Wood flooring can be chosen in many ways. You have the option to choose what type of wood, what stain color and what size boards. Many homeowners are unaware that the quality of the wood, or its grade, is what will ultimately affect the final look of their flooring. Putney Floor Sanding will help you understand the differences between different wood grades and how they affect your wood flooring.

LOWER GRADE DOES NOT equate to higher quality?
You might think that higher-graded wood is superior to lower-graded wood or that it is stronger or more resilient. This is a common misconception. The main differences between a #2 Common Hardwood, #1 Common Hardwood and a Select Grade Hardwood are mainly due to the wood’s appearance, rather than its durability.
Because it is more uniform in appearance and free from knot holes or other distinctive markings, higher grade wood tends to be more expensive. You should also remember that every variety of wood is unique. A #1 Common Hardwood rated Hickory flooring will have a different appearance than a #1 Common Hardwood-rated Red Oak floor.
#2 COMMON HARDWOOD
The #2 Common Hardwood flooring is the most affordable and has the best character. This is not a problem, but it is an aesthetic choice. Because it is easier to find wood with fewer knots and striations, this wood tends to be more affordable. Wood graded at this level is not allowed to have major defects, so any imperfections will be at the expense of a uniform appearance.
This wood can have a wide range of colors, so the level of coloring is not always consistent. Builders use #2 Common Graded Wood for new homes because it is an attractive and cost-effective option for flooring. This option is popular for homeowners who want to lay flooring throughout their entire home.
#1 COMMON HARDWOOD
#1 Common Hardwood floors are a mid-tier option for both aesthetic and cost. They strike a happy middle between uniformity, and added character. This grade of wood still contains small knots and striations, but the color is more consistent and the knots and striations that do occur are less frequent. This is the best option for many who are undergoing home renovations. It gives a uniform look and is more cost-effective than redecorating only a portion of their home.
HARDWOOD SELECT GRADE
Select Grade Hardwood flooring, which comes directly from the tree’s heart, is both beautiful and very affordable. This wood has a very low sap content, which makes it very uniform in color and leaves very few knots. It also has the best finish of any wood grade. It is the most expensive choice for home remodeling because of its uniform appearance, but it can achieve a very polished look when used properly.