Grades of Wood for Flooring
The grade is a way to classify wood planks according to knots, color variation, surface holes, and other character and milling marks. Grading refers only to the visual aspect of wood and is not a measure of quality. Generally speaking, Cochran’s Lumber offers three main grades of flooring. When considering our Select grade, a common question arises: ‘should select grade wood have knots?’ Each grade showcases different levels of character, from pronounced knots and variations to more uniform appearances:
Live Sawn Character Grade
When the log is milled straight through, it is called Live Sawn. Our Live Sawn Character Grades allows for the most unique grain patterns, color variations, and the highest amounts of character such as surface holes, knots, and milling marks to show through. This method also allows for the least amount of material waste, so it is generally more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other cuts. Live Sawn Character Grade is most desirable for applications where numerous notable character marks and prominent color contrast is desired.
Live Sawn Light Grade
Cochran’s Live Sawn Light Grade also allows for the character of the wood to show through, although not as prevalent as our Character Grade. With smaller, less frequent knots as our Character Grade flooring, Light Grade wood planks still give our clients a pronounced and nuanced color variation.
Select Grade
Wood flooring with the most uniform color variation is found in our Select Grade. With minimal knots and surface holes for distraction, our Select Grade features both heartwood and sapwood planks that produce a distinct color variation. The combination of planks along with minimal character traits gives the flooring a more consistent look than both our Character and Light Grades.
When considering whether select grade wood should have knots, Cochran’s Lumber offers clarity with their Select Grade flooring. This grade provides the most uniform color variation among our offerings. While the question “should select grade wood have knots” often arises, our Select Grade does feature minimal knots and surface holes, striking a balance between consistency and natural character. With both heartwood and sapwood planks, our Select Grade produces a distinct color variation that adds depth to your space. The combination of carefully chosen planks with minimal character traits results in a more consistent look compared to our Character and Light Grades. This makes Select Grade an ideal choice for those seeking a refined appearance with subtle hints of wood’s natural beauty, perfect for various architectural styles and interior designs.
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Cochran’s Lumber, Inc. is proud to be the leading provider of spectacular floors for homes, offices, and retail spaces across America! Our newly redesigned showroom was thoughtfully designed to make the selection of flooring and finishes exciting and simple. We feature a variety of new and reclaimed flooring products and many new and unique finishes.
We are proud to offer an inviting space where customers can come and get a clear vision of the many types of hardwood flooring options that we offer, and feel comfortable at the same time.
Visit our showroom today in historic Berryville, VA (only 50 miles west of Washington D.C) or give us a call at 1(877) 297-8331.
