, natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Small Conspicuous Burls & Pin
11 per 1 m2 22 per 1 m2 No limit No Limit No Limit No Limit
Knots – Combined Avg. Number
Conspicuous Burls – Max. Size 6.4 mm 9.5 mm 12.7 mm No Limit No Limit No Limit
Conspicuous Pin Knots b
Avg. Number 6 per 1 m2 22 per 1 m2 No limit No Limit No Limit No Limit
Max. Size: Dark Part 3.2 mm 3.2 mm 3.2 mm
Total 6.4 mm 6.4 mm 6.4 mm
Scattered Sound and Repaired
Knots – Combined Avg. Number No No 4 per 3 m2 4 per 1 m2 6 per 1 m2 No Limit
Max. Size – Sound 9.5 mm 12.7 mm 25.4 mm 38 mm
Max. Size – Repaired 3.2 mm 12.7 mm 19 mm 25.4 mm
Avg. No. – Repaired 4 per 3 m2 2 per 1m2 3 per 1 m2 6 per 1 m2
Mineral Streaks Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Few to Few to
Bark Pockets No Small, Occasional To 12.7 mm wide Yes
6.4 mm x 50.8 mm 9.5 mm x 102 mm
Worm Tracks No Slight Few Yes Yes Yes
Vine Marks Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cross Bars Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturing Characteristics
Two 203 mm dia.
Rough Cut / Ruptured Grain No No Slight 5% of panel Yes
areas or equivalent
Blended Repaired Tapering Two 0.8 mm x 76 mm Two Four Four Six
Yes
Hairline Splits on panel ends only 1.6 mm x 152 mm 3.2 mm x 203 mm 4.8 mm x 203 mm 6.4 mm x 254 mm
Repairs Very Small Blending Small Blending Blending Yes Yes Yes
Special Characteristics (Except as limited below, special natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Bird Peckc No Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Knife Marks Knife marks may occur in these high density species.
Quartered 25.4 mm in 305 mm maximum grain slope, 63.5 mm in 305 mm maximum grain sweep
Unfilled wormholes, open splits, open joints, open bark pockets, or doze not allowed in above grades.
a
Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain types of matching. b For Pecan and Hickory, conspicuous pin knots means sound knots 6.4 mm or less in diameter
with dark centers larger than 1.6 mm. Blending pin knots are sound knots 6.4 mm or less in diameter with dark centers 1.6 mm or less and are allowed in all grades of Pecan and Hickory.
c
To achieve a more rustic appearance, bird peck shall be specified.

11
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 3.5a – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Walnut and Cherry METRIC
Cut Plain-Sliced (Flat-Cut), Quarter-Cut, Rotary-Cut – See Table 2 for Common Face Veneer Patterns
Grade Description AA A B C D E
Color and Matching
Sapwood No No a No a Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks or Spots Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Variation Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sharp Color Contrasts at Joints Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes Yes Yes
Random matched Random matched Random matched
Type of Matching
Book Matched Yes Yes Specify -- -- --
Slip Matched Specify Specify Specify -- -- --
Pleasing Matched -- -- Yes -- -- --
Nominal Minimum Plain-S. 152 mm 127 mm 76 mm
Width of Quarter 76 mm 76 mm 76 mm No Limit No Limit No Limit
Face Components b Rotary 152 mm 127 mm 102 mm
Natural Characteristics (Except as limited below, natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Small Conspicuous Burls & Pin
3 per 1 m2 8 per 1 m2 22 per 1 m2 No Limit No Limit No Limit
Knots – Combined Avg. Number
Conspicuous Burls – Max. Size 6.4 mm 9.5 mm 12.7 mm No Limit No Limit No Limit
Conspicuous Pin Knots c
Avg. Number 3 per 1 m2 6 per 1 m2 11 per 1 m2 No Limit No Limit No Limit
Max. Size: Dark Part 3.2 mm 3.2 mm 3.2 mm
Total 6.4 mm 6.4 mm 6.4 mm
Scattered Sound and Repaired
Knots – Combined Avg. Number No No 4 per 3 m2 3 per 1 m2 4 per 1 m2 No Limit
Max. Size – Sound 9.5 mm 12.7 mm 25.4 mm 38 mm
Max. Size – Repaired 3.2 mm 12.7 mm 19 mm 25.4 mm
Avg. No. – Repaired 4 per 3 m2 4 per 3 m2 2 per 1 m2 6 per 1 m2
Mineral Streaks Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Few to Few to
Bark Pockets No No 6.4 mm x 50.8 mm Yes
3.2 mm x 25.4 mm 6.4 mm x 50.8 mm
Worm Tracks No No Slight Few Yes Yes
Vine Marks Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cross Bars Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturing Characteristics
Two 203 mm dia.
Rough Cut / Ruptured Grain No No Slight Slight 5% of panel
areas or equivalent
Blended Repaired Tapering Two 0.8 mm x 76 mm Two Four Four Six
Yes
Hairline Splits on panel ends only 1.6 mm x 152 mm 3.2 mm x 203 mm 4.8 mm x 203 mm 6.4 mm x 254 mm
Repairs Very Small Blending Small Blending Blending Yes Yes Yes
Special Characteristics (Except as limited below, special natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Occasional gum spots in Occasional gum spots in Gum spots and gum
Gum Spots Gum spots and gum streaks in Cherry
Cherry Cherry streaks in Cherry
Quartered 25.4 mm in 305 mm maximum grain slope, 63.5 mm in 305 mm maximum grain sweep
Unfilled wormholes, open splits, open joints, open bark pockets, or doze not allowed in above grades.
a
Sap is allowed in grades A and B; however, the percentage must be agreed upon between buyer and seller. b Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain
types of matching. c For Walnut and Cherry, conspicuous pin knots means sound knots 6.4 mm or less in diameter with dark centers larger than 1.6 mm. Blending pin knots are sound knots 6.4 mm
or less in diameter with dark centers of 1.6 mm or less and are allowed in all grades of Walnut and Cherry.

12
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 3.1b – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Ash, Beech b, Birch, Maple and Poplar INCH-POUND
Cut Plain-Sliced (Flat-Cut), Quarter-Cut, Rotary-Cut – See Table 2 for Common Face Veneer Patterns
Grade Description AA A B C D E
Color and Matching Sap Heart Nat. Sap Heart Nat. Sap Heart Nat.
Sapwood Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks or Spots Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Variation Slight Yes Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or
Sharp Color Contrasts at Joints Yes Yes Yes
Random matched Random matched Random matched
Type of Matching
Book Matched Yes Yes Specify -- -- --
Slip Matched Specify Specify Specify -- -- --
Pleasing Matched -- -- Yes -- -- --
Nominal Minimum Plain-S. 6 in. 5 in. 3 in.
Width of Face Quarter 3 in. 3 in. 3 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Components a Rotary 6 in. 5 in. 4 in.
Natural Characteristics (Except as limited below, natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Small Conspicuous Burls & Pin 1 per 5 sq ft 1 per 3 sq ft 1 per 2 sq ft
No Limit No Limit No Limit
Knots – Combined Avg. Number 6 per 4 ft x 8 ft panel 10 per 4 ft x 8 ft panel 16 per 4 ft x 8 ft panel
Conspicuous Burls – Max. Size 1/4 in. 3/8 in. 1/2 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Conspicuous Pin Knots 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 4 sq ft
Avg. Number No 4 per 4 x 8 ft panel 8 per 4 x 8 ft panel No Limit No Limit No Limit
Max. Size: Dark Part 1/8 in. 1/8 in.
Total 1/4 in. 1/4 in.
Scattered Sound and Repaired 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 4 sq ft 1 per 3 sq ft
Knots – Combined Avg. Number No No 4 per 4 x 8 ft panel 8 per 4 x 8 ft panel 10 per 4 x 8 ft panel No limit
Max. Size – Sound 3/8 in. 1/2 in. 1 in. 1 1/2 in.
Max. Size – Repaired 1/8 in. 1/2 in. 3/4 in. 1 in.
Avg. No. – Repaired 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 6 sq ft 1 per 2 sq ft
Mineral Streaks No; Maple, slight Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes
Few to Few to
Bark Pockets No No 1/4 in. x 2 in. Yes
1/8 in. x 1 in. 1/4 in. x 2 in.
Worm Tracks Slight Slight Slight; Ash, yes Yes Yes Yes
Vine Marks Slight Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes
Cross Bars Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturing Characteristics
Two 8 in. diameter
Rough Cut / Ruptured Grain No No Slight 5 % of panel 10% of panel
areas or equivalent
Blended Repaired Tapering Two 1/32 in. x 3 in. Two Four Four Six Yes
Hairline Splits on panel ends only 1/16 in. x 6 in. 1/8 in. x 8 in. 3/16 in. x 8 in. 1/4 in. x 10 in.
Repairs Very Small Blending Small Blending Blending Yes Yes Yes
Special Characteristics (Except as limited below, special natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Quartered 1 inch in 12 inches maximum grain slope, 2 1/2 inches in 12 inches maximum grain sweep
Unfilled wormholes, open splits, open joints, open bark pockets, or doze not allowed in above grades.
a Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain types of matching.

b American or European

13
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 3.2b – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Mahogany, Anegre, Makore, Sapele and other veneers with similar
characteristics See paragraph 3.3 INCH-POUND
Cut Plain-Sliced (Flat-Cut), Quarter-Cut, Rotary-Cut – See Table 2 for Common Face Veneer Patterns
Grade Description AA A B C D E
Color and Matching
Sapwood No No No Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks or Spots Slight Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes
Color Variation Slight Slight Moderate Yes Yes Yes
Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes Yes Yes
Sharp Color Contrasts at Joints
Random matched Random matched Random matched
Type of Matching
Book Matched Yes Yes Specify -- -- --
Slip Matched Specify Specify Specify -- -- --
Pleasing Matched -- -- Yes -- -- --
Nominal Minimum Plain-S. 6 in. 5 in. 3 in.
Width of Face Quarter 3 in. 3 in. 3 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Components a Rotary 6 in. 5 in. 4 in.
Natural Characteristics (Except as limited below, natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Small Conspicuous Burls & Pin 1 per 5 sq ft 1 per 3 sq ft 1 per 2 sq ft
No Limit No Limit No Limit
Knots – Combined Avg. Number 6 per 4ft x 8 ft panel 10 per 4 ft x 8 ft panel 16 per 4 ft x 8 ft panel
Conspicuous Burls – Max. Size 1/4 in. 3/8 in. 1/2 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Conspicuous Pin Knots 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 4 sq ft
Avg. Number No 4 per 4 x 8 ft panel 8 per 4 x 8 ft panel No Limit No Limit No Limit
Max. Size: Dark Part 1/8 in. 1/8 in.
Total 1/4 in. 1/4 in.
Scattered Sound and Repaired 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 4 sq ft 1 per 3 sq ft
Knots – Combined Avg. Number No No 4 per 4 x 8 ft panel 8 per 4 x 8 ft panel 10 per 4 x 8 ft panel No Limit
Max. Size – Sound 3/8 in. 1/2 in. 1 in. 1 1/2 in.
Max. Size – Repaired 1/8 in. 1/2 in. 3/4 in. 1 in.
Avg. No. – Repaired 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 6 sq ft 1 per 2 sq ft
Mineral Streaks No Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes
Few to Few to
Bark Pockets No No 1/4 in. x 2 in. Yes
1/8 in. x 1 in. 1/4 in. x 2 in.
Worm Tracks No No Slight Few Yes Yes
Vine Marks Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cross Bars Occasional Occasional Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturing Characteristics
Two 8 in. diameter
Rough Cut / Ruptured Grain No No Slight Slight 5% of panel
areas or equivalent
Blended Repaired Tapering Two 1/32 in. x 3 in. Two Two Four Six
Yes
Hairline Splits on panel ends only 1/16 in. x 6 in. 1/8 in. x 8 in. 3/16 in. x 8 in. 1/4 in. x 10 in.
Repairs Very Small Blending Small Blending Blending Yes Yes Yes
Special Characteristics (Except as limited below, special natural characteristics are not restricted.)
1/16 in. max.
Unfilled Wormholes No No No 1/16 in. max. dia. 1/16 in. max. dia.
dia.
Quartered 1 inch in 12 inches maximum grain slope, 2 1/2 inches in 12 inches maximum grain sweep
Open splits, open joints, open bark pockets, or doze not allowed in above grades.
a
Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain types of matching.

