Wooden floors are a popular choice for many, and there are many a variety of timber flooring options to choose from. When selecting a grade of timber flooring, it is important to consider not only the overall appearance you’re hoping to achieve, but also the durability and strength of the material. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different grades of timber flooring available in the market to help you find the best type of timber flooring for your space.

What is Timber Flooring?

Timber flooring refers to any flooring material that is made from wood. It can be made from a single species of wood or a mixture of different types of wood. Timber flooring is available in many different styles and can be finished in a variety of ways, including being stained, painted, or left natural. Timber flooring is a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties because it is durable, attractive, and easy to maintain. It can also increase the value of a property, due to being pleasant to the eyes.

There are many benefits to using timber flooring in a home or other building. Some of the main benefits include:

Different grades of timber flooring available in the market

Timber flooring is a popular choice for homes and businesses alike. There are a variety of different grades of timber flooring available, each possessing its own unique qualities, features, and price points. Different grades refer to the quality and appearance of the wood. The grade can typically determine how long the timber will last, the different types of environments it can withstand, color tones, and the overall aesthetic it will provide.

Clear-Grade

Clear-grade timber flooring is the highest grade of timber flooring available. It is made up of boards with few to no knots, and minimal color variation, and is generally the most expensive grade. A clear-grade timber flooring is cut from the center of the log, so it is free of defects and has a uniform color. It is ideal for rooms where the floor needs to make a statement or for those who prefer a more natural look.

Clear-grade timber flooring is usually more expensive than other grades because it is made from wood with no or only a few irregularities. In addition, it is also more durable and may require less maintenance over time. If you are considering clear-grade timber flooring for your space, it is important to understand that it may be more expensive upfront, but it can provide better value in the long run.

Select-Grade

Select-grade or ABC-grade timber flooring is the second-highest grade of timber flooring and is known for its consistent, high-quality appearance. It is made from wood that has a uniform color and grain pattern, and it has very few natural defects like knots, grain irregularities, and other blemishes. This makes it a popular choice for those who want a more formal or elegant look for their flooring.

It is the most common grade of timber flooring available in the market. Although it is made of wood with some natural defects, irregularities, knots, sapwood, and other blemishes, these irregularities are not as noticeable as in lower-grade timber flooring. In addition, the color in the select grade flooring is more varied than clear-grade and provides a more natural look to the flooring.

Standard-Grade

Standard-grade timber flooring is a mid-range option that is known for its consistent appearance. It is made from wood that has a uniform color and grain pattern, but it may have more knots and blemishes than select grades. This makes it a good choice for those who want the look of high-grade timber flooring without the high price tag. Standard-grade flooring usually has slightly more imperfections than select-grade flooring, but still has a uniform color, look, and finish.

Standard-grade timber flooring is usually less expensive than select-grade, but it is still a durable and high-quality option. It may require a little more maintenance than select grades, such as sanding and refinishing, but it can still last for many years with proper care. If you are considering standard-grade timber flooring, it offers a good balance of quality and value.

Feature-Grade

Feature-grade timber flooring is another medium-grade timber flooring that is known for its unique and varied appearance. It is made from wood that has a mix of different grain patterns and knots, which gives it a more rustic and natural look. It usually has more knots and character marks than clear, select, or standard-grade wood flooring, which gives it a more unique look.

Feature-grade timber flooring is a popular choice for those who want a more natural and rustic look for their flooring. It can give a warm and cozy feeling to the space, making it a perfect choice for spaces like restaurants, bars, café, and even your living room. It can also add a unique character to the space and make the floors more visually interesting. Feature-grade timber flooring is usually less expensive than select or standard-grade, but can require more maintenance than higher-grade timber flooring. It’s also good for those looking for a more budget-friendly option but still wanting a natural wood look in their space.

Rustic-Grade

Rustic grade timber flooring is a grade of timber flooring that is known for its rugged and natural appearance. It is made from wood that has a high degree of natural character and variation, such as knots, mineral streaks, and variations in color and grain. This gives it a rustic, natural, and unrefined look. The look is achieved by either harvesting the wood from trees that are older and have more natural character, or by a manufacturing process that deliberately enhances the natural character of the wood.

Rustic-grade timber flooring is a popular choice for those who want a more natural, rustic, and authentic look for their flooring. It can give a warm, cozy, and natural feeling to the space. But it can also be less consistent in color and pattern and may have more knots, splits, and other imperfections compared to other grades. The material may also require more maintenance than higher-grade flooring, as it needs to be refinished more often. Due to the nature of the wood, it may also be more expensive than lower-grade options.

Conclusion

Timber flooring is a good investment for your space. Timber is highly durable, easy to clean, and has a classic look that never goes out of style. When choosing timber flooring for your home, it’s important to consider the different grades available. The grade you choose will depend on the amount of traffic, your budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. 

If you want to read a similar comparison for solid timber, check out this post here.