Properties and grades

The proposed classification is a guide only. Companies offer other categories, different widths and special finishes such as oil. It is recommended to visit the websites of member companies to see the wider range of products available.

Standard dimensions available

Dimensions	Unfinished	Prefinished
Thickness in. (mm)	25/32″ (19,8 mm) 33/32″ (26,2 mm)	3/4″ (19 mm)
Width in. (mm)	1 ½” (38,10 mm) 1 ¾” (44,45 mm) 2″ (50,80 mm) 2 ¼” (57,15 mm) 2 ½” (63,50 mm) 3 ¼” (82,55 mm)	2 ¼” (57,15 mm) 2 ½” (63,50 mm) 3 ¼” (82,55 mm)

Standard industry grade

Unfinished	Prefinished
Clear	Select & better
Select & better	Select & better
#1 Common	#1 Common
#2 Common	#1 Common

Types of finish available

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

Specifications

Clear	Select & better	#1 Common	#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). No checks or splits. 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 character marks. Sound knots of less than 1/8″ x 4″ (3 x 100 mm). 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. 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)
Standard grading allowance: maximum of 5% below the actual grade. Also available in combination of grades.

Clear

Select & better

#1 Common

#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).
No checks or splits.
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 character marks.
Sound knots of less than 1/8″ x 4″ (3 x 100 mm).
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.
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)

Standard grading allowance: maximum of 5% below the actual grade. Also available in combination of grades.

Physical Properties

	Hard Maple	Yellow Birch	Red Oak	White Ash	Beech	Cherry	Walnut
Density / nominal (kg/m³)	659	608	612	613	667	551	594

Hardness (N)	7,290	5,930	6,170	7,050	6,490	4,630	5,910
Bending Strenght (MP)	115	106	98.7	108	116	87.1	103
Stiffness (MP)	14,100	14,100	11,00	12,800	14,000	11,900	13,100

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
Sandability	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