14
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 3.3b – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Red and White Oak INCH-POUND
Cut Plain-Sliced (Flat-Cut), Quarter-Cut, Rift and Comb Grain, Rotary-Cut – See Table 2 for Common Face Veneer Patterns
Grade Description AA A B C D E
Red Oak White Oak Red Oak White Oak Red Oak White Oak
Color and Matching
Sapwood No No 5%a Yesa 10-20%b Yes Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks or Spots Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Variation Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sharp Color Contrasts at Joints Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes Yes Yes
Random matched Random matched Random matched
Type of Matching
Book Matched Yes Yes Specify -- -- --
Slip Matched Specify Specify Specify -- -- --
Pleasing Matched -- -- Yes -- -- --
Nominal Minimum Plain-S. 6 in. 5 in. 3 in.
Width of Face Quar/Rift 3 in. 3 in. 3 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Components c Rotary 6 in. 5 in. 4 in.
Natural Characteristics (Except as limited below, natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Small Conspicuous Burls & Pin 1 per 4 sq ft 1 per 2 2/3 sq ft 1 per 1 1/3 sq ft
No Limit No Limit No Limit
Knots – Combined Avg. Number 8 per 4 ft x 8 ft panel 12 per 4 ft x 8 ft panel 24 per 4 ft x 8 ft panel
Conspicuous Burls – Max. Size 1/4 in. 3/8 in. 1/2 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Conspicuous Pin Knots 1 per 3 sq ft 1 per 2 sq ft
Avg. Number No 10 per 4 x 8 ft panel 16 per 4 x 8 ft panel No Limit No Limit No Limit
Max. Size: Dark Part 1/8 in. 1/8 in.
Total 1/4 in. 1/4 in.
Scattered Sound and Repaired 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 4 sq ft 1 per 3 sq ft
Knots – Combined Avg. Number No No 4 per 4 x 8 ft panel 8 per 4 x 8 ft panel 10 per 4 x 8 ft panel No Limit
Max. Size – Sound 3/8 in. 1/2 in. 1 in. 1 1/2 in.
Max. Size – Repaired 1/8 in. 1/2 in. 3/4 in. 1 in.
Avg. No. – Repaired 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 6 sq ft 1 per 2 sq ft
Mineral Streaks No Slight, Blending Few to 12 in. Yes Yes Yes
Few to Few to
Bark Pockets No No 1/4 in. x 2 in. Yes
1/8 in. x 1 in. 1/4 in. x 2 in.
Worm Tracks No No Slight Few Yes Yes
Vine Marks No Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cross Bars Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturing Characteristics
Two 8 in. diameter
Rough Cut / Ruptured Grain No No Slight Slight 5% of panel
areas or equivalent
Blended Repaired Tapering Two 1/32 in. x 3 in. Two Four Four Yes Six
Hairline Splits on panel ends only 1/16 in. x 6 in. 1/8 in. x 8 in. 3/16 in. x 8 in. 1/4 in. x 10 in.
Repairs Very Small Blending Small Blending Blending Yes Yes Yes
Special Characteristics (Except as limited below, special natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Ray Fleck d Slight, Blending Slight, Blending Slight, Blending Yes Yes Yes
Rift permits 1 inch in 12 inches maximum grain slope, 2 1/2 inches in 12 inches maximum grain sweep, fleck not to exceed 3/8 inch in width.
Rift and Comb Grain
Comb permits 1/2 inch in 12 inches maximum grain slope, 1/2 inch in 12 inches maximum grain sweep, fleck not to exceed 3/32 inch in width.
Unfilled wormholes, open splits, open joints, open bark pockets, or doze not allowed in above grades.
a
Sap allowed in rotary only unless otherwise specified. b 10% Sap allowed in rift, comb, quarter-cut and plain-sliced; 20% sap allowed in rotary.
c
Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain types of matching. d Unless otherwise specified, quartered permits unlimited fleck.

15
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 3.4b – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Pecan and Hickory INCH-POUND
Cut Plain-Sliced (Flat-Cut), Quarter-Cut, Rotary-Cut – See Table 2 for Common Face Veneer Patterns
Grade Description AA A B C D E
Color and Matching
Sapwood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks or Spots Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Variation Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sharp Color Contrasts at Joints Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes Yes Yes
Random matched Random matched Random matched
Type of Matching
Book Matched Yes Yes Specify -- -- --
Slip Matched Specify Specify Specify -- -- --
Pleasing Matched -- -- Yes -- -- --
Nominal Minimum Plain-S. 6 in. 5 in. 3 in.
Width of Quarter 3 in. 3 in. 3 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Face Components a Rotary 6 in. 5 in. 4 in.
Natural Characteristics (Except as limited below, natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Small Conspicuous Burls & Pin 1 per 1 sq ft 2 per 1 sq ft
No limit No Limit No Limit No Limit
Knots – Combined Avg. Number 32 per 4 x 8 ft panel 64 per 4 x 8 ft panel
Conspicuous Burls – Max. Size 1/4 in. 3/8 in. 1/2 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Conspicuous Pin Knotsb 1 per 2 sq ft 2 per 1 sq ft
Avg. Number 16 per 4 x 8 ft panel 64 per 4 x 8 ft panel No limit
Max. Size: Dark Part 1/8 in. 1/8 in. 1/8 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Total 1/4 in. 1/4 in. 1/4 in.
Scattered Sound and Repaired 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 3 sq ft 1 per 2 sq ft
Knots – Combined Avg. Number No No 4 per 4 x 8 ft panel 10 per 4 x 8 ft panel 16 per 4 x 8 ft panel No Limit
Max. Size – Sound 3/8 in. 1/2 in. 1 in. 1 1/2 in.
Max. Size – Repaired 1/8 in. 1/2 in. 3/4 in. 1 in.
Avg. No. – Repaired 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 6 sq ft 1 per 4 sq ft 1 per 2 sq ft
Mineral Streaks Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bark Pockets No Small, Occasional Few to 1/4 in. x 2 in. Few to 3/8 in. x 4 in. To 1/2 in. wide Yes
Worm Tracks No Slight Few Yes Yes Yes
Vine Marks Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cross Bars Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturing Characteristics
Two 8 in. dia. areas
Rough Cut / Ruptured Grain No No Slight 5% of panel Yes
or equivalent
Blended Repaired Tapering Two 1/32 in. x 3 in.
Two 1/16 in. x 6 in. Four 1/8 in. x 8 in. Four 3/16 in. x 8 in. Six 1/4 in. x 10 in. Yes
Hairline Splits on panel ends only
Repairs Very Small Blending Small Blending Blending Yes Yes Yes
Special Characteristics (Except as limited below, special natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Bird Peck c No Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Knife Marks Knife marks may occur in these high density species.
Quartered 1 inch in 12 inches maximum grain slope, 2 1/2 inches in 12 inches maximum grain sweep
Unfilled wormholes, open splits, open joints, open bark pockets, or doze not allowed in above grades.
a
Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain types of matching. b For Pecan and Hickory, conspicuous pin knots means sound knots 1/4 inch or less in diameter
with dark centers larger than 1/16 inch. Blending pin knots are sound knots 1/4 inch or less in diameter with dark centers 1/16 inch or less and are allowed in all grades of Pecan and Hickory.
c
To achieve a more rustic appearance, bird peck shall be specified.

16
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 3.5b – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Walnut and Cherry INCH-POUND
Cut Plain-Sliced (Flat-Cut), Quarter-Cut, Rotary-Cut – See Table 2 for Common Face Veneer Patterns
Grade Description AA A B C D E
Color and Matching
Sapwood No Noa Noa Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks or Spots Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Variation Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sharp Color Contrasts at Joints Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes if Slip, Plank or Yes Yes Yes
Random matched Random matched Random matched
Type of Matching
Book Matched Yes Yes Specify -- -- --
Slip Matched Specify Specify Specify -- -- --
Pleasing Matched -- -- Yes -- -- --
Nominal Minimum Plain-S. 6 in. 5 in. 3 in.
Width of Quarter 3 in. 3 in. 3 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Face Components b Rotary 6 in. 5 in. 4 in.
Natural Characteristics (Except as limited below, natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Small Conspicuous Burls & Pin 1 per 4 sq ft 1 per 1 1/3 sq ft 2 per 1 sq ft
No Limit No Limit No Limit
Knots – Combined Avg. Number 8 per 4 x 8 ft panel 24 per 4 x 8 ft panel 64 per 4 x 8 ft panel
Conspicuous Burls – Max. Size 1/4 in. 3/8 in. 1/2 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Conspicuous Pin Knotsc 1 per 5 sq ft 1 per 2 sq ft 1 per 1 sq ft
Avg. Number 6 per 4 x 8 ft panel 16 per 4 x 8 ft panel 32 per 4 x 8 ft panel
Max. Size: Dark Part 1/8 in. 1/8 in. 1/8 in. No Limit No Limit No Limit
Total 1/4 in. 1/4 in. 1/4 in.
Scattered Sound and Repaired 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 4 sq ft 1 per 3 sq ft
Knots – Combined Avg. Number No No 4 per 4 x 8 ft panel 8 per 4 x 8 ft panel 10 per 4 x 8 ft panel No Limit
Max. Size – Sound 3/8 in. 1/2 in. 1 in. 1 1/2 in.
Max. Size – Repaired 1/8 in. 1/2 in. 3/4 in. 1 in.
Avg. No. – Repaired 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 8 sq ft 1 per 6 sq ft 1 per 2 sq ft
Mineral Streaks Slight Slight Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bark Pockets No No Few to 1/8 in. x 1 in. Few to 1/4 in. x 2 in. 1/4 in. x 2 in. Yes
Worm Tracks No No Slight Few Yes Yes
Vine Marks Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cross Bars Slight Occasional Yes Yes Yes Yes
Manufacturing Characteristics
Two 8 in. dia. areas
Rough Cut / Ruptured Grain No No Slight Slight 5% of panel
or equivalent
Blended Repaired Tapering Two 1/32 in. x 3 in.
Two 1/16 in. x 6 in. Four 1/8 in. x 8 in. Four 3/16 in. x 8 in. Six 1/4 in. x 10 in. Yes
Hairline Splits on panel ends only
Repairs Very Small Blending Small Blending Blending Yes Yes Yes
Special Characteristics (Except as limited below, special natural characteristics are not restricted.)
Occasional gum spots in Occasional gum spots in Gum spots and gum
Gum Spots Gum spots and gum streaks in Cherry
Cherry Cherry streaks in Cherry
Quartered 1 inch in 12 inches maximum grain slope, 2 1/2 inches in 12 inches maximum grain sweep
Unfilled wormholes, open splits, open joints, open bark pockets, or doze not allowed in above grades.
a
Sap is allowed in grades A and B; however, the percentage must be agreed upon between buyer and seller. b Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain types
of matching. c For Walnut and Cherry, conspicuous pin knots means sound knots 1/4 inch or less in diameter with dark centers larger than 1/16 inch. Blending pin knots are sound knots 1/4 inch or
less in diameter with dark centers 1/16 inch or less and are allowed in all grades of Walnut and Cherry.

17
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

TABLE 4 – HARDWOOD DOOR FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS

Grade Description AA A B

Nominal Minimum Plain-Sliced 127 mm (5 in.) 102 mm (4 in.) 76 mm (3 in.)

Width of Face Quartered / Rift 76 mm (3 in.) 76 mm (3 in.) 76 mm (3 in.)
Components a Rotary 127 mm (5 in.) 102 mm (4 in.) 102 mm (4 in.)

Grade characteristics for color and matching, natural, manufacturing, & special characteristics are as specified in TABLES 3.1 – 3.5

a Outside components will be a different size to allow for edge trim loss and certain types of matching.

