Hardwood floor grades are an important consideration when selecting flooring for your home. These grades, established by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), classify hardwood based on its appearance. Knowing the different grades will help you find the perfect balance of style, durability, and price for your project.
| Grade | Appearance Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Clear | Very uniform, minimal color variation, few/no natural marks | Formal spaces, minimalist design |
| Select | Slightly more variation, small knots/character marks allowed | Versatile, many styles |
| #1 Common | Noticeable color variation, knots, some streaks | Casual styles, busy homes |
| #2 Common (Cabin/Rustic) | Abundant knots, color streaks, pronounced character | Rustic, farmhouse styles |
Key Takeaways:
- Hardwood floor grades classify the wood's appearance, not its strength.
- The NWFA sets the standard for hardwood grading.
- Higher grades (Clear, Select) have a more uniform look and higher price.
- Lower grades (#1 Common, #2 Common) have a more natural character and lower price.
Table of Contents
- What are Hardwood Floor Grades?
- The NWFA Hardwood Floor Grading System
- How Do Grades Impact Your Flooring Choice?
- Choosing the Right Grade for Your Needs
What are Hardwood Floor Grades?
Hardwood floor grades are a way to classify the visual appearance of wood flooring based on the amount of natural characteristics present in the wood. These characteristics include:
- Knots: The circular marks where branches grew from the tree.
- Color Variation: Differences in tones between the heartwood (the darker center) and the sapwood (the lighter outer wood).
- Mineral Streaks: Darker lines caused by minerals absorbed by the tree during its growth.
- Wormholes: Small holes created by insects.
Hardwood floor grades primarily address appearance, not the wood's structural integrity. All grades offer suitable strength and durability for flooring. The grading system simply helps you choose the desired look to match your style preference.
The NWFA Hardwood Floor Grading System
In North America, the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) sets the industry standard for hardwood floor grading. Their system provides a consistent language for manufacturers and consumers to understand the expected appearance of different flooring types.
The most common NWFA grades you'll encounter are:
- Clear: This highest grade features boards with a very uniform appearance, minimal color variation, and few, if any, knots or other natural characteristics.
- Select: Select grade allows for slightly more color variation and a small number of small knots and character marks.
- #1 Common: This grade offers a more natural look with noticeable color variation, knots, and other character marks.
- #2 Common (Also known as Cabin or Rustic): This grade showcases the most rustic appearance with abundant knots, color streaks, and other pronounced natural variations.
How Do Grades Impact Your Flooring Choice?
Understanding hardwood floor grades is essential because they significantly influence three key aspects of your flooring decision:
Appearance
The primary function of hardwood floor grades is to help you achieve your desired aesthetic. Higher grades like Clear and Select provide a more formal, refined look. Lower grades like #1 Common and #2 Common create a more casual and rustic feel.
Durability
While all NWFA grades are structurally sound for flooring, there are subtle durability differences. Lower grades may show scratches and dents a bit more easily due to the presence of knots and more pronounced grain variations. This is especially important to consider in high-traffic areas of your home.
Price
Generally, hardwood flooring costs increase as the grade goes up. Clear and Select grades, with their limited natural variations, come from select portions of the tree and are therefore more expensive. Lower grades, with their abundance of character marks, are more widely available and generally more budget-friendly.
| Factor | Clear/Select | #1 Common / #2 Common |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Uniform | Rustic, varied |
| Durability | Shows wear less readily | May show wear more quickly |
| Price | Higher | More affordable |
Choosing the Right Grade for Your Needs
Now that you understand the NWFA grading system and its impact on your flooring, here's how to translate that knowledge into selecting the perfect grade for your project:
Style
Consider the overall aesthetic you're aiming for in your space. Do you prefer a clean and polished look? Choose a higher grade like Clear or Select. Are you drawn to a more organic, rustic feel? A lower grade like #1 Common or #2 Common might be the ideal choice.
Lifestyle
Think about how much wear your floors will experience. High-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens might benefit from a more durable grade like Clear or Select that shows less wear from scratches and dents. Lower grades can still be beautiful choices but may require more vigilant maintenance in high-use zones.
Budget
Hardwood floors are a long-term investment, so factor in both the upfront cost of the materials and the potential for future maintenance needs. Higher grades typically come with a higher price tag, while lower grades offer a more budget-friendly option.
Once you have a general idea of the grade you're interested in, visit a flooring showroom! Reputable showrooms will have samples readily available so you can see the variations within each grade in person. This will give you a much clearer picture of how the wood will look and feel in your own home.