Understanding Hardwood Flooring Grades

A Guide to Selecting the Right Option for Your Space

When it comes to selecting the perfect hardwood flooring for your project, understanding the different grades available is essential. The grade of hardwood can influence the overall look and feel of a space, whether you're going for sleek modernity, natural charm, or vintage character. At Northern Wide Plank (NWP), we offer three distinct grades: Select, Character, and Genuine Reclaimed. Each grade has its unique aesthetic and practical benefits, making it easier to align your flooring choice with your design vision.

What Are Hardwood Flooring Grades?

Hardwood grades categorize the natural characteristics and visual elements of the wood planks. These grades help define the amount of texture, variation, and character present in the flooring. From clean and consistent to full of life and imperfections, each grade offers a unique personality that can shape your space.

Questions to Guide Your Decision

Before exploring the grades, consider these questions to narrow down the right option for your needs:

1. What kind of traffic will the floor experience?

2. Will kids or pets frequently use the space?

3. Will furniture be moved around regularly?

4. Do you prefer a more refined aesthetic or a more natural feel?

5. Is your design style minimalist or maximalist?

The answers will help you select the grade that best aligns with both your functional and design goals.

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Select Grade: Clean, Refined

Select Grade hardwood flooring is perfect for those seeking a more refined aesthetic. This grade features minimal knots and less colour variation than character grade, resulting in a more uniform appearance while still maintaining the organic beauty of natural wood.

Key Characteristics:

Minimal knots, sapwood, and filler (if any - can only occur in 13”+ wide planks).

Less colour variation between planks compared to character grade.

A refined and more consistent look and feel than character grade.

Ideal for modern or minimalist designs.

Image: Del Mar in Select Grade

Character Grade: Natural, Authentic

For a purer look, Character Grade flooring showcases the wood's inherent beauty and individuality. Each plank has its unique characteristics, including knots and colour variation, offering an authentic and dynamic appearance.

One of the benefits of a character grade product, is they tend to hide wear and tear better than a select grade product. As a result, they tend to be better suited for high traffic areas and help create a more organic feel when compared to a select grade product.

Key Characteristics:

Noticeable colour variation from plank to plank.

Visible knots and small amounts of sapwood (approx. 10%).

Durable and forgiving—hides wear and tear better than Select Grade.

Filler colour enhances the wood's natural elements.

Image: Del Mar in Character Grade

Genuine Reclaimed Grade: Vintage, Unique

Genuine Reclaimed Grade hardwood has the most variation and character of all our grades, making it the ultimate choice for projects seeking a historical or vintage aesthetic. This grade features frequent knots, cracks, and other imperfections that tell a story of the wood's life.

Key Characteristics:

No restrictions on knot sizes, cracks, and natural markings.

No restrictions on colour variation or grain type.

May include elements of band-sawn or circle-sawn cuts.

Evokes a timeless, vintage feel.

Image: Mill Creek in Genuine Reclaimed Grade

Beyond the Grade: Considering Surface Textures

At Northern Wide Plank, we complement our grades with a range of surface textures, such as original, foundry, and shrunk surface finishes. These textures enhance the wood's natural characteristics, creating depth and uniqueness. For a clearer picture of how these grades and finishes come together, we recommend visiting one of our showrooms or consult with our experts to explore your options further. Viewing larger samples or bundles can help ensure the final product aligns with your vision.