When shopping for hardwood flooring, you’ll often hear terms like Clear, Select, #1 Common, and #2 Common. These aren’t random marketing labels—they’re official wood floor grades established by the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA), now part of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).
Understanding these grades can help you choose the right floor for your home and budget. Whether you love a clean, elegant look or prefer rustic charm, knowing what each grade means ensures you get the look and quality you expect.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Does “Wood Floor Grade” Mean?
Every board of hardwood flooring comes from a real tree—and trees aren’t perfect. Some boards are clear and uniform, others have knots, color streaks, or mineral marks.
That’s where grading comes in.
The NOFMA grading system sorts boards based on their appearance, not their strength. Every grade—whether Clear or #2 Common—meets the same structural and milling standards. So, a lower grade doesn’t mean lower quality; it simply means the boards show more natural variation.
In short:
- All grades are equally durable.
- The difference is purely aesthetic.
- Higher grades = more uniform look.
- Lower grades = more character and variation.
The 4 Main NOFMA Grades (for Solid Oak Flooring)
NOFMA grading was originally developed for unfinished solid oak, but it applies similarly to other species like maple, hickory, and walnut.
Here are the four main grades explained in simple terms:
| