No matter if you buy standard or discount hardwood flooring, the grades for all types of domestic woods are the same. Of course, this varies with the species of wood you purchase, as various unfinished and prefinished types of hardwood flooring have different names for grades. While all of these were set in 1999 by The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association, all domestic species of hardwood have a top grade, one or two intermediate grades, and one or two lower grades. The grade is determined by the amount of imperfections a piece of hardwood has. Grain variations, streaks, and knots present in a piece of hardwood lower the grade.
When considering unfinished hardwood flooring, some of the more common types, such as oak, maple, beech, and birch are graded into “clear,” “select,” “#1 common,” and “#2 common” categories, with “clear” being the highest attainable. Other common types of hardwood, such hard maple and pecan, are given somewhat different categories: “select and better,” “#1 common,” and “#2 common.” For all types of unfinished domestic hardwoods, the “select and better” or “clear” grades indicate that the wood will have few to no imperfections. Lower grades don’t mean the wood is defective, however. Rather, the wood won’t have an even tone and, if this is what you’re aiming for, going with the highest grade is ideal.
Prefinished hardwoods, such as prefinished red or white oak flooring, come in differently labeled grades, although the meaning is essentially the same. The highest achievable is “prime,” followed by “standard and better,” “tavern,” and “tavern and better.” Don’t confuse “tavern grade” for prefinished hardwood with that for unfinished, however. Most hardwoods given a “tavern,” or “character” or “cabin” grade, are usually sold as discount hardwood flooring. Taken from the outside of a tree, these have more knots and color variation than most standard grades.
Although all types of standard and discount hardwood flooring are labeled by grades, the important factor is if you’ll like it. Are you looking for more of a rustic look with your hardwood? A lower grade with knots may suit your need. Need an even surface with few blemishes? Aim for the higher grades of flooring.
