What are Hardwood Flooring Grades?
This grading system was first introduced by the National Wood Flooring Association to help to categorize the appearance of various hardwood floors. This classification is intended to make it easier for consumers to choose the right look for their home, as well as providing them with the best quality of hardwood flooring. The system is based on the appearance of the wood only, and there is absolutely no change in durability based on the grades.
The grading system reflects the specific characteristics found in different kinds of wood, such as grain, pattern, color and other markings like knots or worm holes. The grading scale goes from the most flawless in appearance to a very rustic look.
Hardwood Flooring Grade System
Here is an overview of the grading system that the National Wood Flooring Association uses:
1. Clear
This grade provides a nearly flawless look to the wood, as well as being very light in color. The grain itself is very even, if pronounced at all, and has little to no color variation of any kind. Very lightly colored woods will be found in this category, and often does not show any grain at all.
2. Select
The Select grade of wood is almost a Clear grade, but has a slightly darker color. It contains slightly more markings than a clear grade of wood will, although it still appears to be flawless.
3. Common
Common graded wood is most often used in Denver homes because of its affordability. It is also one of the more readily available grades of wood. It is a very natural looking wood, and shows more grain and color than either Clear or Select grains do.
4. No. 1 Common
This grade has increased variation in color and grain, and includes small knots throughout. No. 1 Common grade woods are flawless than Common grains, but not quite rustic looking.
5. No. 2 Common
This grade of wood is even more rustic looking than the grades which were listed previously. It has much more variation in color throughout the wood and has many more knots in it.
6. No. 3 Common
The No. 3 Common grade for hardwood floors has the most rustic appearance. This wood had a dark and varied grain pattern, intense color variation from light to dark, and a large amount of knots and/or worm holes throughout it.
This standardized grading system can help customers to choose a wood based on the appearance they want. These hardwood flooring grades are used by any reputable hardwood floor dealer in the Denver area.
