Wood Grades

Grading Rules & Quality Standards:

As the trade association setting the standard (MFMA) has set painstakingly set forth and followed grading rules and quality standards in the production of each strip of flooring. It assures the wood has been kiln dried to 6% - 9% moisture content which makes it dimensionally stable before manufacturing begins. This ensures the finished product will be milled to consistent exact tolerances as mandated by this organization (MFMA).



Grading Guide:

First Grade:

The highest grade - an extremely durable and desirable floor for many installation applications; including but not limited to gymnasiums, basketball, handball, and racquet ball courts among other common uses such as public areas, dance floors, home and many other applications where fine appearance and long wear are desired. The face is practically defect free. Strip lengths 9" to 8 ft.; not more than 55% of total footage will be in bundles under 4 ft.; not more than 25% will be in 2 ft. bundles.

Second & Better Grade:

this grade provides the same long life and maintenance performance as First grade. It is ideal for sports floors, common areas, commercial buildings and residences. This grade admits tight knots and slight imperfections. Bundling tolerances are slightly less as to what is allowed as to lengths.





Third Grade:
excellent performances for all types of installation and kindred uses where good wearing qualities are required together with medium cost and appearance. Again more tolerance as to bundling and nesting is given.

Appearance alone determines the grades of hardwood flooring, since all grades of hardwood flooring are equally strong and serviceable in any application. Oak for example, the most popular of the hardwoods, had four basic grades.