Grades of wood flooring
The appearance of the wood determines its “grade.” All grades are equally strong and serviceable, but each affords you a different look.
- Clear
Clear wood is free of defects, though it may have minor imperfections. - Select
Select wood is almost clear, but contains some natural characteristics such as knots and color variations. - Common
Common wood (No. 1 and No. 2) has more natural characteristics such as knots and color variations than either clear or select grades, and often is chosen because of these natural features and the character they bring to a room. No. 1 Common has a variegated appearance, light and dark colors, knots, flags and wormholes. No 2 Common is rustic in appearance and emphasize all wood characteristics of the species.
The following terminologies are used to describe grading but are not standard. Each mills definition can and will vary.
- Character or “rustic” grades
Knots, mineral streaking, wide color variations from one board to another are common. - Reclaimed or “Antique”
These are descriptions of wood used for flooring which a live trees were not cut to create the lumber. The wood was recovered from rivers, lakes and streams or reclaimed from old barns and factories during demolition. The character of the wood has worm holes, nail holes and can be very “weathered”.