The grade of a wood floor represents is appearance. Since each plank is unique, we have classified them according to their variations in color and the character marks that are naturally present in the wood flooring. The choice of grade is, in fact, a matter of appearance.

FOR THE MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT APPALACHIAN FLOORING’S GRADING SYSTEM, PLEASE REFER TO OUR

GRADE SPECIFICATIONS DOCUMENT

Hickory

# Excel
Character marks Colour variation Micro cracks Mineral streaks Pin knots Pin knots
# Excel
Colour variation Micro cracks Mineral streaks Pin knots Small filled knots

Maple

# Prestige
Mineral streaks Nuanced coloration Pin knots
# Prestige
Mineral streaks Nuanced coloration Pin knots
# Excel
Character marks Colour variation Micro cracksMicro cracks Mineral streaks Pin knots Small filled knots
# Excel
Colour variation Micro cracks Mineral streaks Pin knots Small filled knots
# Live Sawn
Filled and open knots Pronounced coloration Mineral streaks Character marks Splits Pin knots

Red Oak

# Prestige
Mineral streaks Nuanced coloration Pin knots
# Prestige
Mineral streaks Nuanced coloration Pin knots
# Excel
Character marks Colour variation Micro cracks Mineral streaks Pin knots Small filled knots
# Excel
Colour variation Micro cracks Mineral streaks Pin knots

White Oak

# Prestige
Mineral streaks Nuanced coloration Pin knots
# Advantage
Character marks Colour variation Micro cracks Mineral streaks Pin knots Small filled knots
# Excel
Character marks Colour variation Mineral streaks Pin knots Small filled knots Splits
# Live Sawn
Character marks Colour variation Filled and open knots Micro cracks Pin knots Splits

Yellow Birch

# Excel
Character marks Colour variation Mineral streaks Pin knots Small filled knots
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Sawing Methods

Plain Sawn

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Plain sawing or flat sawing is the usual method employed in transforming logs into lumber destined for the production of hardwood floors. The wood cut yields the distinctive arch pattern in the grain.

Rift & Quarter Sawn

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Rift sawing and Quarter sawing (only available with our White Oak products) produce a vertical or parallel grain pattern on the board face. This method yields magnificent tiger stripe patterns on the surface of the wood.