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 5 – SUMMARY OF HARDWOOD FACE AND BACK GRADE CHARACTERISTICS – Western Red Alder
METRIC AND INCH-POUND

Cut Rotary and Sliced

Grade Description A B C / Rustic 1 (Back)
Color and Matching
Sapwood Yes Yes Yes Yes
Heartwood Yes Yes Yes Yes
Color Streaks Slight Slight Yes Yes
Color Variation Slight Slight Yes Yes
Nominal Minimum Width of
76 mm (3 in.) 76 mm (3 in.) 76 mm (3 in.) No minimum
Face Components
Type of Matching
Plank matched for Yes a Yes a Yes a
pleasing appearance Any matching type
at the option of the
Book Matched – Specify Specify b Specify mill
Matched for color and
grain at the joints
Natural Characteristics
Conspicuous Burls –
12.7 mm (1/2 in.) Yes Yes Yes
Max. Size
Pin Knots Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bark Pockets No Few Unlimited in number; Few

Maximum Size Maximum size Maximum size

6.4 mm x 50.8 mm (6.4 mm x 102 mm) 6.4 mm x 50.8 mm
(1/4 in. x 2 in.) (1/4 in. x 4 in.) (1/4 in. x 2 in.)
Sound Knots b –
Max. Size 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) 50.8 mm (2 in.) Yes Yes
(may contain dark
centers)
Repaired Knot Holes b –
Number; Two; Six; Unlimited; Ten;
Maximum Size 6.4 mm (1/4 in.) 19 mm (3/4 in.) 38 mm (1 1/2 in.) 19 mm (3/4 in.)
Max. Dia. Max. Dia. Max. Dia. Max. Dia.
Manufacturing Characteristics
Rough Cut No Small Areas Allowed Small Areas Allowed Small Areas Allowed
Stain No Slight Yes Yes
Two Three
Blended Repaired Tapering 1.6 mm x 152 mm 3.2 mm x 254 mm 3.2 mm x 305 mm 3.2 mm x 305 mm
Hairline Splits (1/16 in. x 6 in.) (1/8 in. x 10 in.) (1/8 in. x 12 in.) (1/8 in. x 12 in.)
on panel ends on panel ends
Repairs Blending Blending Yes Yes
Special Characteristics – Open Knots b – –

a The general color of individual components shall not be significantly lighter or darker than that of other components in
the face.
b Book Matched Grade B – One row of unlimited 3/4 inch open knots is allowed.

19
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 6 – SUMMARY OF DECORATIVE SOFTWOOD GRADE CHARACTERISTICS METRIC AND INCH-POUND
DECORATIVE KNOTTY SOFTWOOD VERTICAL GRAIN SOFTWOOD
FACE AND BACK GRADE CHARACTERISTICS FACE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS
WESTERN RED CEDAR AND WHITE PINE DOUGLAS FIR AND REDWOOD
Cut Rotary and Sliced Knotty Veneer Sliced – Vertical Grain
B (Face) 1 (Back)a / A (Face) a
Grade Description A (Face)
C (Face)
Red Cedar White Pine Douglas Fir Redwood
Color and Matching
Limited – No bright
Sapwood Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sapwood
Heartwood Yes Yes Yes Yes b
Color Streaks Slight Yes Yes No
Color Variation No Slight Yes Slight
Stain, Blue and Brown No Slight Yes No
Type of Matching:
Book Matched for color c
-- -- -- Yes
and grain at the joints
Plank Matched c
Yes Yes Not Applicable Yes
for pleasing appearance
Natural Characteristics
Burls Yes Yes Yes Small
Pin Knots Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Sound Knots; Max. Size 50.8 mm (2 in.) 89 mm (3 1/2 in.) Yes No
Spike Knots; Max. Size 50.8 mm (2 in.) 89 mm (3 1/2 in.) Yes No
Repaired Knot Holes; Max. Size 19 mm (3/4 in.) 38 mm (1 1/2 in.) Unlimited No
Pitch Streaks Small Small Yes Small No
Few to 3.2 mm x 25.4 mm Few to 3.2 mm x 50.8 m
Pitch Pockets Yes No
(1/8 in. x 1 in.) (1/8 in. x 2 in.)
Crows Foot Slight Occasional Yes Yes No
Manufacturing Characteristics
Rough Cut No Slight Yes No
Blended Repaired Tapering
Yes Yes Yes b Yes
Hairline Splits
Repairs Blending Blending Yes Blending
Special Characteristics
Cross Bars -- -- -- No
Unfilled wormholes, open splits, open joints, ruptured grain, or doze not allowed in grades A and B. Unfilled wormholes, open splits, open joints,
a All Knotty Western Red Cedar and White Pine complying with this Standard shall meet these ruptured grain, or doze not allowed.
a See Table 7 for description of back grades.
back grade requirements unless otherwise specified.
b Open hairline checks and splits up to 305 mm (12 in.) long and 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) wide allowed. b Heartwood must have 6 or more annual rings

per 25.4 mm (1 inch).

c Shall be provided book matched unless

otherwise specified.

20
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
3.3.6 GRADE D – Requirements for grade D faces however, grade 3 is obtainable with repaired splits, joints, bark
appear in Tables 3.1a through 3.5b. This grade allows pockets, laps, and knotholes to achieve a sound surface if
unlimited color streaks and spots, and color variation. An specified by the buyer. Grade 4 permits knotholes up to 102
unlimited number of small burls and pin knots are allowed mm (4 inches) in diameter and open splits and joints limited
with no restrictions on the size of dark pin knot centers as long by width and length. Descriptions of the back grades for red
as the diameter of pin knots does not exceed 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) alder and knotty softwoods appear in Tables 5 and 6,
in diameter. The size of repaired and sound knotholes and respectively. Method of cut and matching may be different
similar shaped openings shall not exceed 19 mm (3/4 inch) for from that of the panel face unless agreed to between buyer and
repaired and 25.4 mm (1 inch) for sound knots with a specified seller.
number based on individual species. Grade D faces shall
provide a sound face, free of open defects. The size or 3.5 INNER PLY GRADES – Inner plies are limited by
percentage of rough grain on the panel surface depends on the the diameters and widths of openings listed in Table 8 and
species (see Tables 3.1a through 3.5b). other provisions stated in Tables 9a and 9b. Four grades are
described with the following designations: J, K, L, and M.
3.3.7 GRADE E – Requirements for grade E faces Grade J is the most restrictive allowing minimal size openings.
appear in Tables 3.1a through 3.5b. The grade allows Grades K, L, and M are progressively less restrictive. The
unlimited color streaks and spots, color variation, and an least restrictive grade (M) is for plies not adjacent to faces and
unlimited number of small burls, pin knots, repaired openings, allows round and similar shaped openings not to exceed 63.5
and sound knots. Repaired knotholes and similar shaped mm (2 1/2 inches) and elongated openings up to 25.4 mm (1
openings shall not exceed 25.4 mm (1 inch) in diameter and inch) as visible on the edges or ends of panels.
sound knot size is restricted to 38 mm (1 1/2 inches) in
diameter. Grade E faces shall provide a sound face, free of 3.6 THICKNESS OF VENEERS – Minimum
open defects. The maximum amount of rough-cut veneer shall acceptable thicknesses of veneers vary with the intended use
be in accordance with Tables 3.1a through 3.5b. and species, and have no fixed limits except as agreed upon by
the buyer and seller. Decorative plywood face veneers are cut
3.3.8 RUSTIC GRADE (R) – Rustic grade will include at different thicknesses, generally 0.65 mm (1/38”, 0.026”)
well scattered natural characteristics in both sliced and rotary and thinner. The Industry Voluntary Standard DFV-1 for
cut veneer faces as agreed upon between buyer and seller. Sliced Decorative Wood Face Veneer Section 3.3 Veneer
Thickness provides the minimum raw veneer thickness by
3.3.9 SPECIALTY GRADE (SP) – This grade shall be species and group and is provided in Appendix C for
applicable instead of grades AA, A, B, C, D and E only to reference.
veneer in which the features of greatest significance are
Note: tolerance is measured prior to manufacturer’s sanding.
unusual characteristics, component widths that are not
described by the above-mentioned grades, or proprietary to the
3.7 LUMBER CORES – Lumber cores shall be of any
manufacturer. Characteristics shall be as agreed upon between
listed species, except that mixing of species in a single core is
buyer and seller. This grade also refers to sound faces with
prohibited. The maximum permissible width of core strips
large wood repairs such as boat patches. This category also
shall be 76 mm (3 inches) for Category A and B species (see
includes wall panel face veneers and engineered veneer.
Table 1), and 102 mm (4 inches) for Category C and D
Species such as wormy chestnut, birds-eye maple, and English
species. Core grades and core banding requirements shall be as
brown oak which have unusual decorative features are
described in 3.7.1 through 3.7.5. Finished hardwood plywood
considered as Specialty Grade.
manufactured using lumber core shall have a flat smooth
surface free of warpage.
3.3.10 SOFTWOOD GRADES – Tables 6 contain the
face veneer grade requirements for specific knotty and vertical
3.7.1 CLEAR GRADE – The wood strips shall be full
grain decorative softwoods. Requirements for unlisted
length or finger-jointed and shall be free of knots or other
softwoods for faces shall be selected by buyer and seller from
defects which will not properly shape or mold. Discolorations
among those listed in Tables 3.1a through 3.5b or Table 6. The
and wood repairs (patches, plugs and filler) are not prohibited.
type of matching for unlisted softwood faces shall be agreed to
by buyer and seller. Softwoods for backs, and inner plies shall
3.7.2 SOUND GRADE – The wood strips shall be full
meet the grading requirements of Table 7 and 8.
length or finger-jointed and shall be free of defects, except
discolorations and sound knots. Small open defects shall not
3.4 BACK GRADES – The summary of characteristics
be allowed unless securely repaired with wood or wood filler.
and allowable defects for four (4) back grades are shown in
Table 5 and Table 7. Back grades are designated by numbers:
1, 2, 3, and 4. Requirements of grade 1 are most restrictive, 3.7.3 REGULAR GRADE – The wood strips shall be
the same as sound grade, except that tightly butted ends are
with grades 2, 3, and 4 being progressively less restrictive.
not prohibited.
Grades 1 and 2 provide sound surfaces with all openings in the
veneer repaired except for vertical wormholes not larger than
1.6 mm (1/16 inch). Grades 3 and 4 permit some open defects;

21
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
3.7.4 CLEAR EDGE – The wood strips shall be 3.10.1 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION – Because of
“regular grade,” except that the edge strips shall be a special panel constructions and because of special face
minimum of 38 mm (1 1/2 inches) “clear grade” to permit treatments, certain panels for specific applications, e.g. two
shaping or molding. ply door skins, thin wall panels, etc., are not required to have a
flat surface prior to their application. Such deviation shall not
3.7.5 BANDED CORE – The bands shall be “clear prevent their taking the shape of the surface to which they are
grade.” The species, width, number, and sequence of applied without the development of defects attributable to this
application of bands, and grade between bands shall be as deviation.
agreed upon between buyer and seller. The types of banding
shall be as follows:
1. Banded one end (B1E)
2. Banded two ends (B2E)
3. Banded one side (B1S)
4. Banded two sides (B2S)
5. Banded two ends and one side (B2E1S)
6. Banded two sides and one end (B2S1E)
7. Banded two sides and two ends (B4)

3.8 PARTICLEBOARD, FIBERBOARD AND

HARDBOARD CORES (PB, MDF, HDF) – Cores
shall be in accordance with ANSI A208.l-2016 Particleboard,
ANSI A208.2-2016 Medium Density Fiberboard, and ANSI
A135.4-2012 Basic Hardboard.5

3.9 SPECIAL CORES – Cores made of other material

shall be allowed if all other applicable requirements of this
Standard are met.

3.10 CONSTRUCTION – Any combination of plies

consistent with the definition of hardwood plywood shall be
acceptable. Bonded assemblies are typically constructed
utilizing combinations of species, thickness, and moisture
content to produce a balanced panel. Most plywood panels
achieve balance by being constructed with an odd number of
plies where all inner plies, except the innermost ply, occur in
pairs. Some constructions utilize an even number of plies:
constructions that contain layers of adjacent veneers with
parallel grain; two-ply door skin constructions, in which the
grain of veneer plies is perpendicular; or constructions in
which decorative veneer is bonded to one side of
particleboard, medium density fiberboard, or hardboard. A
ply shall consist of a single veneer, particleboard, medium
density fiberboard (MDF), hardboard, or lumber. Typical
constructions are illustrated in Figure 2. The limiting criteria
for hardwood plywood shall be as provided in Table 9a and
9b. (see 3.17 for marking).

