Grading and Handling Guide
Wood is a living material. Every billet, blank and top that leaves Patterson Guitars is inspected for tone, stability and character. This guide explains how we grade, what to expect and how to handle your wood when it arrives at your shop.
How We Grade
We focus on two main things, appearance and structure. Each piece is graded for how it will perform and how it will look on a finished instrument.
Figure and appearance
- Select – Strong, consistent figure or grain with minimal visual distractions, ideal for high end builds.
- Standard – Attractive figure or grain with normal natural variation, minor streaks or color shifts may be present.
- Utility – Functionally sound with heavier streaking or irregular figure, great for solid color finishes or creative layouts.
Structural intent
- Luthier grade – Selected for necks, tops and parts where stability matters most.
- Shop grade – Excellent for bodies, caps and decorative parts where you have more freedom in layout.
What to Expect in Natural Wood
No two trees are the same. The following features are normal in quality tone woods and are not considered defects unless clearly excessive.
- Color variation and streaking within a board.
- Grain runout, especially on highly figured pieces.
- Small knots or pin knots near edges that can be worked around in layout.
- Minor surface checks that will be removed during normal thicknessing.
- Light end grain checking at the very ends of a blank.
If any feature is large or central enough that it might affect your layout, we photograph it clearly and mention it in the description.
Moisture Content and Acclimation
Our kiln dried woods are stored in a controlled shop environment and typically ship at about six to eight percent moisture content. Once your order arrives, let it settle into your space before you start cutting or gluing.
- Allow at least twenty four to forty eight hours of acclimation in your shop.
- Keep wood away from direct heat, direct sun and abrupt temperature swings.
- If your shop is much drier or more humid than average, give it extra time to equalize.
Some gentle movement is normal as wood equalizes. Light cupping or twist that can be corrected in normal milling is not considered a defect.
Photos and Representation
For most listings you are seeing the actual piece you will receive. If photos are representative of a batch, the product will clearly say so in the description.
- Actual piece – You receive the exact board, blank or set shown in the photos.
- Representative photo – Species, grade and dimensions match, figure and color are in the same general range, but the exact pattern will vary from piece to piece.
Returns, Problems and Support
We stand behind what we ship and want you to feel confident when you open the box and start your build.
If your wood arrives damaged in transit
- Photograph the box, packing and affected pieces as soon as you notice the issue.
- Contact us within forty eight hours with your order number and photos so we can file a claim and make it right.
If you believe a piece was misrepresented
- Send clear photos and your order number.
- We will review the case and, when appropriate, offer a replacement or store credit.
We cannot accept returns for
- Wood that has already been cut, glued, machined or finished.
- Movement or checking that occurs after extended storage in an uncontrolled environment.
- Normal natural features described above or clearly visible in the listing photos.
If you are ever unsure about a piece, reach out before you cut. We would rather help you plan your layout than argue with you after the sawdust falls.
Quick Builder Tips
- Sticker boards if you will store them for more than a few days.
- Avoid heavy weight on highly figured tops or thin sets.
- Seal fresh end cuts if you plan long term storage.
- Keep wood out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and vents.