Hardwood Flooring
Grade Guide
Every hardwood floor starts as the same raw material — the difference is which boards make the cut. Understanding grades helps you choose a floor that fits your lifestyle, your aesthetic, and your budget. No jargon. No pressure. Just the facts.
What Does "Grade" Actually Mean?
Hardwood grade describes the visual appearance of the wood — specifically how many natural features like knots, mineral streaks, and colour variation are allowed in each plank. It has nothing to do with structural quality or durability. A Character-grade board is just as strong as a Select & Better board; it simply looks more natural.
Grades are set by the manufacturer and generally follow the North American industry standard (NHLA), though terminology can vary slightly by brand. At BBS Flooring, we use three primary grades across our engineered and solid hardwood collections.
Quick Reference
- ABCDCharacter — most natural
- ABCSelect — balanced
- ABSelect & Better — premium
The Three Grades, Side by Side
Each grade has its own personality. Here's what to expect from every plank.
Character
Raw, real, and full of life.
The most natural-looking grade. Knots, mineral streaks, colour variation, and sapwood are all present — exactly as nature intended. This is hardwood that tells a story.
What You'll See
- ✓Visible knots (open and filled)
- ✓Mineral streaks and colour variation
- ✓Sapwood inclusion
- ✓Distinct grain patterns
- ✓Rich tonal contrast between planks
Best For
- →Rustic & farmhouse interiors
- →Modern industrial spaces
- →High-traffic family homes
- →Pets & kids households
- →Budget-conscious renovations
Price Range
Select
Balanced beauty. Character, curated.
A refined middle ground. Some natural character marks remain, but the overall appearance is cleaner and more consistent. The go-to grade for transitional and contemporary homes.
What You'll See
- ✓Occasional small knots
- ✓Moderate colour variation
- ✓Mostly consistent grain direction
- ✓Minimal sapwood
- ✓Balanced, cohesive look
Best For
- →Transitional & contemporary interiors
- →Open-concept living areas
- →Versatile design palettes
- →Buyers wanting character without chaos
Price Range
Select & Better
The pinnacle of refinement.
Only the clearest, most consistent boards make this grade. Minimal knots, uniform colour, and smooth grain deliver a polished, showroom-quality look that never goes out of style.
What You'll See
- ✓Virtually no knots
- ✓Consistent colour throughout
- ✓Uniform, tight grain pattern
- ✓No sapwood
- ✓Seamless, expansive visual flow
Best For
- →Formal living rooms & dining rooms
- →Luxury master suites
- →High-end residential & commercial
- →Minimalist and Scandinavian interiors
Price Range
Grade Comparison at a Glance
A quick-reference table for the detail-oriented buyer.
| Feature | CharacterABCD | SelectABC | Select & BetterAB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knots | Many, varied sizes | Occasional, small | Virtually none |
| Colour variation | High | Moderate | Low |
| Sapwood | Present | Minimal | None |
| Mineral streaks | Frequent | Occasional | Rare |
| Grain consistency | Variable | Mostly consistent | Very consistent |
| Visual uniformity | Low | Medium | High |
| Price point | Best value ($) | Mid-range ($$) | Premium ($$$) |
| Best setting | Rustic / Modern / Family | Transitional / Contemporary | Formal / Luxury |
Which Grade Is Right For You?
The best grade isn't the most expensive one — it's the one that fits your life. Find your scenario below.
Got kids or pets?
→ Character (ABCD)
Natural variation hides scratches and scuffs. Easier to live with, easier on the budget.
Love a warm, lived-in look?
→ Character (ABCD)
Knots and mineral streaks give each room a one-of-a-kind personality that only gets better with age.
Want balance — clean but not sterile?
→ Select (ABC)
Some natural marks remain, but the overall floor feels cohesive and contemporary.
Want a showroom floor?
→ Select & Better (AB)
Flawless consistency from wall to wall. The definitive luxury statement.
Working with a tight budget?
→ Character (ABCD)
Best dollar-per-square-foot value without sacrificing quality or durability.
Designing a formal or luxury space?
→ Select & Better (AB)
Minimal variation creates the calm, elevated atmosphere formal spaces demand.
Understanding the Price Difference
Grade affects price because sorting takes labour — and higher grades produce fewer usable planks per log.
Best Value
Character (ABCD)
The most planks per log make it to this grade, which means lower cost passed on to you. Don't mistake "affordable" for "lesser" — Character grade is one of the most popular choices among designers.
Mid-Range Premium
Select (ABC)
A moderate premium for a cleaner look. You're paying for the extra sorting labour and the slightly smaller yield of planks that meet the stricter visual criteria.
Luxury Premium
Select & Better (AB)
Only the clearest boards pass. Fewer boards per log means the cost per square foot is higher — but you're getting the most refined, uniform floor available.
* Exact pricing depends on species, finish, plank width, and brand. Our team can walk you through current pricing for any product in our collection — no commitment required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
What does hardwood flooring grade mean?
Hardwood flooring grade describes the visual appearance of the wood — specifically how many natural features like knots, mineral streaks, and colour variation are present. It does not affect structural quality or durability; every grade is equally strong.
Is Character grade hardwood lower quality?
No. Character grade (ABCD) is not lower quality — it simply contains more of the wood's natural features: knots, mineral streaks, and colour variation. Many designers specifically choose Character grade for its warmth and authenticity. It is also the best-value option.
What is the difference between Select and Select & Better hardwood?
Select (ABC) allows some character marks — small knots and slight colour variation — while maintaining a cleaner, more uniform look. Select & Better (AB) is the most refined grade, with minimal knots and very consistent colour and grain. It is the premium choice for formal or luxury interiors.
Which hardwood grade is best for homes with kids or pets?
Character grade is ideal for active households. Its natural variation and darker tones hide everyday scratches, dents, and dirt far better than lighter, more uniform grades. It also offers the best value per square foot.
Does hardwood grade affect price?
Yes. Character grade is the most affordable because it uses more of each plank. Select grade commands a moderate premium. Select & Better is the most expensive because only the clearest, most consistent boards make the cut.
Can I mix hardwood grades in my home?
You can, but it is generally best to stay consistent within an open-plan area. Some homeowners choose a uniform grade throughout for cohesion, while others use a premium grade in formal spaces (living room, master bedroom) and Character grade in high-traffic areas.
Still not sure which grade is right for you?
Our team lives and breathes hardwood. Book a free consultation and we'll help you find the perfect grade, species, and finish for your space — no pressure, no obligation.
Book a Free Consultation