5
Later issues of these publications may be used provided the requirements
are applicable and consistent with the issue designated. Copies are
available from the Composite Panel Association; www.compositepanel.org

22
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 7 – SUMMARY OF ALLOWABLE NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR BACK GRADES
METRIC AND INCH-POUND

Grade Description 1 2 3 4
Sapwood Yes Yes Yes Yes
Discoloration & Stain Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mineral Streaks Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sound Tight Burls Yes Yes Yes Yes
Max. Dia. 9.5 mm Max. Dia. 19 mm Max. Dia. 38 mm
Sound Tight Knots Yes
(3/8 in.) (3/4 in.) (1 ½ in.)
Unlimited to 12.7
mm (½ in.);
Maximum Number of Tight No more than 16
16 16 Unlimited
Knots from 12.7 mm to 38
mm
(½ to 1 ½ in.)
12.7 mm
25.4 mm c 102 mm
Knotholes No (½ in.)
(1 in.) c (4 in.)
repaired
All repaired;
Unlimited to 9.5 mm
Unlimited to 9.5
(3/8 in.);
Maximum Combined mm (3/8 in.); No
No more than 10
Number of Knotholes and None a more than 8 from Unlimited
from 9.5 mm to 25.4
Repaired Knots 9.5 mm to 12.7
mmc
mm
(3/8 in. to 1 in.) c
(3/8 in. to ½ in.)
Wormholes Filled b Filled b Yes Yes
25.4 mm (1 in.) for 1/4
Six 4.8 mm x 305 Yes, 9.5 mm length of the panel;
Six 3.2 mm x 305 mm
mm (3/8 in.) 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) for ½
Splits or Open Joints (1/8 in. to 12 in.)
(3/16 in. x 12 in.) by 1/4 length of the length of the panel;
repaired
repaired panel c 6.4 mm (1/4 in.) for full
length of panel
Areas of doze and
Firm areas of decay provided
Doze and Decay Firm areas of doze Firm areas of doze
doze serviceability of panel
is not impaired.
Two 203 mm (8 in.)
Rough Cut/Ruptured Grain 5% of panel Yes Yes
diameter areas
3.2 mm (1/8 in.) wide 6.4 mm (1/4 in.)
Bark Pockets Yes c Yes
repaired wide repaired
Laps No Repaired Yes c Yes
Back is the unexposed surface of a panel or the second (least important decoratively) surface when both surfaces are
exposed. Ordering a back grade for both surfaces shall be permitted when agreed upon between buyer and seller.
a Repaired pin knots and pin knots allowed.

b Unfilled wormholes shall be a maximum of 1.6 mm in diameter.

c Available repaired, if specified.

23
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 8 – SUMMARY OF ALLOWABLE OPENINGS FOR INNER PLY GRADES OF CORE VENEER a
METRIC AND INCH-POUND

Grade Designation
Grade Description
J K L M
Thicker than 2.5 mm
Any
Thickness of Crossbands Adjacent to Faces Any thickness 2.5 mm (1/10 in.) and Not Applicable
thickness
(1/10 in.) thinner
Knotholes and Other Round, Elliptical, 9.5 mm 19 mm 25.4 mm 63.5 mm
None
or Similar Shape Openings (Max. Diameter) (3/8 in.) (3/4 in.) (1 in.) (2 1/2 in.)

Splits, Gaps, and Other Elongated End or

3.2 mm 6.4 mm 12.7 mm 25.4 mm
Edge Openings – Each Opening
(1/8 in.) (1/4 in.) (1/2 in.) (1 in.)
is Visible on Only One End or Edge
of Panel (Max. Width)

a Inner ply grades are also limited by characteristics listed in footnotes c and d of Table 9a depending on face grade and bond line type.

24
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

Figure 2 – Typical Plywood Constructions*

Veneer Core Plywood Particleboard Core Plywood

Combination Core Plywood with Composite Inner Ply Combination Core Plywood with Composite Crossbands

Medium Density Fiberboard Core Plywood

*Note: Not all possible constructions are represented.

25
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 9a – LIMITING CRITERIA FOR PLYWOOD

Technical Type I b Type II

Limiting Factors a
(Exterior) (Exterior) (Interior)
Species or Categories of Core Veneer (3.2) Specify Specify Specify
Core Veneer Edge Joints (3.3) No tape No tape Tape permitted
Grade of Face Veneers (3.3) Specify among AA, A, or B Specify Specify
Grade of Back Veneers (3.4) Specify Specify Specify
Grade and Limitations of Inner Plies Adjacent to K e under AA, A, or B
Faces (3.5) a J c under AA, A, and B Kd
Le under C, D, or E
Grade of Other Inner Plies (3.5)a K d or better M or better M or better
Grade of Lumber Core (3.7) Not suitable Specify Specify
Particleboard, MDF, and Hardboard Cores (3.8) Not suitable Not suitable Specify

a If the buyer requires a specific inner ply grade among those as listed in Table 8, it must be specified. Shall not be used when continuously exposed to
moisture in critical use applications such as for marine and aircraft.
b Patches and gum spots are not prohibited. Sound tight knots shall not exceed 19 mm (3/4 inch). No unfilled wormholes, cross breaks, ruptured grain, bark

pockets, brashness, or laps permitted.

c No brashness permitted. Cross breaks, ruptured grain, doze, and other characteristics are allowed only as long as serviceability of panel is not impaired.

d For Type II plywood, inner ply grades limited only by allowable opening sizes in Table 8. Where 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) or thicker faces are used, Grade M inner

plies are allowed.

26
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
TABLE 9b – PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR PLYWOOD METRIC AND INCH-POUND

Technical Type I a Type II

Limiting Factors
(Exterior) (Exterior) (Interior)
Bond Line Requirements (See Section 3.11) Fully waterproof Fully waterproof Water resistant
Bond Line (glue bond) Test Performance
Dry and cyclic-boil shear Dry and cyclic-boil shear Three-cycle soak and dry
(See Section 3.11)
Softwood Core Section 4.3 and PS 1-19 exterior Section 4.3 and PS 1-19 exterior
plywood plywood
All Type II require Section 4.6
Other Core Sections 4.3,4.4,4.5 Sections 4.3,4.4,4.5
Maximum Large Scale Chamber Concentration (ASTM E 13336 or ASTM D60076)
mg/m3 ppm
Formaldehyde Emissions Requirements
Level 2 0.06 0.05
(See Section 3.12)
Level 2 NAF, NAUF, ULEF Exempt 0.05/0.06 0.04/0.05

Tolerances for Width and Length

+/- 0.8 mm (1/32 in. or 0.031 in.)
(See Section 3.13)
NOMINAL: Thickness Class Designations Designations shall NOT be expressed in terms of actual units of measure
(See Section 3.13)
Fractional Class ¾, 5/8, ½, 3/8, ¼, 3/16, or 1/8 Class
Decimal Class .750, .625, .500, .375, .250, .185, or .125 Class
Metric Class 19.2, 15.9, 12.7, 9.5, 6.4, 4.8, or 3.2 Class
ACTUAL: Thickness for Class Designations Minimum Allowable Thickness of Stated Class
must be provided (See Section 3.13)
Greater or equal to: ¼, .250, 6.4 - 3/64 in., .047 in., or 1.2 mm
Less than: ¼, .250, 6.4 - 1/32 in., .031 in., or 0.8 mm

Squareness (See Section 3.13.1) Square within 2.4 mm (3/32 in. or 0.094 in.) for Panels > 1219 mm by 1219 mm (4 ft. by 4 ft.).
Square within 1.6 mm (1/16 in. or 0.063 in.) for Panels <1219 mm by 1219 mm (4 ft. by 4 ft.).
Straightness (See Section 3.13.2) Straight within 1.6 mm (1/16 in. or 0.063 in.) for Panels <2438 mm (8 ft.).
Straight within 2.4 mm (3/32 in. or 0.094 in.) for Panels > 2438 mm (8 ft.).
Sanding (See Section 3.14) Specify
Moisture Content (See Section 3.15) < 12% leaving Mill
a. Shall not be used when continuously exposed to moisture in critical use applications such as for marine and aircraft.

6
The latest issue of ASTM publications shall be used provided the requirements are applicable and consistent with the issues designated. ASTM publications may be purchased
from ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 USA, www.astm.org

27
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
component parts or finished goods shall require third party
certification of the plywood as a “panel manufacturer” per
TABLE 10 – WOOD FAILURE REQUIREMENTS FOR TSCA requirements.
TECHNICAL AND TYPE I PLYWOOD BOND LINES
Prior to fabrication into component parts or finished goods, all
Minimum Wood Failure hardwood plywood products shall comply with the CARB and
TSCA formaldehyde emissions limit for hardwood plywood
Average Failing Load Individual Test Piece
(0.05 ppm) and shall be tested according to the ASTM E13338
Specimen Average
Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde
Kilopascals Concentrations in Air and Emission Rates from Wood
(lb./ sq. inch) Percent a Percent a
(kPa) Products using a Large Chamber, or equivalent ASTM
Under 1724 (Under 250) 25 50 D60078 Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde
Concentrations in Air from Wood Products Using a Small
1724-2413 (250-350) 10 30
Scale Chamber. ASTM D60078 small chamber equivalency
Over 2413 (Over 350) 10 15 must be demonstrated per CARB and TSCA requirements.
a These values are the percentage of wood area 3.13 DIMENSIONS AND TOLERANCES – The actual
remaining adhered to the fractured surface in the test dimensions of hardwood plywood panels shall be as agreed
area. upon between the buyer and the seller. The tolerances for the
stated dimensions shall be as follows:
3.11 BOND LINE AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS
Width: Stated actual plus or minus 0.8 mm (1/32 inch
or 0.031 inch)
3.11.1 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Construction requirements specific to plywood types are Length: Stated actual plus or minus 0.8 mm (1/32 inch
specified in tables 9a and 9b. or 0.031 inch)
Thickness: (sanded or unsanded)
3.11.2 TECHNICAL & TYPE I PLYWOOD – The
bond line of Technical & Type I plywood panels shall meet Thickness may be referred to and labeled as the “Thickness
the requirements given in Table 10 when tested in accordance Class” but is not required. The Thickness Class designation
with 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4. Hardwood plywood manufactured shall NOT be expressed in terms of actual units of
using softwood core veneers shall also meet the bond line measurement.
requirements specified in PS 1-197 exterior plywood.
Thickness Class designation, if used, shall be expressed as
follows:
3.11.3 TYPE II PLYWOOD – The bond line of Type II
plywood shall be of such quality that specimens shall Fractional Class designation:
withstand the 3-cycle soak test and criteria described in 4.2.2 (Examples: 3/4, 5/8, 1/2, 3/8, 1/4, 3/16, or 1/8 Class)
and 4.6.
Decimal Class designation:
(Examples: .750, .625, .500, .375, .250, .185, or .125 Class)
3.12 FORMALDEHYDE EMISSIONS – Hardwood
plywood shall be certified to or compliant with the California Metric Class designation:
Air Resources Board Airborne Toxic Control Measure to (Examples: 19.2, 15.9, 12.7, 9.5, 6.4, 4.8, or 3.2 Class)
Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood
The actual thickness shall at minimum be provided:
Products (CARB) and EPA TSCA Title VI 40 CFR Part 770
Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood For Class designations equal to or greater than 1/4, .250 or
Products (TSCA). Panels or panel bundles shall be labeled in 6.4 shall have a minimum thickness of stated Class
accordance with TSCA requirements, and may also be labeled designation with minus 3/64 inch, .047 inch, or 1.2 mm
in accordance with CARB at the manufacturers discretion. allowed.
Hardwood plywood manufacturers that apply veneer to a For Class designations less than 1/4, .250 or 6.4 shall have
substrate (e.g. hardwood plywood, PB, MDF) and a minimum thickness of stated Class designation minus
subsequently process those panels into “component parts” or 1/32 inch, .031 inch, or 0.8 mm allowed.
“finished goods” as defined in TSCA Title VI shall comply
Actual thickness shall be measured to the nearest 0.025 mm
with the TSCA requirements for “laminated product
(0.001 inch) using a dial thickness gauge or conventional
producers” and “fabricators.” Manufacturers that lay up their
micrometer. Sufficient pressure shall be applied to ensure
own hardwood plywood (e.g. line-by-line veneer core
plywood construction) prior to subsequent processing into ___________________________
8
___________________________ The latest issue of ASTM publications shall be used provided the
requirements are applicable and consistent with the issues designated.
7
Later issues of this publication may be used provided the requirements are ASTM publications may be purchased from ASTM International, 100
applicable and consistent with the issue designated. Copies are available Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
from the APA - The Engineered Wood Association; www.apawood.org. USA, www.astm.org

