Character grade wood flooring is the third in a series of four wood grades. It is also known as natural grade wood flooring. Available in solid and engineered wood flooring options, it is an affordable and attractive option that, not surprisingly is full of character. Wood is a completely natural product and as such has features such as knots, colour variation and sap when it is lumbered.
In order to help you know what to expect when you choose wood, it is graded after lumbering, according to its look. There are four grades of wood: prime, select, natural (often referred to as character grade) and rustic (often referred to as barn grade). Wood that has been graded “natural”, or “character” grade means that the wood will feature some knots as well as some colour variation and sap, all of which add to its natural charm.
Whether you choose solid or engineered character grade wood flooring will depend on the room in the house you’re planning to floor or re-floor and whether or not you have under floor heating. If you are planning a new floor or an installation in either a bathroom or a kitchen, then character grade engineered wood flooring is undoubtedly your best choice. This is the case because engineered wood flooring will easily withstand the temperature and moisture fluctuations experienced in each of these rooms without taking hurt. This is also the case if you have under floor heating.
However, for the likes of lounges, bedrooms and dining rooms where there is no under floor heating, character grade solid wood flooring will work perfectly well. There is a huge range of choice of character grade wood flooring in both engineered and solid wood options.
No matter whether you plump for engineered or solid wood flooring, the array of colours available on the market today is quite astounding. Choices range from pale, almost white woods to dark, almost black woods. In between you’ll also find a host of natural wood coloured tones. Some wood flooring has been stained to give it its colour, whereas others are left pretty much in their natural state, simply with a finish applied.
The colour of character grade flooring that you choose in the end will depend entirely on the look you want to create. Typically, light coloured wood floors are a great way of brightening up a dark room or adding additional charm to a modern or shabby chic look. Dark colours give a designer feel and a mix of greys, whites and blacks can make a really stunning overall effect. If you want a more classic look, then sticking to the natural wood colours is always a safe bet that will guarantee a great result.
Character grade wood flooring, as we’ve already mentioned is full of character and a brushed and oiled finish is a great way to bring out its real beauty. This option ensures that the wood is well protected but at the same time looks as if it has been left pretty much unaltered from its natural state. This is definitely the finish to choose if you want an end result that looks natural and matt. If, on the other hand, you want a tougher, more resilient finish, then a hard lacquer is probably the best answer. Lacquer finishes tend to have more of a glossy look to them, but are hard wearing and will stand up to pretty much anything your household wants to throw at it.
Two of the most commonly available, as well as popular species of character grade wood flooring are oak and walnut. Walnut is a dark coloured wood that’s really hard and often looks almost black, however when you look closely at it, it actually features a real light and dark contrast, making it particularly interesting. Oak on the other hand ranges from light blondes to dark browns and sports a very pronounced grain. Either of these options are available in character grade and while both have their own characteristics, both are extremely attractive and long-lasting.
If you’d like help to choose the right character grade wood flooring for your project, don’t hesitate to get in touch. At Wood and Beyond, we’re always happy to provide timely, professional and impartial help to make sure you make the right decisions for your flooring project.
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