When it comes to hardwood flooring, the term "grading" is sure to come up. Grading refers to the system used by manufacturers to assess the appearance of hardwood floors. NOFMA: The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association grades emphasize color, grain pattern and other markings that occur in wood. Color is determined by what part of the tree the wood comes from, and the grain pattern is determined by species and how the wood is cut. Heartwood, the oldest, densest, innermost section of the log, is often darker and richer in color than sapwood, which lies closest to the bark. The color difference may be so pronounced that heartwood and sapwood from the same species are marketed under separate names.

Select & Better Grade
A flooring product of mostly heartwood with a minimum number of character marks and discoloration, providing a uniform appearance while allowing for all heartwood natural color variations. Color variations are minor (natural variations in the sapwood). Wood is selected for color uniformity; color is paler and more uniform than all other grades.

Select Grade
A flooring product of mostly heartwood with a minimum number of character marks and discoloration, providing a uniform appearance while allowing for all heartwood natural color variations. A combination of 60% - 70% Select and Better and 30% - 40% #1 Common. Color variations are more pronounced, but there is a larger proportion of paler boards. May contain small sound knots.

#1 Common Grade
A flooring product with coloration variations produced by differences of natural heartwood and sapwood. Attractive mix of natural heartwood and sapwood colors (all color variations are acceptable). Grain is highly visible and the color is generally darker. May contain small sound knots.

#2 Common Grade
Is chosen for the natural features and characteristics it brings to a room (allowing wastage enables you to pick the characteristics you want in a floor). Most people allow 10% - 15% wastage. A perfect grade for bedrooms and family rooms for most people.

Rustic Grade
May contain sound natural variations of the forest product and manufacturing imperfections. The purpose of this grade is to furnish a floor suitable for homes, general utility use, or where character marks and contrasting appearance is desired.

Atlantic Grade
A floor with varying wood characteristics and colors to include distinct color variations, numerous streaks, stained sapwood, sound knots, and checks. and sapwood.