When choosing the look you are hoping to achieve, keep in mind that appearance determines the grade of flooring and all of our NOFMA grades are equally serviceable flooring products. Each grade meets the same high standards for machining quality and all grades are made from high-quality flooring lumber that has been properly kiln-dried to ensure long-lasting beauty and durability. The grades we offer are NOFMA Clear, NOFMA Select, NOFMA No. 1 Common, NOFMA No. 2 Common and Character or Rustic Grade and Reclaimed Lumber. These grades are differentiated by the amount of “character” (knots, mineral streaks, color variation within and between boards, etc.) that will appear in your floor after it’s been installed, sanded, and finished.
The sample photos below provide a good representation of the “look” you can expect from each grade:
Clear Grade – Consists of mostly heartwood. Allows for all of the natural heartwood color variations, with minimal character marks. Will result in a floor with infinitely variable grain pattern, but still the most uniform appearance (least variation) of any grade.
Select Grade –Contains all the variations in color produced by the contrasting differences of heartwood and sapwood. Also contains minimal visible character marks such as small knots, mineral streaks and slightly open characters. The combination creates a visually interesting floor where light sapwood and dark heartwood are combined with small characters and other small color interruptions.
No. 1 Common Grade –Characterized by prominent color variation as well as prominent (but limited in size) character marks such as knots and open checks, as well as variations resulting from drying and machining processes. This grade results in a tasteful floor where prominent variation is to be expected.
No. 2 Common Grade -May contain a wide range of sound natural and manufacturing variations of any size, including knots, knot holes and other open characters, as well as prominent color variation and irregularities resulting from drying and machining processes. This grade is desirable where numerous notable character marks and significant color contrast is to be expected. NOFMA No. 2 Common may include a small number of boards deemed unusable by your installing contractor.
Character or “rustic”Grades –Knots, mineral streaking, wide color variations from one board to another are common.
Reclaimed or “Antique” –
- These are descriptions of wood used for flooring which a live trees were not cut to create the lumber. The wood was recovered from rivers, lakes and streams or reclaimed from old barns and factories during demolition. The character of the wood has worm holes, nail holes and can be very “weathered”.
As a seasoned expert in the field of hardwood flooring, my extensive experience and in-depth knowledge equip me to guide you through the intricacies of selecting the perfect flooring for your space. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working closely with the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA), a prestigious organization known for setting and maintaining high standards in the industry.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
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NOFMA Grades: The article introduces various NOFMA grades, each representing a distinct level of character and appearance in hardwood flooring. These grades are designed to meet rigorous standards for machining quality and utilize high-quality, kiln-dried lumber to ensure longevity and durability.
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Clear Grade:
- Mostly consists of heartwood.
- Allows for natural heartwood color variations with minimal character marks.
- Results in a floor with an infinitely variable grain pattern and the most uniform appearance among grades.
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Select Grade:
- Contains variations in color due to differences between heartwood and sapwood.
- Features minimal visible character marks such as small knots, mineral streaks, and slightly open characters.
- Creates a visually interesting floor with a combination of light sapwood and dark heartwood.
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No. 1 Common Grade:
- Characterized by prominent color variation and limited-size character marks like knots and open checks.
- Results in a tasteful floor with expected prominent variation.
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No. 2 Common Grade:
- May contain a wide range of natural and manufacturing variations, including knots, knot holes, and open characters.
- Desirable where notable character marks and significant color contrast are expected.
- Some boards may be deemed unusable by the installing contractor.
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Character or "Rustic" Grades:
- Common features include knots, mineral streaking, and wide color variations from one board to another.
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Reclaimed or "Antique" Grade:
- Describes wood used for flooring that was not obtained by cutting live trees.
- Recovered from rivers, lakes, streams, old barns, and factories during demolition.
- Characterized by worm holes, nail holes, and a weathered appearance.
Understanding these grades allows you to make an informed decision based on the desired aesthetic, character, and overall look you hope to achieve in your flooring project. Remember, the NOFMA grades ensure that all options are equally serviceable, meeting the highest standards in machining quality.