28
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
that the anvils of the instrument are in firm and square contact 3.16.2 FINISH PERFORMANCE – Factory finished
with, but do not compress, the panel surface. One industrial panels shall meet the following finish performance
measurement shall be taken at approximate mid-width of one requirements:
end of the panel. This measurement shall represent the panel
ANSI/KCMA A161.1 – 2017, Section 9.0 Finish Tests:
thickness unless the measurement is below the minimum or
above the maximum requirements. If the measurement is Tests for compliance of finished plywood with this
below or above the applicable requirements, three additional provision shall be conducted with samples prepared as
measurements shall be taken, one at approximate mid-width necessary to seal or otherwise prevent exposure of the panel
on the opposite end and one at approximate mid-length on edges to the test conditions.
each side of the panel, and the average of the four
measurements shall be taken as the thickness of that panel. 3.17 PRODUCT MARKING AND DESIGNATION

3.13.1 SQUARENESS – Panels larger than 1219 mm by 3.17.1 GENERAL – All hardwood and decorative
1219 mm (4 feet by 4 feet) shall be square within 2.4 mm plywood represented as conforming to this Standard shall be
(3/32 inch). Panels 1219 mm by 1219 mm (4 feet by 4 feet) or identified as follows:
less shall be square within 1.6 mm (1/16 inch). Squareness
shall be determined by measuring the length of the diagonals (a) Each industrial panel 12.7 mm or 1/2 inch or thicker
of the panel. shall be marked with “ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020,” the name
or recognized identification of the producer, the species and
grade of the face and back (if different species). Face and
3.13.2 STRAIGHTNESS – The edges of panels 2438
back grade identification is not required on panels
mm (8 ft) long or less shall be such that a straight line from
designated only as SHOP. Such panels shall be identified
one corner to the adjacent corner shall fall within 1.6 mm
(1/16 inch) of the panel edge. A departure of 2.4 mm (3/32 as SHOP. Panel identification shall include both the HP-1
inch) is allowed for panels longer than 2438 mm (8 ft). grade followed by SHOP when both designations are
applicable. Panels identified as MILL RUN must include
the HP-1 grade designation followed by MILL RUN. (See
3.14 SANDING – Plywood panels shall not be considered
Section 5 for definitions of SHOP and MILL RUN.) The
ready for finishing unless agreed to between buyer and seller.
designation of the species of grade 4 backs is not required.
The types of sanding shall be as described below. The type of
sanding and the number of surfaces of the panels to be sanded (b) Each unit or pallet of industrial panels less than 12.7
shall be as agreed upon between buyer and seller. Plywood mm or 1/2 inch thick shall be marked with “ANSI/HPVA
panels shall not be considered ready for finishing when HP-1 2020,” the name or recognized identification of the
moisture has caused the grain to raise or when the panels have producer, and the species and grade of the face and back (if
marks made during shipment or storage that require additional different species). The designation of species of grade 4
sanding. Panels shall have regular sanding unless otherwise backs is not required.
specified.
(c) In addition to panel and unit labeling, a written
No sanding – Faces need not be sanded nor tape removed. statement containing the information in (a) and (b) above
shall accompany the shipment.
Rough (Touch) sanding – Sanding hit-or-miss. Tape
removal is not required. (d) Wall panels shall be marked as described in 3.17.1(a)
above except that the species of the back does not have to
Regular sanding – Surfaces shall be clean and free of tape.
be designated.
Sander streaks are not considered defects.
Polish sanding – Surfaces shall be clean and smoothly 3.17.1.1 TOLERANCES – The maximum allowable
sanded. tolerance of non-conformance to this Standard for the
shipment or order shall be 5 percent (see Appendix Al for
3.15 MOISTURE CONTENT – The moisture content of more detailed description of industry practice).
plywood panels at the time of shipment from the producing
mill shall not exceed 12 percent of the ovendry weight, as 3.17.2 IDENTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE – For
determined in accordance with section 4.7. products produced, tested, and evaluated in accordance with
the requirements of this Standard, manufacturers may include
3.16 FINISHED PANELS a statement of compliance in conjunction with their name and
address on product labels, invoices, sales literature and the like
3.16.1 GENERAL – The grades of finished industrial (see example below). Self-compliance statements must be
panels produced under this Standard are the same as those for supported by manufacturers’ records of satisfactory product
unfinished panels. Panels are graded after final sanding, prior testing and evaluations.
to finishing. Various finishing methods affect the appearance
of wood characteristics differently. Specific appearance
requirements of finished panels shall be as agreed upon
between buyer and seller.

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 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
4. INSPECTION AND TEST PROCEDURES
Sample Compliance Statement: This hardwood
plywood was produced and evaluated in accordance with 4.1 GENERAL – The inspection and test procedures
the requirements established in American National contained in this section are to be used to determine the
Standard ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020. Full responsibility for conformance of products to the requirements of this Standard.
the conformance of this product to the Standard is assumed Each producer or distributor who represents his products as
by: (name and address of manufacturer) conforming to this Standard shall keep such records as are
necessary to substantiate his claim that all of the requirements
3.17.3 IDENTIFICATION OF THIRD-PARTY of this Standard have been met. One method of establishing
CERTIFICATION – For purchasers to identify documentation is the use of statistically based sampling plans
products third-party certified to meet all requirements of this that are appropriate for each particular manufacturing process.
Standard, manufacturers participating in a third-party Additional sampling and testing of the product, as agreed upon
certification program may include a statement of certification between purchaser and seller is not precluded by this section.
in conjunction with their name and address on product labels,
invoices, sales literature and the like. All claims shall be 4.2 SPECIMENS FOR BOND LINE TESTS
supported by identification of an ISO/IEC 17065-accredited
product certification agency. . 4.2.1 TECHNICAL AND TYPE I PLYWOOD – Three
test pieces shall be cut from each selected panel: one piece
from each end of the panel and one piece near the center of the
Sample Certification Statement: This hardwood plywood is
panel. Each test piece shall be of sufficient size to provide:
certified by an ISO/IEC 17065-accredited certification agency
to meet all of the requirements established in American (a) for plywood produced with at least two adjacent plies of
National Standard ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020. crossing grain bond lines, at least six specimens for the dry
3.17.3.1 CERTIFIED MARK – The logo shown below is shear test and six specimens for the cyclic-boil shear test
(see section 4.4 and Table 13),
also available for use in demonstrating third-party
certification to the Standard. Approval for use of the logo (b) for plywood produced with at least two adjacent plies
shall be granted by HPVA, as the standard developer (DBA with parallel grain; four specimens for the 2-cycle boil test
DHA), upon successful demonstration of certification by an (see section 4.5 and Table 13).
ISO/IEC 17065-accredited product certification agency.
4.2.2 TYPE II PLYWOOD – One test piece shall be
cut from each panel selected. A minimum of six test
specimens for the three cycle soak test (see section 4.6 and
Table 13) shall be cut from each test piece. Test specimens
shall not have common edges.

ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020 CERTIFIED

30
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

TABLE 13 – TEST SPECIMEN SIZES

Specimen Size
Type of Plywood
mm (inches)
Technical and Type I 82.6a by 25.4 (3 1/4a by 1)
Technical and Type I containing parallel laminated veneers 76 by 76 (3 by 3)
Type II (3-Cycle) 127b by 50.8 (5b by 2)
a Specimens for testing inner plies shall be parallel to the grain of the outside veneers in 3-, 7-, and 11-ply construction
and perpendicular to the grain of the outside veneers in 5- and 9-ply construction. Specimens for testing the outer plies
shall always be parallel to the grain of the face veneer in the 82.6 mm (3 1/4 inches) dimension.
b Parallel to the grain of the face veneers.

4.3 DRY SHEAR TEST – Shear tests shall be 4.4 CYCLIC-BOIL SHEAR TEST – The specimens
conducted on specimens prepared as shown in Figure 3. In prepared as shown in Figure 3 shall be boiled in water for 4
samples containing 3 or more plies, at least half of the hours and then dried for 20 hours at a temperature of 63± 3OC
specimens tested shall contain the innermost bond lines. The (145 ± 5OF) with sufficient air circulation to lower the
ends of each specimen shall be gripped in test machine moisture content of the specimens to a maximum of 12 percent
retaining jaws, and the load shall be applied at the rate of 2669 of the ovendry weight. They shall be boiled again for 4 hours,
to 4448 Newtons (600 to 1,000 pounds) per minute. Specimen cooled in water, and then subjected while wet to the test
notching shall be accomplished in such a way as to assure that described in 4.3. The values obtained from the six specimens
when the specimens are subjected to loading, the lathe checks shall meet the applicable requirements given in Table 10. If
in the center ply of half of the specimens will be in tension, the number of plies exceeds three, the outer pairs of bond lines
while in the other half the lathe checks will be in compression. and innermost bond lines shall be tested with separate sets of
An explanation of one method of notching specimens to insure test pieces. In samples containing 3 or more plies, at least half
that half of the specimens are pulled with the lathe checks in of the specimens tested shall contain the innermost bond lines.
tension and half are pulled in compression is described in
ASTM 906-989, Standard Method of Test for Strength 4.5 TWO-CYCLE BOIL TEST – The 76 mm by 76
Properties of Adhesives in Plywood Type Construction in mm (3 inches by 3 inches) specimens shall be submerged in
Shear by Tension Loading.* If the number of plies exceed boiling water for 4 hours and then dried at a temperature of 63
three, the outer pairs of bond lines and inner-most bond lines ± 3OC (145 ± 5OF) for 20 hours with sufficient air circulation
shall be tested with separate sets of test specimens. In to lower the moisture content of the specimens to a maximum
plywood with face plies thicker than 1.6 mm (1/16 inch), the of 12 percent of the ovendry weight. They shall be boiled
shear area shall be 645 square mm (1 square inch), as shown again for 4 hours, dried for three hours at a temperature of 63
in Figure 3, specimen A. Specimens of plywood with face ± 3OC (145 ±5OF), and then examined for delamination. Any
plies 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) or less in thickness shall be of the observed delamination greater than 25.4 mm (1 inch) in
form shown in Figure 3, specimen B, in which the shear area continuous length constitutes failure of the specimen. Within
shall be reduced to 323 square mm (1/2 square inch) without any given lot of test samples, 90% of the individual specimens
changing the width of the specimen. Test machine loads must pass. This method shall only be used for parallel grain
obtained from specimens of 323 square mm (1/2 square inch) testing as specified in 4.2.1(b).
shear area shall be multiplied by 2 to convert to kilo Pascals
(pounds per square inch) and then reduced by 10 percent
before comparing with the required values set forth in
Table 10. For shear tests of lumber core plywood, the core
shall be cut away to 2.5 mm (1/10 inch) in thickness.

