Grading Explanations
All wood is graded according to the rules set by NOFMA.
In order to better serve you we have listed the different grading rules.
(Note: characters included in a higher grade are automatically accepted in lower grades.)
Red and White Oak
Clear Oak
A flooring product of mostly heartwood with a minimum of character marks and discoloration, providing a uniform appearance while allowing for all heartwood natural color variations.
Will admit the following: 3/8" bright sapwood entire length of strip or equivalent if not extending further than 1" for 1/3 length of piece; small burls and fine pin worm holes; and equivalent characters such as small tight checks; in the absence of these, one thin brown streak 3" long to be allowed every 6'.
Select Oak
A flooring product with coloration variations produced by differences of natural heartwood and sapwood, along with characters described.
The face may contain: unlimited sound sapwood; slight imperfection in milling; a small tight knot every 3' ; pin worm holes; burls and a reasonable amount of slightly open checks. Brown streaks should not extend the entire length of a piece. Two flag worm holes to every 8' are permitted. Slight imperfections in face work (torn grain) admitted. An intermittent, brown machine burn across the face not exceeding 1/4" width admitted. Also, a slight quantity of bark on the back or sides admitted. Will admit pieces with 1/2" tongue. Spot filling is generally required for open characters.
No. 1 Common Oak
A flooring product which contains prominent variation in coloration and varying characters.
The following are not admitted: broken knots over 1/2" in diameter, large grub worm holes, and splits extending through the piece. Open characters such as checks and knot holes are admitted, but must be sound and readily fill. Not more than 20" scant stock in thickness allowed to every 5'. Minor imperfection in machining permitted. Shall admit sticker stain; varying wood characteristics, such a flag worm holes, heavy streaks, checks and worm holes; and an occasional dark machine burn across the face not exceeding 1/2: wide 1/64" deep and not more than two each 3'. 1/4 tongue allowed. Extremely dark pieces are not bo be included.
No. 2 Common Oak
May contain sound natural variations of the forest product and manufacturing imperfections. The purpose of this grade is to furnish a floor suitable for homes, general utility use, or where character marks and contrasting appearance is desired. The following are not admitted: shattered or rotten ends, large broken knots, excessive bad millwork, shake advanced rot and similar unsound defects. Dark machine burns exceeding 3/64" deep not admitted. Knot holes and open characters which will readily fill are admitted. A limited number of pieces with no tongue which may face are admitted.
|