The size of these pores determines the grain pattern and texture. The most popular softwoods are cedar, fir, pine and spruce. This is the wood property that determines condition of the surface and stability. It plays an important role in deciding how a wood can be finished. For example, red cedar will give you a very different look and character than white pine.
Grain pertains to the wood-cell fibers' orientation.
The clearer the wood, the higher the grade. This is the wood's ability not to shrink or expand before or after it has been worked. Remember, no wood will decay if it's kept dry. Two boards of the same species can look very different. Each tree has its own grain pattern.