What does “Character Grade” mean?

Often, when researching an unfamiliar product or topic, we are exposed to new terminologies. This is especially true when looking for hardwood floors.

Adding to the unfamiliarity, some widely used hardwood flooring terms are universal while others are brand specific. “Grade” happens to be the perfect example of a common Hardwood Flooring term that can have different meanings from manufacturer to manufacturer. As example, some manufacturers utilize official lumber grading standards to describe their floors. Though precise, lumber grading standards are complex and can be daunting to the everyday consumer.

To reduce confusion, the Chelsea Plank Flooring product line is sorted into three grades: Select, Character, and Extreme Character. Our three grades are defined as follows: 

·        Select Grade: Knot and bird peck free. May include color variation and mineral streaking (except for Classic Light Maple).   

·        Character Grade: Includes closed knots, partially open knots, bird peck, worm holes and mineral streaking.

·        Extreme Character Grade: Includes open knots, bark pockets, bird peck, worm holes and mineral streaking.  

Another confusing term is “Distressed”. Where “Grade” refers to the level of natural imperfects, “Distressed” means the floor includes manufactured or man-made imperfections. Examples of distressing are texturing (wire brushing), denting and various types of saw marks.

It is the confluence of Grade and Distressing that defines Chelsea Plank Flooring’s four distinctive flooring series:

·        Chateau Series: Select Grade

·        Craftsman Series: Character Grade

·        Cottage Series: Character Grade/Distressed

·        Lodge Series: Extreme Grade/Distressed

All said, the charm of a ¾” solid hardwood floor is that the appearance of every installation is unique, and we hope our Series system simplifies these flooring terminologies, allowing you to concentrate on selecting the prefect floor for your lifestyle and motif.