Hardwood Flooring Grades
Hardwood flooring is manufactured in many different species and grades. The hardwood flooring grading system usually falls into three main areas; select, natural and rustic. Depending on the manufacturer there can be variances in the grading system within each of these area and some manufacturers have proprietary grades
Select, Select & Better, Prime, Pacific & A grade
Select floors are higher end floors. Select floors are graded to have the best selection of wood from the tree. These grades offer more uniformity of color selection with very few knots or sapwood or mineral ingress.
Natural, Character & AB Grade
Natural grade floors are graded to give a varied selection of wood from the tree and a more natural look. The floor will have small and closed knots and more variation of color selection and some mineral ingress. These floors will generally be priced in the mid range.
Rustic, Factory, Tavern, ABCD & CD Grade
Rustic grade floors are graded to have a high percentage of variation in wood selection. This grade has the tendency to offer a lot of color and variety with knots and texture. This is a look that you will either love or hate. The knots may or may not be filled depending on the manufacturer and design of the product. This grade may also have visible splits and shakes and cracks in the lacquer and there will be visible mineral ingress. These floors are generally but not always at the lower end of the budget range. Some flooring manufacturers are deliberately creating these rustic looks and are marketing them as a higher end floor.
CD Grade
CD grade wood is among the lowest of the rustic grades. (See above). As with the other rustic grades it has a lot of interesting character that you really enjoy having or do not like. While you may not install this grade in a formal setting it can add a lot of warmth to a more casual environment.
