Review Of Red Oak Flooring Grades 2023

Review of Red Oak Flooring Grades 2023

Red oak is a popular choice for hardwood flooring due to its beautiful grain pattern, durability, and affordability. However, there are different grades of red oak flooring available, each with its own unique characteristics and price point. In this article, we will review the different grades of red oak flooring and help you choose the right one for your needs.

Grading System for Red Oak Flooring

Red oak flooring is graded according to the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers' Association (NOFMA) grading system. This system assigns a grade to each piece of flooring based on the number and size of knots, sapwood, and other imperfections. The higher the grade, the fewer imperfections the flooring will have.

Different Grades of Red Oak Flooring

There are four main grades of red oak flooring:

Clear: Clear grade red oak flooring is the highest grade available. It has no knots, sapwood, or other imperfections. This makes it the most expensive grade of red oak flooring, but it is also the most beautiful and durable.
Select: Select grade red oak flooring has a few small knots and sapwood, but no other imperfections. It is a good choice for areas that get a lot of traffic, as it is both durable and affordable.
Number 1 Common: Number 1 Common grade red oak flooring has more knots and sapwood than Select grade flooring, but it is still a good choice for areas that get moderate traffic. It is more affordable than Clear and Select grade flooring, but it is not as durable.
Number 2 Common: Number 2 Common grade red oak flooring has the most knots and sapwood of all the grades. It is the most affordable grade of red oak flooring, but it is also the least durable. It is best suited for areas that get very little traffic.

Choosing the Right Grade of Red Oak Flooring

The best grade of red oak flooring for your needs will depend on several factors, including:

The amount of traffic the flooring will get: If you are installing flooring in a high-traffic area, you will need a more durable grade, such as Clear or Select.
Your budget: Clear grade red oak flooring is the most expensive, while Number 2 Common grade flooring is the most affordable.
Your personal preferences: Some people prefer the look of clear grade flooring, while others prefer the more rustic look of Number 1 Common or Number 2 Common grade flooring.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can choose the right grade of red oak flooring for your needs.

Conclusion

Red oak flooring is a beautiful and durable choice for any home. By understanding the different grades of red oak flooring available, you can choose the right one for your needs and budget.