Character grade wood flooring is the third in a series of four wood grades.
What is character grade flooring.
The floors listed below may feature darker grain patterns worm holes large to medium sized knots and other natural properties.
Grading of exotic species will be different than domestics.
Wood with character marks such as mineral streaks may be used for darker color floors.
The grade of a wood floor does not refer to the quality of the wood although a higher price tag is often attached to higher grades of wood nor does it concern the durability of the flooring.
Most character grade flooring has an abundance of knots mineral streaks and color variety.
Because of this the wood s sap content is very low which results in very uniform color very few knots and the smoothest finish of any grade wood.
This has the most visible character with many knots pinholes and color variations present.
Please see below for a general description of the grading of exotic floors.
It costs the more.
Tavern or cabin grade.
Engineered and solid versions.
Character grade this grade is usually a mix of mostly 1 common with some 2 common.
They just assume all oak flooring is the same.
These floors are 1st quality unless otherwise stated and the.
Character grade hardwood flooring is perfect for country homes and homeowners looking for a unique alternative to very clean looking traditional floors.
Hardwood may be given a character grade because of poor milling however.
Great for those wanting the character look without being too rustic.
Take a look at this article on flooring hardness and the janka test for more info on the density and durability of different wood species.
Because wood is a natural material no two boards are ever going to be the same.
This type of hardwood flooring is very close to its natural appearance and shows plenty of knots and sap that add to its appeal.
For oak flooring there are 3 main grades.
Select grade is generally considered the highest grade as it has the least color variation.
Character grade floors available in two main types.
A floor of one grade or brand name may appear slightly different than another floor of the same name.
The wood may have voids visible tree bark edges missing tongues splits checks and windshake.
Cabin grade floors allow unlimited character marks and milling defects.
For example a floor may be sold as 1 common and better meaning it is a combination of 1 common select and better and clear grades.
It is also known as natural grade wood flooring.
It is worth noting that some sellers combine grades of hardwood.
Should i choose solid or engineered character grade wood.
Available in solid and engineered wood flooring options it is an affordable and attractive option that not surprisingly is full of character.
Select number 1 common and number 2 common.
Select grade hardwood flooring is top of the line in terms of both appearance and in terms of cost and comes from the heart of a tree.