How to Understand Grades of Wood Floors
The term grading, as it is used in the hardwood lumber industry, refers to the system used by lumber manufacturers to determine the durability and appearance of hardwood floors. There are hundreds of North American hardwood species, each with it own distinct characteristics. South America, Africa and Europe also provide an array of hardwoods used for flooring. Armed with a layman's knowledge of hardwood grades, you can understand the variables and take advantage of the diversity of woods to select the best grade of wood suitable for your home flooring project. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Flooring samples
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Instructions
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Visit building-supply centers and lumber yards to examine the many choices of hardwood flooring available. Hardwood floors vary by type, grade, product quality and workmanship. Consider the amount of foot traffic your floor will be subject to, your decorating preference and the amount you have budgeted for the project.
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Examine product samples. The heartwood of a tree, which is the central wood of the trunk, produces different colors and patterns than the sapwood, which is closer to the bark. Heartwood also has a finer grain. Even when cut from the same log, each board will be unique, bearing its own character marks. Pay close attention to how the wood is finished. Less-expensive grades of flooring will have a rougher finish, while the highest-quality boards will be smooth, evenly sanded and without nicks or dents.
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Look for the grade of the flooring. The National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA) sets the standards for rules covering flooring. On unfinished boards, NOFMA has four established grades: Clear, Select, No. 1 Common and No. 2 Common. Clear indicates that the board or plank is free from character marks, mineral staining, knots or burls. The lower grades will have a proportionately higher amount of character marks or staining. Pre-finished flooring is rated in three grades: Prime, Standard and Tavern.
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Seek the advice or recommendations of wood-flooring professionals.
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Tips & Warnings
Be wary of advertised lumber prices that seem too good to be true. Buy lumber from a reputable supplier.
