Wood is classified into board grades according to formaldehyde emission
EU standards (highest to lowest):
Super E0 - E0 - E1 - E2
Taiwan standards (highest to lowest):
F1 - F2 - F3
The higher the grade, the lower the formaldehyde emission. Eguchitoys furniture is certified as F1 grade wood by the Taiwan Toy and Living Products Research and Testing Center.
FSC wood certification
FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council) monitors the origin of wood and ensures that the wood is sourced sustainably and harmlessly.
The wood used by eguchitoys and its Taiwanese factories is all FSC certified
Grading based on wood appearance
Before we look at appearance grades, let's first talk about knots and color differences, which are used to grade wood.
What is a wood knot?
Knots are a natural characteristic of wood. Branches growing from a tree trunk are connected to the trunk at their base, forming structure. Knots also form at the base over time when branches break naturally or are pruned. Knots are a testament to the unique natural beauty of each piece of wood.
Does wood also have color differences?
Yes.
The areas closer to the center of the tree are usually darker and denser, while the areas closer to the bark are lighter and less dense.
The wood near the roots is usually darker and more tightly grained, while the wood at the top is lighter.
Changes in seasons, or even differences in soil due to sunlight and humidity can also cause color differences.
Trees grown in sunny areas may have lighter wood. Wet or shady conditions may result in darker wood.
Wood can be classified into A+ ABC AB according to appearance
A+ grade wood: almost no knots and no color difference.
Grade A: Slightly below A+, but still suitable for most high-quality uses. May have a few small knots, but they do not affect the appearance. Color variation is minimal, and the grain is natural and continuous.
Grade B wood: There are more knots and slight color difference.
Grade C wood: usually has obvious defects such as knots, cracks, discoloration, etc.
AB grade lumber: One side meets the A standard, and the other side meets the B standard. Suitable for applications where only one side needs to be aesthetically pleasing, such as wall panels and door panels.
Photo credit: Eguchi Kentaro
0 comments