Hardwood flooring grades - Is there a difference?

Most customers don't realize that there are different grades of oak flooring.  They just assume all oak flooring is the same.  For oak flooring, there are 3 main grades: select, Number 1 common and Number 2 common.  Select grade is generally considered the highest grade as it has the least color variation.  It costs the more.  This is followed by No 1 which has more color variation and some occasional knots, and that is followed by No 2 which has a lot more color variation and knots.  Sometimes, this is called character grade or cabin grade wood.

Technically, the quality of the wood (as measured by hardness/durability) is the same across all the grades.  The differences between the grades are their appearances.  Some people prefer the higher color consistency that you find in select grade; others prefer more color variation that you find in Number 1 oak, and still others prefer a more rustic look and feel that it adds more character.  There is no right or wrong answer here; it is preference and it's important to understand which you prefer.

Select grade (red oak)

Number 1 (No 1) Common - red oak

Number 2 (No 2) Common - red oak

The differences in the color among the boards are more obvious when the wood is natural (i.e. without a stain).  The darker the stain, the less you notice the color difference in the boards.

Here is a side by side of Select grade Oak vs. Number 1 Common (No 1) Oak (Here is a link to the full article with all the pictures - hardwood flooring grades.).  These are pictures of red oak flooring (the same principle applies to white oak flooring.  Check out this article for more info on Red oak vs. white oak flooring.

When you are getting estimates from flooring contractors, it's important that they specify what grade of wood they are using.  Sometimes, the main reason that one estimate differs from another is based on the hardwood being used.  And, if a contractor doesn't specify, they are probably going to use a lower grade since it costs them less (and they may think that you won't notice or won't know any better.

Here is a link to the full article with all the pictures - hardwood flooring grades.

If you live in Westchester area and need help with your floors, feel free to give The Flooring Girl a call at 914-937-2950 or visit our flooring website.

Debbie Gartner, The Flooring Girl
Floor Coverings International
41 N Lawn Ave
Elmsford, NY 10523
914-937-2950

Hardwood flooring grades - Select grade vs. No 1 Common - What's the difference?