Hardwood Flooring Styles | grades

The grade of hardwood flooring can be determined by looking at three distinct factors which are: grain patterns, presence of natural characteristics and marks, and the presence of mineral streaks. Hardwood flooring that has a clear grade is usually uniform in color and patterns and has minimal mineral streaks. On the other hand, common grades of hardwood flooring, otherwise known as rustic grades, will usually have more patterns and have variances in grain pattern and color tone.

Rift and Quartered Hardwood Flooring

(Applies to red and white oak only). Quarter-sawn hardwood flooring has its growth rings perpendicular to the board’s broad face. In contrast, plain-sawn hardwood flooring has growth rings parallel to the board’s broad face. Using the quarter-sawn technique produces both quartered and rift lumber. Both rift and quartered lumber has superior grain patterns, is less likely to expand or contract, and wears more evenly than plain-sawn lumber.
 

 

Clear-Grade Hardwood Flooring

Clear-grade hardwood flooring has very few flaws or character marks. It is practically free of defects and made up of mostly heartwood, known as “Clear” though it may still contain minor imperfections.

Clear-grade hardwood flooring is usually uniform in color, comes in longer lengths, and contains virtually no blemishes or knots.
 

Select-Grade Hardwood Flooring

Select-grade hardwood flooring shows a bright grain with a few flaws. Most pieces match well and there is only slight complementing color variations.

Select-grade hardwood flooring could almost be considered clear-grade, but this grade of hardwood flooring contains many more natural characteristics such as knots, cathedrals, and natural color differences.
 

Common-Grade Hardwood Flooring

Common hardwood flooring (Numbers 1, 2 and 3) has many more natural characteristics such as knots and color variations than clear or select grade hardwood flooring.

These grades are often chosen because of the natural features and character they bring to a room. No. 1 Common hardwood flooring has a variegated appearance, natural color variations and limited character marks.