Hardwood Flooring Grades Explained

Here are some different grades of oak hardwood floors that we have installed sanded and stained with darker colors.

Hardwood flooring grades explained.

Because of this the wood s sap content is very low which results in very uniform color very few knots and the smoothest finish of any grade wood. In order to separate hardwood flooring in to different groups well defined wood flooring grading system was introduced. For complete details the grading rule book can be purchased from the national hardwood lumber association. While the national wood flooring association or nwfa has established a grading system it only applies to certain domestic species there is no universal system for international grades of hardwood.

Explore the use of the common grades to achieve the most value considering lumber cost and yield. This grade is slightly lower than the clear still presenting uniform color and little to no knots and pinholes. This is meant only to give a general idea of each grade and not intended to be a complete list of all aspects of the grade. Size and number of knots colour variation amount of sap present in the wood.

Below is a general description of grades for other domestic species such as walnut hickory maple ash and american cherry. This is thanks to the various different grading agencies and retailers giving different terms to essentially. Domestic hardwood flooring grades. With a dark stain much less noticeable.

This grade of solid hardwood is what our flooring professionals always recommend installing. For a more complete description please see actual products. Wooden floors are graded to enhance the natural beauty of each individual timber by taking in to consideration three following major factors. Although there are only a few different grades that as a floor consumer you need to concern yourself with it doesn t help that each grade is often referred to in different ways.

Can you tell the difference especially between 1 and 2 common. This is an interesting area for shoppers retailers and manufacturers. With a natural floor the differences in grades of oak are more noticeable. This is the best grade of hardwood flooring because there are few color variations board lengths are not widely varied and there are little to no visible knots or pinholes.

The common grades are likely to be most suitable for the cabinet industry most furniture parts and flooring.