9
The latest issue of ASTM publications shall be used provided the
requirements are applicable and consistent with the issues designated.
ASTM publications may be purchased from ASTM International, 100
Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
USA, www.astm.org

31
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
4.6 THREE-CYCLE SOAK TEST – The 127 mm by
50.8 mm (5 inches by 2 inches) specimens from each test
panel shall be submerged in water at 24 ± 3OC (75 ± 5OF) for 4
hours and then dried at a temperature between 49 and 52OC
(120 and 125OF) for 19 hours with sufficient air circulation to
lower the moisture content of specimens to 12 percent or
below of the oven dry weight. This cycle shall be repeated
until all specimens fail or until three cycles have been
completed, whichever occurs first. A specimen shall be
considered as failing when any single delamination between
two plies is greater than 50.8 mm (2 inches) in continuous
length, over 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) in depth at any point, and 0.08
mm (0.003 inch) in width, as determined by a feeler gauge
0.08 mm (0.003 inch) thick and 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) wide.
Delamination due to tape at joints of inner plies or defects
allowed by the grade shall be disregarded. Five of the 6
specimens shall pass the first cycle and 4 of the 6 specimens
shall pass the third cycle in 90% of the panels tested. Within
any given selection of test panels, 95% of the individual
specimens shall pass the first cycle and 85% of the specimens
shall pass the third cycle.

4.7 MOISTURE CONTENT TEST – The moisture

content of plywood shall be determined as follows: a small test
specimen shall be cut from the sample panel; the test specimen
shall measure not less than 5806 square mm (9 square inches)
in area and shall weigh not less than 20 grams. All loose
splinters shall be removed from the specimen. The specimen
shall be immediately weighed to the nearest 0.1 of a gram, and
the weight shall be recorded as the original weight. The
specimen shall then be dried in an oven at 100 to 105OC (212
to 221OF) until constant weight is attained. After drying, the
specimen shall be reweighed immediately, and this weight
shall be recorded as the ovendry weight. The moisture content
shall be calculated as follows:
(Original weight-Ovendry weight) x 100 = Moisture Content (%)
Ovendry weight

32
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020

Figure 3 – Plywood Bond Shear Specimens

Shear Area Specimen

Configurations:

Specimen Notching
(5-ply innermost bondline):

Specimen Notching Specimen Notching

(3-ply innermost bondline)*: (5-ply outermost bondline)*:

*Source: The Engineered Wood Association (APA), Voluntary Product Standard: PS 1-19 Structural Plywood

33
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
5. DEFINITIONS is a reconstituted wood product (See RECONSTITUTED
WOOD).
The terms used in this Standard are defined as follows:
COMB GRAIN – A quality of rift cut veneer with
BACK – The side reverse to the face of a panel or the poorer
exceptionally straight grain and closely spaced growth
side of a panel in any grade of plywood calling for a face
increments resembling the appearance of long strands of
and back.
combed hair.
BALANCED MATCH – Two or more veneer components or
COMPONENT (OF FACE) – An individual piece of veneer
leaves of equal size to make up a single face.
that is jointed to other pieces to achieve a full length and
BALANCED PANEL – For purposes of this Standard, a width face. Terms used interchangeably with component in
balanced panel is one which is free from warp that affects the context of the face are piece and leaf.
serviceability for its intended use.
COMPRESSION FAILURE – See CROSS BREAK
BANDING – Portion of wood extending around one or more
CONSPICUOUS – See BURL, CONSPICUOUS AND
sides of plywood panels.
KNOTS, CONSPICUOUS PIN.
BARK POCKET – Bark around which normal wood has
CORE – The inner part of plywood between face and back,
grown.
usually veneer. Sawn lumber, particleboard, MDF,
BLENDING – Color change that is detectable at a distance of hardboard, or other material is also used as cores.
1.8 m to 2.4 m (6 feet to 8 feet) but which does not detract
CORE, BANDED – Core that has been made with banding on
from the overall appearance of the panel.
one or more sides.
BOOK MATCH – Adjacent pieces of veneer from a flitch or
CROSSBANDING – Veneer used in the construction of
log are opened like a book and spliced to make up the face
plywood with five or more plies. Crossbands are placed at
with matching occurring at the spliced joints (see Figure 1
right angles to the grain of the faces and are typically
for illustration). The fibers of the wood, slanting in opposite
placed adjacent to the face and back. Also refers to all inner
directions in the adjacent sheets, create a characteristic light
layers of veneer whose grain direction runs perpendicular
and dark effect when the surface is seen from an angle.
to that of the outer plies and includes parallel laminated
BRASHNESS – Condition of wood characterized by low plies.
resistance to shock and by abrupt failure across the grain
CROSS BAR – Irregularity of grain resembling a dip in the
without splintering.
grain running at right angles, or nearly so, to the length of
BURL, CONSPICUOUS – A swirl, twist, or distortion in the the veneer.
grain of the wood which usually occurs near a knot or
CROSS BREAK – Separation of the wood cells, often
crotch. A conspicuous burl is associated with abrupt color
appearing as barely distinct fine irregular lines across the
variation and/or a cluster of small dark piths caused by a
grain. Such breaks are often due to internal strains resulting
cluster of adventitious buds.
from unequal longitudinal shrinkage or to external forces.
BURL, BLENDING – A swirl, twist, or distortion in the (See COMPRESSION FAILURE)
grain of the wood which usually occurs near a knot or
CROSS FIGURE – A series of naturally occurring figure
crotch but does not contain a knot and does not contain
effects characterized by mild or dominant patterns across
abrupt color variation. A blending burl is detectable at 1.8
the grain in some faces. For example, a washboard effect
m to 2.4 m (6 feet to 8 feet) as a swirl or roundel.
occurs in fiddle-back cross figure; and cross wrinkles occur
CATHEDRAL – A grain appearance characterized by a series in the mottle figure.
of stacked and inverted “V”, or cathedral type of
DECAY – The decomposition of wood substance by fungi.
springwood (earlywood) summerwood (latewood) patterns
The incipient stage is characterized by discoloration and
common in plain-sliced (flat-cut) veneer (See SPLIT
sometimes accompanied by a softening of the wood
HEART).
substance. The final or ultimate stage is characterized by
CENTERS – Inner plies whose grain direction runs parallel to the partial or complete collapse of the wood structure and
that of the outer plies. Included as centers are parallel the destruction of the wood substance.
laminated plies.
DEFECT, OPEN – Checks, splits, open joints, knotholes,
CENTER MATCH – An even number of veneer components cracks, loose knots, wormholes, gaps, voids, or other
or leaves of equal size matched with a joint in the center of openings interrupting the smooth continuity of the wood
the panel to achieve horizontal symmetry. surface.
CHECKS – Small slits running parallel to grain of wood, DELAMINATION – Separation of plies or layers of wood or
caused chiefly by strains produced in seasoning. other material through failure of the adhesive bond.
COMBINATION CORE – A core which includes two or DISCOLORATIONS – Stains in wood substances. Common
more different types of wood based material, one of which veneer stains are sap stains, blue stains, stain produced by

34
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
chemical action caused by the iron in the cutting knife GRAIN SWEEP – Expression of the angle of the grain to the
coming in contact with the tannic acid of the wood, and long edges of the veneer component over the area
those resulting from exposure of natural wood extractives extending one-eighth of the length of the piece from the
to oxygen and light, to chemical action of vat treatments or ends.
the adhesive components, and/or to the surface finish.
GUM POCKETS – Well-defined openings between rings of
DOZE – (SYNONYMOUS WITH DOTE) – A form of annual growth, containing gum or evidence of prior gum
incipient decay characterized by a dull and lifeless accumulations.
appearance of the wood, accompanied by a loss of strength
GUM SPOTS AND STREAKS – Gum or resinous material
and softening of the wood substance.
or color spots and streaks caused by prior resin
EMISSION LEVEL – The formaldehyde concentration in accumulations sometimes found on panel surfaces.
testing wood panel products using ASTM E1333, Standard
HAIRLINE – A thin, perceptible line showing at the joint of
Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Levels From
two pieces of wood.
Wood Products Under Defined Test Conditions Using A
Large Chamber or equivalent ASTM D6007, Standard Test HALF-ROUND – A method of veneer cutting similar to
Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentration in rotary cutting, except that the piece being cut is secured to a
Air from Wood Products using a Small Chamber. “stay log,” a device that permits the cutting of the log on a
wider sweep than when mounted with its center secured in
ENGINEERED VENEER – Veneers that are first peeled,
the lathe to produce rotary sliced veneer. A type of half-
normally from obeche or poplar logs. The peeled veneer
round cutting is used to achieve plain-sliced or flat-cut
leaves are dyed to a specified color, and then glued together
veneer.
in a mold to produce a large laminated block. The shape of
the mold determines the final grain configuration. The HARDBOARD – A panel manufactured primarily from inter-
block is then sliced into leaves of veneer with a designed felted lignocellulosic fibers consolidated under heat and
appearance that is highly repeatable. pressure in a hot press to a density of 500 kg/m 3 (31 lbs.
/ft3) or greater by: A) a wet process, or; B) a dry process
FACE – The better side of any plywood panel in which the
that uses a phenolic resin, or a resin system in which there
outer plies are of different veneer grades. Also either side
is no added formaldehyde as part of the resin cross-linking
of a panel in which there is no difference in the veneer
structure, or; C) a wet formed/dry pressed process. Other
grade of the outer plies.
materials may be added to improve certain properties, such
FEW – A small number of characteristics without regard to as stiffness, hardness, finishing properties, resistance to
their arrangement in the panel. abrasion and moisture, as well as to increase strength,
durability, and utility.
FIGURE – The pattern produced in a wood surface by annual
growth rings, rays, knots, deviations from natural grain HARDWOOD – General term used to designate the
such as interlocked, curly and wavy grain, and irregular renewable resource of lumber or veneer produced from
coloration. temperate zone deciduous or tropical broad-leaved trees in
contrast to softwood, which is produced from trees which
FINGER JOINT – A series of fingers machined on the ends
are usually needle bearing or coniferous. The term does not
of two pieces of wood to be joined, which mesh together
infer hardness in its physical sense.
and are held firmly in position with an adhesive.
HEARTWOOD – The non-active or dormant center of a tree,
FLAKE – See FLECK, RAY.
generally distinguishable from the outer portion (sapwood)
FLAT-CUT – See PLAIN-SLICED. by its darker color, sometime referred to as heart.
FLECK, RAY – Portion of a ray as it appears on the HIGH DENSITY FIBREBOARD – See HARDBOARD.
quartered or rift-cut surface. Fleck is often a dominant
INCONSPICUOUS – Barely detectable with the naked eye at
appearance feature in oak.
a distance of 1.8 m to 2.4 m (6 feet to 8 feet) (See
FLITCH – A complete bundle of veneer sheets laid together BLENDING).
in sequence as they are cut from a given log or section of a
INDUSTRIAL PANELS – Generally unfinished multi-ply
log.
products which consist of various combinations of
GAP – Open slits in the inner plies or improperly joined hardwood or decorative veneer faces and inner ply
veneers. materials (e.g., veneer, particleboard, MDF, and
hardboard). These are generally cut-to-size and stock
GRAIN – The direction, size, arrangement, and appearance of panels used in making cabinets, furniture, laminated block
the fibers in wood or veneer. flooring, and panels for other non-structural applications.
GRAIN SLOPE – Expression of the angle of the grain to the
INNER PLIES – Plies other than face or back plies in a panel
long edges of the veneer component.
construction. Crossbands and centers are classed as inner
plies (See CORE).

