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Species of Wood
There are many wood
flooring species, domestic and imported, available to the consumer today. The following
chart reveals the relative hardness of some of the most common species used for wood
flooring. The harder the wood, the less susceptible it is to denting.
The appearance of the wood
determines how it is "graded." All grades are equally strong and serviceable,
yet afford the consumer different looks. Oak and ash
have four basic grades.
- "Clear"
is free of defects though it may have minor imperfections.
- "Select"
is almost clear, but contains more natural characteristics such as knots and color
variations.
- "Common"
grades (No. 1 and No. 2) have more markings than either clear or select and are often
chosen because of these natural features and the character they bring to a room. No. 1
Common has a variegated appearance, light and dark colors, knots, flags and worm holes. No
2 Common is rustic in appearance and allow all wood characteristics of the species.
Hard
maple, beech, birch and pecan have three
grades:
- "First"
has the best appearance, natural color variations and limited character marks.
- "Second"
is variegated in appearance with varying sound wood characteristics of species.
- "Third"
is rustic in appearance allowing all wood characteristics of the species.
Information
Provided by the National Wood Flooring Association |
