Flooring buying guide
Understanding wood flooring grades
Learn how knots, grain and colour variation affect the appearance of your floor.
Grade describes appearance
Wood flooring grades describe the natural characteristics permitted in the boards, such as knots, colour variation and other features. A more characterful grade is not automatically a lower-quality floor. The right choice depends on the appearance you want and the specification of the individual product.
A calmer look or more character?
A cleaner-looking selection usually creates a more uniform effect. Character and rustic selections can show more visible knots and variation, adding texture to a room. Terms such as prime, select, classic and rustic are useful starting points, but grading names and limits vary between suppliers. Always read the product’s own description.
Look beyond a small sample
A hand sample shows a small part of one board. It cannot represent every knot, colour change or feature you may see across a whole floor. Use product specifications, several photographs and, where available, larger displays to build a fuller picture. Finishes and lighting also change how the timber appears.
Check these details before ordering
Review the grade alongside the finish, dimensions and wear layer. Ask about any features that matter to you, including filled knots or pronounced colour variation. If you want a particularly uniform appearance, discuss this before purchase. During fitting, your installer can consider board layout and blend boards from different packs in accordance with the fitting instructions.