35
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
JOINT – The common edge between two adjacent materials NATURAL – When referring to color and matching, veneers
in the same plane. containing any amount of sapwood and/or heartwood.
JOINT, EDGE – Joint running parallel to the grain of the NO ADDED FORMALDEHYDE (NAF) – A resin
wood. formulated with no added formaldehyde as part of the resin
crosslinking structure in a composite wood product that
JOINT, OPEN – Joint in which two adjacent pieces of veneer
meets the emission standards in Section 770.17(c) of the
in the same plane do not fit tightly together.
EPA TSCA Title VI regulation and Section 93120.3(d) of
KNOT – Cross section of tree branch or limb with grain the CARB regulation.
usually running at right angles to that of the piece of wood
NOMINAL – A term that designates a stated dimension as
in which it occurs.
being approximate and subject to allowances for variation.
KNOT, OPEN – Opening produced when a portion of the
OCCASIONAL – A small number of characteristics that are
wood substance of a knot has dropped out or where cross
arranged somewhat diversely within the panel face.
checks have occurred to produce an opening.
PARTICLEBOARD – A generic term for a composite panel
KNOTHOLES – Openings produced when knots drop from
primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood),
the wood in which they were embedded.
generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as
KNOTS, BLENDING PIN – Sound knots 6.4 mm (1/4 inch) distinguished from fibers, bonded together with a bonding
or less that generally do not contain dark centers. Blending system, and which may contain additives.
pin knots are barely detectable at a distance of 1.8m to
PECKY – Pockets of disintegrated wood caused by localized
2.4m (6 feet to 8 feet), do not detract from the overall
decay or wood areas with abrupt color change related to
appearance of the panel, and are not prohibited from
localized injury such as bird peck. Peck is sometimes
appearing in all grades.
considered as a decorative effect, such as bird peck in
KNOTS, CONSPICUOUS PIN – Sound knots 6.4 mm (1/4 pecan and hickory or pecky in cypress.
inch) or less in diameter containing dark centers.
PLAIN-SLICED (FLAT-CUT) – Veneer sliced parallel to
KNOTS, SOUND, TIGHT – Knots that are solid across their the pith of the log and approximately tangent to the growth
face and fixed by growth to retain their place. rings to achieve flat-cut veneer. Plain-sliced veneer is cut
using either a horizontal or vertical slicing machine or by
KNOTS, SPIKE – Knots cut from 0O to 45O to the long axis the half-round method using a rotary lathe.
of limbs.
PLANK MATCHED – A panel having the face made up of
LAP – A condition where one piece of veneer in the same ply
specially selected and assembled dissimilar (in color, or
overlaps another piece.
grain, or width) veneer strips of the same species, and
LAYER – A single veneer ply or two or more plies laminated sometimes grooved at the joints between strips to simulate
with grain direction parallel (See PLY). Two or more plies lumber planking.
laminated with grain direction parallel is a parallel PLEASING MATCHED – A face containing components
laminated layer.
which provides a pleasing overall appearance. The grain of
LOOSE SIDE – In knife-cut veneer, that side of the sheet that the various components need not be matched at the joints.
was in contact with the knife as the veneer was being cut, Sharp color contrasts at the joints of the components are not
and cutting checks (lathe checks) because of the bending of permitted.
the wood at the knife edge. PLY – A single sheet of veneer or several strips laid with
MANUFACTURER – A producer of hardwood and/or adjoining edges that may or may not be glued, which forms
decorative plywood. one veneer lamina in a glued panel (see LAYER). In some
constructions, a ply is used to refer to other wood
MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD (MDF) – A components such as particleboard or MDF.
composite panel product composed primarily of cellulosic
fibers and a bonding system cured under heat and pressure. PLYWOOD, HARDWOOD or DECORATIVE – A bonded
MDF density is typically between 500 kg/m3 (31 lbs. /ft3) assembly intended for interior use with at least one
and 1000 kg/m3 (62 lbs. /ft3). For formaldehyde emission decorative veneer surface with a core consisting of an
limits, thin MDF is defined as MDF with a thickness less assembly of layers or plies of veneer, or veneers in
than or equal to 8 mm (0.315 inches). combination with lumber, particleboard, MDF, hardboard,
or special core in which the adjacent layers or plies are at
MILL RUN – A defined lot of panels which may include approximately right angles.
SHOP panels up to the amount agreed to between buyer
and seller. Alternately referred to as BLENDED SHOP QUARTER-SLICED (QUARTER-CUT) – A straight grain
(see SHOP). appearance achieved through the process of quarter-slicing
or through the use of veneer cut in any fashion that
MINERAL – See STREAKS, MINERAL. produces a straight grain effect. Cut is radial to the pith to

36
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
the extent that ray fleck is produced, and the amount of SAPWOOD – The living wood of lighter color occurring in
fleck is not limited. the outer portion of a tree, sometimes referred to as sap.
RANDOM MATCHED (MISMATCHED) – A panel having SHAKE – A separation or rupture along the grain of wood in
a face made up of veneer strips of the same species which which the greater part occurs between the rings of annual
are selected and assembled without regard to color or grain, growth (see RUPTURED GRAIN).
resulting in variations, contrasts and patterns of color and
SHARP CONTRASTS – For purposes of this Standard, this
grain. Pleasing appearance is not required.
term means that face veneer of lighter than average color
RAY FLECK – See FLECK. shall not be joined at the edges with veneer of darker than
average color and that two adjacent pieces of veneer shall
RECONSTITUTED WOOD – A generic term for panel
not be widely dissimilar in grain, figure, and other natural
products made with strands, wafers, particles, or fibers of
character markings.
wood. Individual products include hardboard, insulation
board, particleboard, MDF, and oriented strand board SHOP – A common industry term defined as a panel which
(OSB) / waferboard. Particleboard and MDF normally use has marks, characteristics and manufacturing defects not
urea-formaldehyde resin as the binding agent. OSB / described in applicable requirements for a designated HP-1
waferboard normally use phenol-formaldehyde as the outer ply grade, or a panel which is not designated as any
binding agent. Most hardboard and insulation board use the specific HP-1 outer ply grade. Specific characteristics as
lignin from the processed wood as the binding agent. Most agreed to between buyer and seller.
dry-process hardboards contain phenol-formaldehyde to
SLICED – Veneer produced by thrusting a log or sawed flitch
increase bonding strength.
into a slicing machine which shears off the veneer in sheets.
RECONSTITUTED BLOCK – A generic term for cellulosic
SLIGHT – Visible on observation, but does not interfere with
bio-materials re-assembled into a resource for veneer
the overall aesthetic appearance with consideration of the
production.
applicable grade and common species characteristics of the
RED/BROWN – When referring to color and matching, panel.
veneers containing all heartwood, ranging in color from
SLIP MATCHED – A sheet from a flitch is slid across the
light to dark.
sheet beneath and, without turning, spliced at the joints (see
REPAIRS – A patch, shim, or filler material inserted and/or Figure 1 for illustration).
glued into veneer or a panel to achieve a sound surface.
SMOOTH, TIGHT CUT – Veneer cut to minimize lathe
REPAIRS, BLENDING – Wood or filler insertions similar in checks.
color to adjacent wood so as to blend well.
SOFTWOOD – General term used to designate the renewable
RIFT-CUT – A straight grain appearance achieved through resource of lumber or veneer produced from needle and/or
the process of cutting at a slight angle to the radial on the cone bearing trees (See HARDWOOD).
half-round stay log or through the use of veneer cut in any
SOLID CORE – Plywood panels in which all inner plies are
fashion that produces a straight grain with minimal ray
grade J or better. Splits up to 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) are
fleck.
allowed.
ROTARY-CUT – Veneer produced by centering the log in a
SPECIES (COMMERCIAL SPECIES GROUPS) –
lathe and turning it against a broad cutting knife which is
Species generally grouped for marketing convenience and
set into the log at a slight angle.
identified with a single commercial name. (See ASTM D
ROUGH CUT – Irregular shaped areas of generally uneven 1165, Standard Nomenclature of Domestic Hardwoods and
corrugation on the surface of veneer, differing from the Softwoods, for commercial practice in the United States
surrounding smooth veneer and occurring as the veneer is and Canada.)
cut by the lathe or slicer.
SPECIES (TREES) – An internationally established Latin
RUNNING MATCH – The panel face is made from botanical classification of trees.
components running through the flitch consecutively. Any
SPECIFIC GRAVITY – The ratio of the weight of a certain
portion of a component left over from a face is used as the
volume of a substance to the weight of an equal volume of
beginning component or leaf in starting the next panel.
water, the temperature of which is 4OC (39.2OF).
RUPTURED GRAIN – A break or breaks in the grain or
SPLIT HEART – A method of achieving an inverted “V” or
between springwood and summerwood caused or
cathedral type of springwood (earlywood)/summerwood
aggravated by excessive pressure on the wood by
(latewood), plain-sliced (flat-cut) figure by joining two face
seasoning, manufacturing, or natural processes. Ruptured
components of similar color and grain. A cathedral type
grain appears as a single or series of distinct separations in
figure must be achieved by a single component in “AA”
the wood such as when springwood is crushed leaving the
grade; the split heart method is allowed in grades “A”
summerwood to separate in one or more growth
through “E”. Each half of a split heart shall be subject to
increments.

37
 ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
the minimum component width requirements for grade “A” WOOD FILLER – An aggregate of resin and strands, shreds,
and “B” faces. or flour of wood which is used to fill openings in wood and
provide a smooth, durable surface.
SPLITS – Separations of wood fiber running parallel to the
grain. WOODY GRASS – A fast growing member of the grass
family utilized with commercial applications as a wood
STREAKS, MINERAL – Sharply contrasting elongated
substitute due to its rapidly renewable properties.
discolorations of the wood substance.
WORMHOLES – Holes resulting from infestation of worms.
SUGAR – See WORM TRACKS.
WORM TRACKS – Marks caused by various types of wood
ULTRA LOW EMITTING FORMALDEHYDE (ULEF) –
attacking larvae. Often appear as sound discolorations
A resin in a composite wood product that meets the
running with or across the grain in straight to wavy streaks.
emission standards in Section 770.18(c) of the EPA TSCA
Sometimes referred to as “pith flecks” in certain species of
Title VI regulation and Section 93120.3(c) of the CARB
maple, birch and other hardwoods because of a
regulation.
resemblance to the color of pith.
TAPE – Strips of gummed paper or cloth sometimes placed
across the grain of large veneer sheets to facilitate handling 6. IDENTIFICATION
and sometimes used to hold the edges of veneer together at
In order that purchasers are able to identify products
the joint prior to gluing.
conforming to all requirements of this Standard, producers and
TIGHT SIDE – In knife-cut veneer, that side of the sheet that distributors shall be permitted to include a statement of
was farthest from the knife as the sheet was being cut and compliance in conjunction with their name and address on
containing no cutting checks (lathe checks). invoices, sales literature, and the like. When space is available
the following statement shall appear:
VENEER, CORE – A layer of softwood, hardwood, or
woody grass which is rotary cut, sliced, or sawed from a This plywood conforms to all of the requirements established
log, cant, or block, used below the face or back in the in ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020 developed cooperatively with the
construction of hardwood plywood. industry and published by the Hardwood Plywood and Veneer
Association. Full responsibility for the conformance of this
VENEER, DECORATIVE – A layer of softwood, hardwood,
product to the Standard is assumed by (name and address of
reconstituted block, or woody grass which is rotary cut,
producer or distributor).
sliced, or sawed from a log, cant, or block, used as the face
or back in hardwood plywood. When space is not available for the full statement, the
following abbreviated statement shall appear:
VINE MARK – Bands of irregular grain running across or
diagonally to the grain which are caused by the growth of Conforms to ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020 (name and address
climbing vines around the tree. of producer or distributor).
V-GROOVED – Narrow and shallow V- or U-shaped
channels machined on the plywood face surface to achieve
a decorative effect. V-grooving is most commonly
encountered in plank matched wall panels as the grooves
fall on the edge joints of the pieces of veneer making the
face appear as planking.
WALL PANELS – Generally up to 5-ply grooved or
ungrooved plywood or reconstituted wood panels, generally
in thicknesses of 12.7mm (1/2 inch) or less, with at least
one surface decorated and protected with a liquid applied or
film overlay finish.
WHITE – When referring to color and matching, veneers
containing all sapwood, ranging in color from pink to
yellow.
WOOD FAILURE (PERCENTAGE) – The area of wood
fiber adhering at the glue line following completion of the
specified shear test. Determination is by visual
examination. The value is expressed as an estimated
percentage of the wood area remaining adhered to the
fractured surface in the test area.

38
APPENDIX A Information Purposes Only

These Appendices are not a part of ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020 but are included for information purposes only.

