When shopping for something as important and long lasting as hardwood flooring, it’s important that you understand the different grades of wood.
For Unfinished hardwood flooring there are predominantly 5 grades you need to understand;
* Clear Grade is considered the most consistent grade; with few color variations, and little to no visible knots or pinholes.
* Select or Better is similar to clear, but is slightly lower in grade.
* Country Grade contains more color variation, is shorter in board length with occasional longer lengths and an increased amount of knots and pinholes.
* Cabin Grade features the greatest amount of variations in color and amount of knots and pinholes.
For Pre-finished hardwood flooring there are also predominately six grades to be understood;
* Clear Grade is the top grade of hardwood flooring because of it’s consistent color, an minimal amount of knots and pinholes.
* Select or Better is similar to clear, but is slightly lower in grade.
* #1 Common contains more color variation, is shorter in board length with occasional longer lengths and an increased amount of knots and pinholes.
* #2 Common Are popular because they snow more of the natural character of the wood. They feature shorter dark and light boards and more visible knots and pinholes.
* Cabin Grade Are for those people who are looking for a rustic look, welcoming unfilled knotholes, worm holes and color variations.
* Shorts contain the most visible wood character with many knots, pinholes and color variations.
Miscellaneous Terms
* F.A.S. is short-hand for “Firsts and Seconds”
* Quarter Sawn – has amazing straight grain. It is defined as when the annular growth rings interest the face of the board at a 60 to 90 degree angle.
* Rift Sawn -The annual rings are typically between 30 to 60 degrees. It is the most expensive cut and the least common.
