What does visual grading mean?

The appearance quality of a wood panel refers to the extent to which the surface of the wood meets certain aesthetic standards and expectations. There are three components important when selecting the right wood panels for your project:

1. Visibility quality
2. Functional use
3. Wood type

The visibility quality

In Europe, the visual quality of wood panels is often assessed according to the European standard EN 13126-1. It is an important factor in assessing the visual appeal and quality of the wood panel. The highest sight quality is indicated by the letter A. Lower sight qualities are panels with a rustic appearance or with the letters D. Here are some aspects that influence the sight quality of a wood panel:

• Colour and consistency: The colour of the wood and how consistent it is across the entire surface are important aspects of visual quality. A uniform colour without major colour differences contributes to positive aesthetics.
• Knots and imperfections: The presence and size of knots, cracks, crevices, and other imperfections can affect the appearance quality. Some wood species are known for their natural imperfections, while others are considered less desirable in certain applications.
• Texture and grain: The texture and grain of the wood contribute to its visual appeal. Fine-grained wood can have a different look than coarse-grained wood, and both can be appreciated for different reasons.
• Surface finish: The quality of the finish, such as sanding and polishing, affects visibility quality. A smooth and well-finished surface is generally rated as more positive.
• Stains and discolouration: Stains or discolouration on the surface of the wood can adversely affect the aesthetics. This may be due to natural features, exposure to light or other factors.

Functional use

When the product is developed for structural construction, the panel may have a high visibility quality. Keep in mind, however, that the visibility quality is subjective and attributed to the original use of the panel.

The type of wood

The visual quality also depends on the type of wood. Some wood species are harder than others, so the number and size of knots and irregularities also vary depending on the species. The assessments take place under the same preconditions, but it remains a subjective assessment.

What should you look out for when selecting the right panel?

It depends on the application, personal preference and your budget which panel best suits your project. In some cases, such as furniture production or architectural finishes, high sight quality is sought to ensure an attractive end product. Understanding and assessing sight quality is important when selecting wood for specific projects to achieve the desired aesthetic results.