APPENDIX A
RE-INSPECTION PRACTICES, METHOD OF ORDERING, PRODUCT MARKING FORMAT

A.1. RE-INSPECTION PRACTICES – The following, based on general industry practices, is offered only for the information of
purchasers of hardwood and decorative plywood. This information does not affect the requirements of this Standard or take
precedence over purchasing agreements.
Because the provisions of this Standard apply to each and every panel represented as conforming to the Standard, and because some
tests for determining conformance destroy the panel, provisions for sampling during re-inspection to determine conformance of
shipments with purchase agreements should be included in the original purchase agreement.
All complaints regarding the quality of any shipment should be made within 15 days from receipt thereof. The buyer should report any
defects to the seller after receipt of the panels at the stage of further processing at which detection of the defects is first possible. The
seller should not be responsible for any of the cost of processing done by buyer on defective panels. The responsibility of the seller
should be limited to the replacement of, or the cost of, defective material as specified in the original purchase agreement.
If the grade, bond line integrity, or other attribute of this Standard of any shipment is in dispute, the buyer and seller may select a
qualified agency to re-inspect the shipment or an agreed upon sample from the shipment. A qualified agency is defined as one that has
the facilities and trained technical personnel to perform the re-inspection, has developed procedures to be followed in performing the
re-inspection, is not financially dependent upon any single company manufacturing the product, and is not owned, operated, or
controlled by any such company. The cost of such a re-inspection should be borne by the seller if the shipment exceeds a 5%
tolerance. The buyer need not accept those panels established as a result of the re-inspection as being below grade, failing to exhibit
good bond line integrity, and not complying with other attributes of this Standard, but should accept the balance of the shipment as
invoiced.
If the re-inspection establishes that the shipment is within the 5% tolerance, the buyer should pay for the shipment as invoiced as well
as the cost of the re-inspection.

A.2. METHOD OF ORDERING – The recommended procedure for ordering decorative plywood is to list the following:

1 Quantity
2 Construction Type: (face, back, core specifications, bond line durability)
3 Face and back species, grade, aesthetics, color, etc.
4 Dimensions: thickness, width, length
6 Grade of face and back ply, pattern or type of cut, and matching requirements
7 Species of back ply and, if applicable, whether light, medium, or dark color
8 Species and grade of lumber core and type of banding (if required)
9 Type and grade of composite core (if required) (i.e., MDF, Hardboard, Particleboard, Combination Core, Special Core)
10 Sanding requirements

A.3. PRODUCT MARKING FORMAT – The following is the recommended format for marking decorative plywood panels.
ANSI/HPVA HP-1 Markings: Markings for product specification items covered by ANSI/HPVA HP-1, such as the following, are
grouped together. For certain items listed below, product marking is a mandatory requirement under HP-1. Other items are optional,
or may not be applicable. Refer to HP-1 section 3.17 regarding mandatory marking requirements pertaining to the manufacturer,
species, grade, formaldehyde emissions, and dimensions.
(1) Panel Thickness Class designation (do not include reference to any unit of measure) and the actual thickness (see 3.13).
(2) Length and width
(3) Face grade
(4) Back grade
(5) Face pattern or type of cut, e.g., RC (rotary cut), PS (plain sliced), Q (quartered), WP (whole piece)

39
APPENDIX A Information Purposes Only

(6) Face species, and color if applicable under HP-1, e.g., Sap or Heart. Proprietary color designation markings should not be
included here.
(7) Back pattern or type of cut
(8) Back species
(9) Core type or total plies in veneer core, e.g., LC (lumber core), PC (particleboard core), 2+5 PLY (two step veneer core panel
with 5 ply platform)
(10) Bond line type, e.g., TYPE II
(11) ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020
(12) Producer's name or recognized identification
(13) Production date or lot number
(14) Product category, e.g., WP (wall panel), IP (industrial panel)
(15) Other markings – Panel markings for proprietary specifications or other information not related to the HP-1 Standard are
located separate from HP-1 related markings. Proprietary product names and color designations should be included here.

Panel Marking Examples:

Example 1:
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)
¾ Class 0.725” 48 X 96 in. A 2 RC OAK 7 PLY TYPE II ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020 HWPW INC. 01-01-00 IP

Example 2:
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
.500 Class 0.475” 48 X 48 in. A 2 RC OAK ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020 HWPW, INC 01-01-00 IP HONEY OAK

Example 3:
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (11) (12) (13) (14)
12.7 Class 11.8mm 48 X 96 in. A 2 RC OAK ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020 HWPW, INC. 01-01-00 IP

Example 4:
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
0.350 Class 0.375” 48 X 96 in. A 2 RC OAK ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020 HWPW, INC. 01-01-00 IP Antique White

Example 5:
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
½ Class 0.44” 48 X 96 in. R 2 RC OAK ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020 HWPW, INC. 01-01-00 IP Co. Designation

40
APPENDIX B Information Purposes Only

APPENDIX B
EUROPEAN STANDARDS FOR HARDWOOD PLYWOOD
SAMPLE PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTIC EVALUATIONS FOR CE MARKING
The summary table below is provided for information purposes only and may be subject to revisions and interpretations. Contact the
competent authorities for the most recent requirements.

European standards to evaluate such

Performance characteristics of performances on panels according to types Entity that shall show
CE marking
hardwood-plywood panels to be “Initial trial form” to EEC
Veneer requirement
shown for CE marking a Particleboard MDF as marking procedure.
core
1 Bending resistance EN 789 EN 310 EN 310
CEN/TS
2 Bond quality (plies gluing) 13354 n.a n.a
EN 314-1,2 Hardwood/plywood
Internal cohesion/traction Required for manufacturer/laminator
3 n.a EN 319 EN 319
resistance CE marking as from information obtained
“initial trial from its core manufacturer
4 Thickness swelling n.a EN 317 EN 317
properties
CEN/TS EN 321 EN 321, verifications”
Moisture resistance
5 13354 determined EN 319
(durability)
EN 314-1,2 under EN 310 EN 317
Hardwood/plywood
Formaldehyde emission E1
6 ENV 717-1 manufacturer/laminator and
and E2
core manufacturer
Not required for If required by the building
EN 622-5 CE marking but code, both hardwood
EN 636 and EN 312 and
7 Fire resistance EN 13501-1 EN 13501-1
and required by plywood
EN 13501-1 EEC Building manufacturer/laminator and
Code core manufacturer
EN ISO 12572:2001 or Section 5.9 of EN
8 Permeability to water vapor 13986:2004
9 Aerial noise insulation EN 13986:2004 Section 5.10
If decorative specie is
EN ISO 354 or Section 5.11 of Not required for
10 Acoustic absorption recognized to modify initial
EN 13986:2004 CE marking but
properties, this is the
subject to
11 Thermal conductivity EN 12664 or Section 5.12 of EN 13986:2004 responsibility of
customer’s
hardwood/plywood
CEN/TS requirement.
12 Biological durability EN 335 EN 335 manufacturer/laminator
1099
Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
13 Follow Section 5.18 of EN 13986:2004
content
a Since characteristic No 2 is a requirement from the plywood platform manufacturer, for CE marking, production control requires a delamination
test be conducted under EN 311 method and under EN 13986:2004 sections 6 and 6.2. For characteristic No 6, CARB protocol should comply with
EEC standards. ISO 9001: 2008 is recognized by EEC as an acceptable mill operation control system.

41
APPENDIX C Information Purposes Only

APPENDIX C
VENEER THICKNESS
Excerpts from: Industry Standard DFV-1 1995, Voluntary Standard for Sliced Decorative Wood Face Veneer, Hardwood Plywood
and Veneer Association.

DFV-1 Section 3.3 Veneer Thickness

Minimum acceptable thicknesses of veneers vary with intended use and species. Consideration should be given to processing of very
thin veneers in the manufacture of decorative panels and in sanding panels employing thin face veneer. The thickness tolerance for a
single sheet of face veneer is -0.000 inch, +0.08 mm (+0.003 inch). Standard thicknesses are as listed in Table 1 and measured as
described in paragraph 5.1 unless otherwise specified.

DFV-1 TABLE 1 - Standard Minimum Veneer Thickness

Inch-Pound
Metric
Group A Group B
Species
Group A Group B Fraction Decimal Fraction Decimal
(millimeters) (millimeters) (inches) (inches) (inches) (inches)
Ash 0.55 0.65 1/45" 0.022 1/38" 0.026
Birch 0.55 0.65 1/45" 0.022 1/38" 0.026
Cherry 0.50 0.60 1/50" 0.020 1/42" 0.024
Hickory 0.55 0.65 1/45" 0.022 1/38" 0.026
Oak, Red 0.55 0.65 1/45" 0.022 1/38" 0.026
Oak, White 0.55 0.65 1/45" 0.022 1/38" 0.026
Oak, Rift Red 0.55 Same as Group A 1/45" 0.022 Same as Group A Same as Group A
Oak, Rift White 0.55 Same as Group A 1/45" 0.022 Same as Group A Same as Group A
Maple 0.55 0.65 1/45" 0.022 1/38" 0.026
Pecan 0.55 0.65 1/45" 0.022 1/38" 0.026
Pine, Yellow 0.60 0.65 1/42" 0.024 1/38" 0.026
Pine, White 0.60 0.95 1/42" 0.024 1/27" 0.037
Pine, White (Knotty) 0.95 Same as Group A 1/27" 0.037 Same as Group A Same as Group A
Walnut 0.50 0.55 1/50" 0.020 1/45" 0.022
Other 0.55 0.65 1/45" 0.022 1/38" 0.026
Thickness tolerances are -0.00 mm (-.000 inch), +0.08 mm (+0.003 inch) of each thickness when applied to a single sheet of veneer.
Minimum veneer thicknesses are based on veneer dried to the moisture content ranges as described in paragraph 3.4 DFV-1 1995.

DFV-1 Section 5 – Measurement Methods

5.1 Thickness Measurements
The thickness of veneer from a flitch or lot shall be determined by measuring at least five sheets taken from different parts of the flitch
or lot. Each sheet shall be measured for thickness at each corner 38 mm (1 1/2 inches) to 65 mm (2 1/2 inches) from the end and side
of the veneer. A precision dial thickness gauge shall be used with a throat capacity of not less than 75 mm (3 inches). The gage
spindle contact surfaces between which veneer is placed for measuring shall have a diameter of not less than 9.5 mm (3/8" inch).
Hand force is permitted to flatten the veneer as long as the veneer is not compressed. Thickness shall be measured to the nearest 0.025
mm (0.001 inch) and the four individual measurements taken for each sheet shall be within a range of 0.08 mm (0.003 inch) or less
and shall be averaged in describing the thickness of the individual sheet. Each of the five sheets shall have an average thickness not
less than the minimum standard thickness nor more than 0.08 mm (0.003 inch) of the minimum standard thickness for the group and
species designated.

42
APPENDIX D Information Purposes Only

APPENDIX D
HARDWOOD PLYWOOD TYPES – PROPERTIES COMPARISION

HARDWOOD PLYWOOD VENEER CORE HARDWOOD PLYWOOD - PARTICLEBOARD CORE

HARDWOOD PLYWOOD – MDF CORE HARDWOOD PLYWOOD – COMBINATION CORE

(Source: Timber Products Company)

43
 HP-1 CERTIFICATION
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Capital TestingSM (formerly HPVA Laboratories®) is proud to offer an accredited third-party certification program designed
to demonstrate full conformance to the ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2020 American National Standard for Hardwood and Decorative
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Where is HP-1 HP-1 Certified Plywood

Specified? is Third-Party Verified
Conformance to all or parts HP-1 certified manufacturers are subject
of HP-1 is required by: to third-party inspections and testing to
verify compliance with every specification
• International Code Council (ICC)
in the standard. This includes:
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Building StandardTM (NGBS) - Finish Performance

Capital TestingSM 571-300-7050 [email protected] www.capitaltesting.org

(formerly HPVA Laboratories®)
 EXPERTS IN
TESTING &
CERTIFICATION

The experienced scientists and technicians at Capital TestingSM (formerly HPVA Laboratories®)
have been certifying and testing products and processes for conformance with national
standards, federal and military specifications, and state and local building codes since 1954.

Accredited Testing Capital TestingSM

& Certifications Accreditations
• Formaldehyde Emissions Testing • ISO/IEC Standard 17065 Certification Agency
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“ ”
reliability of Capital Testing not only provides value to our customers, it
allows us to maintain our focus on additional product development work
knowing our testing is in good hands.

MATT MYERS,
MANAGER, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
AHF PRODUCTS

Capital TestingSM 571-300-7050 [email protected] www.capitaltesting.org

(formerly HPVA Laboratories®)