Real wood flooring comes in a variety of grades that are determined based on the overall appearance of the wood. It is important to note that grading has nothing to do with the quality of the wood, so select the grade based on your budget and the look you want to achieve.

Clear. Although clear wood flooring might have minor defects, it will have no major blemishes, knots or color variations.

Select. Similar to clear, but has a few natural characteristics, such as knots and color variations.

Common. This is selected most often by consumers for its natural appearance. It will have more knots and variations that select grade woods.  Common is further divided into No. 1 and No. 2. No. 1 has a more variegated appearance and may contain knots, flags and wormholes. No. 2 is more rustic in appearance and contains all the characteristics of the selected wood species.

First, Second, Third. These grades go from the most natural with minimal blemishes (First) to the most rustic looking with all of the color variations and blemishes allowed by the given species (Third).

If budget is a concern, but you still prefer the look of a clear grade wood, consider combining different grades together. For example, you could intersperse common No. 1 within a mostly clear installation. Or, you could use a lower grade in area of lower visibility, such as those that will be underneath furniture or an area rug, such as beneath a dining room table or in a hallway with a runner.

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