Properties and Grades

FlooringProperties and Grades

Standard Dimensions Available

Dimensions	Prefinished
Thickness po (mm)	3/4" (19 mm)
Width po (mm)	2 ¼" (57,15 mm) 2 ½" (63,50 mm) 3 ¼" (82,55 mm)

Classes of Different Qualities

Prefinished
Select & better
Select & better	N^o 1 common

Types of finish available

High Gloss	Semi-Gloss	Matte	Huilé
> 75% gloss	50 to 75% gloss	< 50% gloss

Specifications

Clear	Select & better	N^o 1 common	N^o 2 common
Best appearance Selected for uniformity of light color Slight variation in the natural sapwood color (sticker stain is not considered a defect) Limited small character marks Pin knots allowed Mineral streaks of less than 1/8″ x 1″ (3 x 25 mm) Minimum length: 12″ (30 cm)	Combination of clear and select grades The most standard high grade hardwood flooring sold on the world market Excellent appearance Variation in the natural sapwood color (sticker stain is not considered a defect) Limited small character marks Sound knots of less than 1/8″ x 4″ (3 x 100 mm) Mineral streaks of less than 3 mm x 100 mm (1/8 po x 4 po) No stains, checks, or splits. Minimum length: 12″ (30 cm)	Variegated appearance, all color variations allowed Sound knots less than 3/8″ (10 mm), flags, worm holes, and mineral streaks allowed Mineral streaks and wormholes are allowed No splits, holes, or voids Minimum length: 10″ (25 cm)	Rustic appearance All color variations allowed, all characteristics of the species allowed A serviceable floor after knot holes, worm holes, checks, splits, and other imperfections are filled and finished Minimum length: 10″ (25 cm)

Physical Properties

	Hard maple	Yellow birch	Red oak	White Ash	Beech	Cherry	Walnut
Volumic mass (kg/m³)	659	608	612	613	667	551	594
Hardness (N)	7290	5930	6170	7050	6490	4630	5910
Bending Strenght (MP)	115	106	98,7	108	116	87,1	103
Stiffness (MP)	14100	14100	11900	12800	14000	11900	13100

Working Properties

	Hard maple	Yellow birch	Red oak	White Ash	Beech	Cherry	Walnut
Machinability	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Very good	Good	Excellent	Good
Stability	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Good	Good	Excellent
Gluing	Good	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Very good	Excellent
Sandablity	Very good	Good	Good	Fair	Very good	Excellent	Very good
Nailability	Good	Good	Excellent	Good	Fair	Fair	Fair
Paintability	Good	Good	Good	Excellent	Good	Good	Good
Stainability	Good	Very good	Good	Good	Good	Very good	Good

The proposed classification is indicative only. Companies offer other grades, different widths, and special finishes like oil. It is recommended to visit the websites of member companies in order to obtain the widest range of products offered.