|
|
Appearance
Grade
Other things can influence how a species looks as well, including grain and cut. The appearance of the wood determines its "grade". All grades are equally strong and serviceable, but each affords you a different look.
-
Clear
Clear wood is a flooring product with minimal character marks that provides a uniform appearance.
-
Select
Select wood is a flooring product with natural heartwood/sapwood color variations that also includes knots, steaks, etc.
-
Common
Common wood (No. 1 and No. 2) has more natural characteristics such as knots and color variations than either clear or select grades, and often is chosen because of these natural features and the character they bring to a room. No. 1 Common has a varied appearance, light and dark colors, knots, streaks and wormholes. No 2 Common is rustic in appearance and emphasize all wood characteristics of the species.
-
First
First grade wood has a uniform appearance, natural color variations and limited character marks. It is similar to a select grade.
-
Second
Second grade wood is varied in appearance with varying sound wood characteristics of species. It is similar to a #1 Common grade.
-
Third
Third grade wood is rustic in appearance allowing all wood characteristics of the species. It is similar to a #2 Common grade.
Cuts
The angle at which a board is cut determines how the finished product looks. Wood flooring is either plainsawn, quartersawn or riftsawn.
-
Plainsawn
Plainsawn is the most common cut. Characteristics are its pleasing appearance, easier to produce from log, and varied grain appearance.
-
Quartersawn
Quartersawn is more expensive than plainsawn. Characteristics are greater wear resistance, less tendency to cup & twist, less shrinkage in width, and uniform grain appearance with ray flecks.
-
Riftsawn
Riftsawn is more expensive than plainsawn. It's similar to quartersawn without the large ray flecks.
|
|
|
|