Hardwood Flooring Grades Explained

First, let's start with the basics: What is a hardwood floor grade?

Hardwood floor grading is a system used to classify the visual appearance of the wood based on its natural characteristics, such as knots, mineral streaks, and color variations. The grading system is not standardized across the industry, but most hardwood manufacturers use similar grading systems. Generally speaking, the higher the grade, the fewer natural defects the wood has, and the more uniform the color.

Now, let's take a closer look at the different hardwood floor grades available in the US market:

Prime grade

Hardwood floor grading is a system used to classify the visual appearance of the wood based on its natural characteristics, such as knots, mineral streaks, and color variations. The grading system is not standardized across the industry, but most hardwood manufacturers use similar grading systems. Generally speaking, the higher the grade, the fewer natural defects the wood has, and the more uniform the color. However, it’s important to note that grading does not reflect the durability or structural integrity of the wood only its aesthetic qualities. 

Each grade offers a unique visual appeal, allowing homeowners, designers, and architects to choose the look that best suits their project. Whether you prefer the clean, consistent tones of Prime Grade or the rustic charm of Character Grade, understanding hardwood floor grading ensures you select a product aligned with your design vision. Grading also plays a role in price, with higher grades typically commanding a premium due to their limited visual imperfections.

Now, let's take a closer look at the different hardwood floor grades available in the US market:

Select/Classic Grade

Prime grade hardwood flooring is free from any visible knots, mineral streaks, and color variations, giving it a clean, uniform look. There will also be a minimal amount of sapwood defects and filler, if any at all. Where filler is used, its color is carefully selected to complement the wood rather than to match it exactly, and the color of the filler may vary from batch to batch. Prime grade hardwoods are available in both domestic and exotic species, such as Brazilian cherry, maple, and oak. It is ideal for modern or contemporary interiors, where a minimalist look is desired. Because of its visual consistency, Prime grade is often chosen for luxury residential spaces, upscale retail environments, and commercial interiors where symmetry and refinement are key. 

It provides a sleek surface that allows furniture and architectural elements to take center stage without visual competition from the floor. Additionally, Prime grade tends to reflect more light, enhancing a sense of openness and brightness in any room. The precision and aesthetic clarity of Prime grade flooring make it a favorite among designers seeking balance, subtlety, and elegance in modern spaces.

#1 Common Grade - Character Grade:

#1 Common grade hardwood flooring is the most popular and widely used grade in the US market. This grade of wood has more visible knots, mineral streaks, and color variations than clear or select grade, giving it a more natural and slightly rustic look. #1 Common grade hardwoods are available in both domestic and exotic species, such as red oak, white oak, and cherry. This grade is favored for its authentic, organic character that embraces the natural diversity found in real wood. 

Homeowners often choose it for its ability to bring warmth, texture, and personality into a space without overwhelming it. The variation from plank to plank adds visual interest and depth, making it suitable for spaces where a welcoming, lived-in feel is desired. It’s commonly used in family homes, cozy commercial spaces, and cottage-style interiors. While it doesn’t offer the uniformity of Prime or Select grades, #1 Common delivers exceptional aesthetic value and durability at a more accessible price point, making it ideal for both renovations and new builds aiming for character without compromise.

#2 Common Grade - Natural Rustic Grade:

#2 Common grade hardwood flooring is the most economical option. This grade of wood has many visible knots, mineral streaks, and color variations, giving it a more rustic and casual look. #2 Common rustic grade hardwoods are available in both domestic and exotic species, such as birch, beech, and maple. 

It’s ideal for projects where natural charm, rugged texture, and a sense of authenticity are key design goals. Expect frequent sapwood, small splits, and checks that have been structurally sound and often filled or left as-is to enhance the rustic aesthetic. This grade is commonly used in cabins, workshops, farmhouse-inspired interiors, and other informal settings where the beauty of imperfection is celebrated. It’s also a favorite among DIYers and budget-conscious homeowners looking for real wood character without the premium price tag. 

Despite its affordability, #2 Common grade flooring offers the same structural integrity as higher grades, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas or secondary spaces like basements, mudrooms, and home offices. Its individuality from board to board helps tell a visual story that’s full of texture and personality.

