Hardwood Floor Grades

The ‘grade’ of wood is the system used by the National Wood Flooring Association to determine the appearance of the wood. The ‘grades’ reflect the following characteristics of the wood:

*Color *Grain *Pattern *Other Natural Markings (knots)

The above standards exist to provide consumers with the best quality wood. Among the ‘grades’, durability IS NOT compromised. All share equal durability, but each one provides a different appearance. The ‘grades’ are listed below:

*CLEAR A clear ‘grade’ of wood is light in color and looks flawless. The grain pattern is very even, and has almost no color variation.

*SELECT Almost a Clear ‘grade’ wood, but is slightly darker in color. It still looks flawless to the eye, and shows slightly more characteristics than a clear ‘grade’.

*COMMON This ‘grade’ is used most often in homes due to its price and availability. It is less expensive than the Clear or Select ‘grades’. Common wood shows more natural characteristics of wood, such as greater color variation, shift in grain pattern and/or swirls and a fair amount of knots throughout. This ‘grade’ looks best to the eye and has a very natural look in the home.

*NO. 1 COMMON: Slight variation between light and dark colors shift in grain pattern and a few small knots

*NO. 2 COMMON: Slightly more rustic, greater color variation and knots throughout

*NO. 3 COMMON: The most rustic appearance of all wood floor ‘grades’. ALL natural characteristics of natural wood are evident (lots of color variation, grain pattern/shift in grain pattern, large amount of knots throughout, and worm holes)