Solid Wood Floor Grading Scales

Solid wood flooring is available in a variety of species and grades. Since Oak and Maple are the most common wood floors types, we will be explaining their grade classifications as per their official grading specifications. Other hardwood grades, mostly exotics, are generally graded on a variation of the following two grading scales, the hardness of your hardwood floors is determined by a rating on the Janka hardness scale.

Red and White Oak Grading

Clear (Plainsawn)

The face shall be practically clear, admitting an average 3/8" bright sap. The question of color shall not be considered. Bundles are to be 1 1/4 foot and up. Average length, 3 3/4 feet.

Select (Plainsawn)

The face may contain sap, small streaks, pin worm holes, burls, slight imperfections in working, and small tight knots which do not average more than one every three feet. Bundles are to be 1 ¼ foot and up. Average length is 3 1/4 feet.

#1 Common (Plainsawn)

Shall be of such a nature that it will lay a good residential floor, and may contain varying wood characteristics such as flags, heavy streaks and checks, worm holes, knots, and minor imperfections in working. Bundles are to be 1 1/4 foot and up. Average length is 2 3/4 feet.

#2 Common (Plainsawn)

May contain sound natural variations of the forest product and manufacturing imperfections. The purpose for this grade is to furnish an economical floor suitable for homes, general utility use, or where character marks and contrasting appearance is desired. Bundles are to be 1 1/4 foot and up. Average length, 2 1/4 feet.

Quartersawn Select

The face may contain sap, small streaks, pin worm holes, burls, slight imperfections in working, and small tight knots which do not average more than one to every three feet. Bundles are to be 1 1/4 foot and up. Average length is 3 1/4 feet.

Maple Grading

First Grade

Shall have the face practically free of all defects, but the natural varying color of the wood shall not be considered a defect. Bundles shall be 1 1/4' and longer, through 8', as the stock will produce. Bundles less than 4' shall not comprise over 45% of the total footage. Up to 25% of the total footage may be 2' bundles, and up to 5% of the footage may be 1 1/4' bundles.

Second Grade

Will admit tight, sound knots and slight imperfections in dressing, but must lay without waste. Bundles shall be 1 1/4' and longer, through 8', as the stock will produce. Bundles less than 4' shall not comprise over 55% of the total footage. Up to 27% of the total footage may be 2' bundles, and up to 10% of the footage may be 1 1/4'.

Third Grade

Must be of such character as will lay and give a good serviceable floor. Bundles shall be 1 1/4' and longer, to 8', as the stock will produce. Bundles less than 4' shall not comprise over 75% of the total footage. Up to 45% of the total footage may be 1 1/4' bundles.