Cedar Fence Grades: Clear, Knotty, S4S & Order Terminology

A cedar fence order needs more than "clear," "knotty" or "rough." Record the species, grade and governing rule, surface texture, actual dimensions, condition and agreed acceptance criteria. These attributes are not interchangeable, and a smooth board is not automatically a higher structural grade. WRCLA fence specifications; WWPA grade-stamp overview.

This is a buying-terminology reference, not a complete cedar grading rulebook. The existing wood species guide covers material selection; this article helps define the cedar product you intend to order and accept.

Clear and Knotty are not a full order

WRCLA describes Clear cedar posts as having limited natural characteristics and Knotty posts as an option for a more rustic appearance; neither label is a complete product specification. WRCLA Real Cedar fence specifications.

Do not translate Clear into an absolute zero-defect promise, or Knotty into a universal allowance for any knot, split or decay. Ask which grade or supplier product standard applies to the particular posts, rails or pickets. A claim about appearance does not size a structural member or approve its installation.

If a supplier uses its own sorting label, keep that label but ask for written acceptance criteria. Do not quietly substitute a grading rule from another supplier, species or component.

Surface texture terms

S4S describes lumber surfaced on four sides; S1S2E describes one face and two edges surfaced. These surface terms do not establish the lumber's grade. WRCLA Real Cedar fence specifications.

Source: WRCLA surface descriptions. Saw texture and a rougher-headed planer texture are different production descriptions. Neither alone establishes grade, a universal rough size or which face will be exposed after installation.

We deliberately omit a universal nominal-to-actual cedar size chart. Some inch/millimeter pairs on the cited page are inconsistent; silently correcting them would conceal that source issue. Confirm the actual vendor product and measure delivered pieces. Use those dimensions in the picket quantity model, rather than assuming that the nominal name is the measured width.

Moisture stamp reference

WWPA explains MC-15/KD-15 as a maximum 15% moisture content, S-DRY/KD as a maximum 19%, and S-GRN as over 19%, at manufacturing. WWPA grade-stamp overview.

These are WWPA's general stamp explanations, not promises that every cedar fence picket carries such a stamp. The overview describes agency certification, mill identity, grade, species and seasoning as the usual five elements, with exceptions for some rough/heavy products. WWPA Interpreting Grade Marks.

A manufacturing threshold is not today's moisture reading, permission to stain, or a recommended picket gap. Record current condition separately and follow the actual finish/product instructions. The wood shrinkage reference explains why green-to-oven-dry percentages are also not ordinary seasonal gap predictions.

Build a cedar purchase record

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  <a href="https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/cedar-fence-grades-reference"><img src="https://fenceadvisors.com/media/research/cedar-order-identity.svg" alt="Original cedar purchasing record separates species, grade and rule, surface texture, actual dimensions, manufacturing seasoning, current condition and written acceptance criteria. It is not a certification stamp." width="640" height="720" loading="lazy" style="max-width:100%;height:auto"></a>
  <figcaption>Graphic: <a href="https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/cedar-fence-grades-reference">Fence Advisors</a>. Source, period and limitations are in the linked article. Original graphic: CC BY 4.0.</figcaption>
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The blank CSV is an original purchasing record, not an inspection certificate. Ask for the missing fields before choosing the lowest quote. At receiving, compare the actual delivery against the accepted written order and document disputed items before altering them. Use the supplier RFQ for freight, availability and quote terms. Find fence suppliers who can identify their exact product, or contractors who can confirm the installed scope.

Methodology and reuse

WRCLA and WWPA public guidance was checked October 4, 2026. We did not review a full grading rulebook, publish knot-size limits, inspect stock or verify a structural design. The diagram is an original order checklist, not a recreated agency grade stamp. Cite the attribute, source and timing together; keep appearance, texture, size and moisture separate when reusing this reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is smooth cedar better than rough cedar?

Smooth and rough describe surface preparation. They do not, by themselves, establish grade, structural capacity or a universally better fence product.

Does clear cedar mean absolutely no knots or other characteristics?

WRCLA describes limited natural characteristics, not an absolute absence of every characteristic. Confirm the exact grade and its written acceptance criteria.

Does S-DRY mean the fence is ready to stain today?

No. WWPA explains the stamp as a manufacturing moisture threshold. Current condition and the chosen finish manufacturer's instructions must be checked separately.