Do you know what a hardwood flooring grade is? As a flooring, wood is one of the homeowners’ favorite materials. This type of flooring is timeless and harmonizes perfectly with any type of decor. It’s this versatility that makes hardwood one of the prized materials for covering a floor. Learn more about natural ash flooring. However, choosing the wooden floor itself can be quite complex. Hardwood floors are classified according to a grade to distinguish them. The grade of hardwood flooring is also an element that should not be neglected. This grade influences the design and the finish of your floor. To help you determine which flooring grade to choose for your project, consult our complete guide. Our wood flooring installation experts are delighted to put their expertise at your disposal.
Why do the names vary so much?
If you’ve already browsed through interior decoration magazines or visited flooring manufacturers, you’ll have noticed that the names differ greatly. Each manufacturer is unique, but hardwood flooring grade names are often equivalent. The best advice we can give you at this point is to ask questions and request to see photos. Professional companies will generally have a website where you can see their achievements and get a good idea of the wood that interests you. Moreover, unless you choose a distressed type of flooring, the grade is not an indication of the quality of the wood. The terms “Select”, “Distinct” or “Best” do not necessarily reflect a superior quality to other grades. Discover why below.
Hardwood flooring grade: the main ones
Here’s a summary of the main grades on the market. These names vary from one manufacturer to another, but we also present their equivalents that can be seen elsewhere.
“Select” or “Best”
The “Select” or “Best” designation is also called “Premium”, “Pure” or “S” by various manufacturers. This designation does not mean that the wood is of better quality. This hardwood flooring grade actually means that you will have access to the best selection for a uniform and clear final result. Moreover, the “Select” grade has no knots. This type of hardwood is therefore easier to install and is less likely to crack.
Hardwood flooring grade: Pacific
The “Pacific” grade, recognized in the flooring industry, is also called “Exclusive” or “Distinct” by manufacturers. This wood grade represents more colorful hardwood floors. If the “Select” grade is for lighter wood floors, the “Pacific” grade relates to floors with color variations. In this grade, we’re talking about marbled flooring or with different shades and a more natural wood appearance, less uniform. There will therefore be different colors of planks on the same floor. Some lighter, some darker. This wood grade is generally composed of 50% “Select” and “Best” grade and 50% natural grade. Although the appearance of the “Pacific” grade flooring is more natural, there will generally be no knots in the planks.
The “Tradition” or “Authentic” selection
As the name suggests, this hardwood flooring grade reflects the natural aspect of the wood. Other known appellations are “Character”, “Instinct” or “Variation with knots”. The planks may also have small cracks, streaks, sound knots, etc. The personality of the wood is highlighted in this grade and all the colors of the wood are present.
The hardwood flooring grade, in summary
As you may have noticed, the grade of the flooring is not necessarily related to its quality. It is rather a grade that determines the color and its natural appearance. Here is a summary of the 4 main wood grades recognized in the field:
- “Select” and “Best”: a wood grade composed of uniform planks of the same color. This grade is the most expensive on the market.
- “Pacific”: 50% natural, 50% “Select”. This is one of the most popular grades and is the second most expensive grade.
- “Natural”: This grade is composed of planks with varying wood colors. Small knots are sometimes found in the slats.
- “Rustic”: Everything that doesn’t fit into the previous grade categories falls into the rustic grade. These are generally short planks with knots. It is the least expensive grade, but it is also not guaranteed by the manufacturer.
If you come across different names, know that any other grade comes from the 4 mentioned previously. The new grades are unique combinations for each manufacturer. For example, a high-end grade composed of 15% “Rustic” with long planks, 15% natural, 50% “Pacific” and 20% “Select” to give character while maintaining plank length. If you want a light and uniform floor, it’s better to opt for a “Select” wood grade. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a country or rustic design and it’s the look of natural wood that interests you, the “Tradition” selection is the grade you need. If you need additional help, our experts are available at any time during our opening hours. Don’t hesitate to contact us! We will take your call and discuss your project with great pleasure.
