When it comes to hardwood flooring, most people focus on the species, stain color, or plank width—but the grade of hardwood is just as important. At Custom Floors of Hartford Inc., we help homeowners make sense of what hardwood grading really means and how it impacts both the style and the budget of their project.
To help you choose confidently, we've put together this Q&A-style guide to walk you through the basics of hardwood grades and how they play into hardwood flooring trends, your design goals, and the cost of hardwood flooring installation.
Q&A: Choosing the right hardwood flooring grade
- What is a hardwood flooring grade?
- It refers to the visual appearance of the wood, including color variation, knots, and natural markings.
- How many hardwood grades are there?
- Most flooring options fall into four basic grades: Clear, Select, #1 Common, and #2 Common.
- Which grade looks the cleanest and most uniform?
- Clear grade has the least variation and is ideal for a polished, modern look.
- Which grade is most affordable?
- #2 Common (also called Rustic grade) is usually the most budget-friendly, with lots of character.
- Does grade affect the strength of the wood?
- No—grade is about appearance, not durability. All grades are structurally sound for hardwood flooring installation.
- What's the most popular grade for Farmington homes right now?
- Select or #1 Common grades are trending for offering both visual appeal and cost balance.
Breaking down the grades
Clear Grade
This is the top-tier option. Clear grade hardwood is virtually free of knots, color streaks, and mineral marks. It gives your floor a smooth, upscale appearance that works especially well in contemporary homes or formal spaces. However, if you're checking into Farmington, CT remodeling company prices, keep in mind that this grade comes with a premium.
Select Grade
This is the next step down in terms of character, but it still offers a clean and consistent look. Select grade hardwood features minimal knots and light color variation. It's perfect if you want something elegant but a little more relaxed—and easier on the budget. If you're searching "hardwood flooring near me" and want something timeless without the high price tag, Select grade is often the sweet spot.
#1 Common (Natural Grade)
This grade introduces more character with medium knots, varied grain patterns, and richer color shifts. For families that like a more natural look or want something that hides daily wear better, #1 Common is a strong option. It balances cost and charm beautifully, which is why it's showing up often in hardwood flooring trends today.
#2 Common (Rustic Grade)
If you're drawn to the farmhouse, rustic, or reclaimed wood aesthetic, this is your grade. It includes noticeable knots, mineral streaks, and color variety—everything that gives wood a lived-in, organic feel. It's also typically the most affordable option per square foot, making it ideal if you're trying to stretch your remodeling budget.
Grade vs. durability
One common myth we hear during consultations is that lower-grade hardwood is somehow weaker or less durable. That's not true. All grades—when properly milled and installed—hold up equally well over time. Grade affects appearance, not structural strength.
What does affect long-term performance is the wood species, finish, and whether the planks are engineered or solid. These factors are just as important in your hardwood flooring buying guide as grade selection.
Matching grade to your space and style
- For open concept spaces, Clear or Select grade offers a seamless flow from room to room.
- For family rooms or kitchens, a #1 or #2 Common grade hides scuffs and scratches better.
- For historical homes or rustic remodels, the variation in lower grades adds authenticity.
If you're working with a local flooring company near me, ask for full-size samples of each grade so you can see how they behave in your lighting and environment. Grain, knots, and tone shifts often appear more or less noticeable depending on the time of day.
Our advice: Start with style, then layer in budget
We always advise customers to begin with the design aesthetic they want, then layer in the budget and practical factors. From there, we'll walk you through how each grade compares in terms of looks, price, and availability.
And remember—your choice doesn't have to be all or nothing. Some homeowners choose Clear grade for main areas and use a lower grade for guest bedrooms or offices to reduce cost without sacrificing overall appeal.
We proudly serve homeowners in Glastonbury, East Hampton, West Hartford, Farmington, Cromwell, Wethersfield, Newington, Hartford, East Hartford, and Berlin.
