The grade of an oak floor describes how it looks, not how long it lasts. It sets how many knots, how much colour variation and how much sapwood you will see. Here is what each grade means.
Grading terms vary a little between mills, but these are the grades you will see across our range.
An even, calm face with very few small knots and little colour variation. The most refined look, suited to contemporary rooms and pale finishes where knots would stand out. See our Prime Grade Collection.
Mostly clean boards with occasional small knots and slight variation. Often written as AB grade. A good middle ground for most homes.
Regular knots, some larger, and natural colour variation between boards. Our most common grade; it reads as a real oak floor without looking rustic.
Larger knots, filled cracks and strong colour variation. Hides everyday wear well, which makes it practical for family homes.
Rustic-grade oak that has also been distressed, brushed and hand-finished to look decades old. See our distressed oak floors.
Grade is about appearance. Every grade has the same oak layer, the same core and the same wear resistance.
Start with the room and the finish, then the grade follows.
Prime grade suits minimal and contemporary interiors, very pale or invisible finishes, and herringbone where a busy grain would compete with the pattern. Classic grade is the safest choice for most homes; it looks natural and forgiving. Rustic and antique grades suit period houses, kitchens and family rooms, and anywhere you want the floor to hide marks.
Remember that a sample shows only a small piece. Grades are defined across a whole batch, so a prime-grade floor can still have the occasional small knot, and a rustic floor will have quiet boards as well as busy ones. Wood is a natural product: no two boards are the same.
Send us a photo of the room and tell us about the subfloor and heating, and we will recommend the right board. Or order free samples to see them at home.