Any regular reader of this blog will know that when it’s lumbered, wood is graded into one of four different grades: prime, select, natural and rustic. Going down this list from prime to rustic, the colour and appearance variation of the wood increases and knots become more abundant. This doesn’t mean in any way that one option is better quality than another; it just means that it’ll look different (and cost less the further down the list you go).
Prime grade wood flooring is made from, or topped with some of the finest timbers available. Considered to be the highest grade of wood, prime grade wood comes with a heftier price tag than the other wood grades simply because the trees suitable to produce this grade of wood are fewer in number and take longer to grow. Recognised for its uniform colour and insignificant knotting, prime grade wood truly is the crème de la crème when it comes to wood flooring.
Select grade wood flooring on the other hand, is flooring which is made from, or topped with select grade wood. Select grade wood flooring normally has a relatively small number of small knots and only some minor colour variation. Select grade wood flooring; despite its small number of knots and slight colour variation is still considered a highly uniform, consistent and smooth flooring option.
So how on earth do you choose between the two?
Quality
The first thing you need to be clear on when you’re making your selection is that it’s not a question of quality. The quality of each grade option will be the same if it comes from the same source. So from this point of view, this needn’t be a consideration in your decision-making process.
Price
If price is an issue in helping you decide which wood grade to select (and there are very few people for whom price isn’t an issue), then there is no doubt that select grade, on a like for like basis, is normally cheaper than prime grade. This, together with the fact that you’re getting the same quality of wood is what swings many people in favour of select over prime grade.
Look
All of that said, the main reason that people choose between one and the other is the look of the wood. If you’ve got an image in your mind’s eye for your floor that’s pretty much a perfect, flawless finish, then there’s no getting away from the fact that prime grade wood flooring is your best bet. It’ll not only look the million dollars that you want it to, but it will also set off your room styling to a tee. Typically people who seek out prime grade flooring are either planning a high-class antique look in their room or a designer finish. In either case, the perfectness of prime grade flooring ticks their boxes.
If perfection is lower down your list of priorities than price, then select grade wood flooring is a really good alternative to prime grade. Although it does feature more inconsistent colouration and a greater number or knots and sap, it is still a pretty appealing option. Select grade is ideal if you want close to perfect, but your budget simply won’t allow.
So, all in all, there’s not an awful lot between the two, but for people who are seeking a really clean and sleek wood look, prime grade wood is impossible to beat. However, for those people who are less worried about uniformity and consistency and are happy to have a bit of attractive, natural variation in their floor, then select grade is a super alternative.
If you’re struggling to choose between the two, it’s a good idea to visit your supplier’s showroom or to ask for samples of each option. That way you can see close up which appeals to you most. At Wood and Beyond, we have a London showroom so our clients can come and look closely at the floors we supply. We also offer a free sample service that is not only popular, but it makes complete sense.
If you’d like help to choose between select and prime grade wood flooring, why not get in touch? At Wood and Beyond we’re always happy to give you our professional opinion in order to help you make the right decision.
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FAQ
Q: What are the different grades of wood flooring?
A: Wood flooring is graded into four different grades: prime, select, natural, and rustic. Each grade has varying colour and appearance variation, as well as different levels of knot abundance.
Q: What is prime grade wood flooring?
A: Prime grade wood flooring is made from some of the finest timbers available. It is considered the highest grade of wood, known for its uniform color and minimal knotting.
Q: What is select grade wood flooring?
A: Select grade wood flooring is made from select grade wood and typically has a small number of small knots and minor color variation. It offers a uniform, consistent, and smooth flooring option.
Q: How do I choose between prime and select grade wood flooring?
A: The choice between prime and select grade wood flooring depends on factors such as price and desired look. Both grades have the same quality, but select grade is usually cheaper. Prime grade is ideal for a flawless, high-class or designer finish, while select grade offers an attractive option with some natural variation.
Q: How can I decide between prime and select grade wood flooring?
A: To make a decision, it’s recommended to visit a supplier’s showroom or request samples of each option to see which appeals to you most. At Wood and Beyond, we offer a showroom and a free sample service to help you choose the right grade of wood flooring.