Hardwood Flooring

Trending Floors | Solid Hardwood Grading Guide (Residential)

A simple guide to help homeowners choose the right hardwood grade based on appearance, character,
and budget.

Grade	Grade What to Expect
Red Oak Select Clean, uniform look	Best for: modern / clean design, consistent appearance Includes: minimal knots, light variation, fewer markings Typical waste: ~5%
Red Oak #1 Common Natural balance	Best for: most residential projects, warm natural look Includes: more color variation, mineral streaks, more knots than Select Typical waste: ~5–10%
Red Oak #2 Common Rustic character	Best for: farmhouse / rustic style, strong character look Includes: large knots, heavy variation, darker boards possible Typical waste: ~10%

Important Notes

Wood is natural: variation is normal and expected — even in Select grade.
Grade names may vary by mill: the look stays consistent within each category.
We help you choose the right grade: based on your lighting, layout, stain goals, and budget.

Standard Specifications (Typical Residential)

Thickness: 3/4” solid hardwood
Installation planning: we include a waste factor based on grade and layout
Material guidance: we review expectations on knots/variation before ordering

Quick Recommendation

If you want a clean, consistent look ® Select
If you want natural beauty with light character ® #1 Common
If you want a heavy rustic character look ® #2 Common