What else do I need to know?

It is worth noting that the grading system can vary slightly between manufacturers, so it's important to ask for specific grading information when shopping for hardwood floors. At Havwoods, we use the 4 grades mentioned above. Our commitment to clarity ensures that what you see in the sample is a true reflection of what you’ll receive, helping you make a confident design decision.

In addition to the grading system, there are other factors to consider when choosing hardwood floors, such as the species of wood, the plank width, and the finish. Each of these elements contributes to the overall look, feel, and performance of the flooring in your space. For example, wide planks can create a sense of openness, while narrower boards offer traditional charm. The choice of finish whether oiled, lacquered, brushed, or smoked can influence both the aesthetic and the maintenance requirements. 

Species like European Oak or Walnut each bring distinct tones and grain patterns, allowing you to tailor the floor to your design goals. Ultimately, the perfect hardwood floor is a blend of grade, finish, and format that suits both your lifestyle and vision.

Species of Wood:

Different species of wood have different characteristics, such as hardness, grain pattern, and color. Some popular domestic species include oak, maple, hickory, and walnut, while popular exotic species include Brazilian cherry, mahogany, and teak. The species of wood you choose will depend on your personal taste, budget, and the look you're trying to achieve. For example, oak is known for its durability and distinctive grain, making it a versatile choice for both traditional and contemporary interiors. 

Maple offers a lighter, more uniform appearance, ideal for clean, minimalist spaces. Hickory brings dramatic contrast and resilience, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. Walnut, with its deep tones and rich grain, delivers warmth and sophistication. On the exotic side, Brazilian cherry is prized for its reddish hues and density, while teak’s natural oils and golden color are excellent for coastal or spa-like environments. 

Each species offers a unique design language and performance profile, so understanding these traits can help guide your decision when selecting the perfect hardwood flooring for your space.

Plank Width:

Hardwood floors come in various plank widths, ranging from narrow strips to wide planks. Narrow strips are more traditional and work well in smaller spaces, while wide planks are more modern and can make a room feel more spacious. The plank width you choose will depend on the size of the room, the style of your home, and your personal preference.

Hardwood floors come in various plank widths, ranging from narrow strips to wide planks. Narrow strips are more traditional and work well in smaller spaces, while wide plank flooring are more modern and can make a room feel more spacious. The plank width you choose will depend on the size of the room, the style of your home, and your personal preference. Narrower boards—typically under 3 inches tend to create a more classic or historic feel and are excellent for visually elongating compact rooms. In contrast, wide planks often 5 inches and up highlight the natural grain and character of the wood, making them a popular choice for open-concept homes and contemporary interiors. 

Wider boards also reduce the number of seams, offering a cleaner, more seamless visual effect. However, it’s important to consider the stability of wider planks, particularly in environments with fluctuating humidity levels. Ultimately, choosing the right plank width is about striking the right balance between visual aesthetics, room proportions, and the overall design narrative of your space.

Finish:

The finish is the top layer of the hardwood floor that protects it from wear and tear. There are several types of finishes including: 

Oiled Finish - an oiled finish brings out the true beauty of the color and grain of the wood. It gives floors a natural finish. See more about oil finishes here. 

UV Oiled Finish - a hardwearing oiled finish that is cured under UV light. This finish is micro-porous, water-repellent, and very stain resistant.

Lacquered Finish - Lacquer is normally a polyurethane coating which is applied to the surface of a wooden floor by brush or roller. The polyurethane covers the pores of the wood and forms a hard, resilient coating which protects the timber from dirt and moisture ingress. Lacquer is commonly either a matt, satin or gloss finish. While it does offer more protection than an oil coating, if damaged, lacquered boards need to be replaced rather than repaired as a lacquered product is unable to be spot repaired.

When it comes to hardwood flooring there are so many options to choose from. 

Whether it’s the color, grading, finish or wood type you are guaranteed to find something perfect for your project. 

At Havwoods, we pride ourselves on our vast collection of wood flooring products. Visit our showroom to see for yourself or order a free sample.