Flooring Spes and Options Explained

The grade should not be confused with quality.

It just defines its unique and natural features. This includes the amount of knots, variation in grains and the colour of the timber.

The price depends on the grade, with higher prices for Prime grade, this is simply due to its limited supply and of course a tree is known for its knots.

The Main Grades

Prime Grade (AB): Clean and uniform appearance with very few small knots, minimal colour variation, and a contemporary finish. [1, 2]

Select Grade (AB/ABC): Mostly clean boards featuring occasional small knots and slight tone variations for a balanced look. [1]

Natural / Classic Grade (ABCD): A popular middle-ground featuring regular knots of various sizes, filled elements, and noticeable colour movement. [1, 2]

Character / Rustic Grade: Highly expressive with large knots, splits, sapwood ribbons, and strong colour contrast that effectively disguise everyday wear. [1, 2]

Antique / Distressed Grade: Rustic timber that has been mechanically textured, brushed, or hand-finished to emulate decades of aging. [1, 2]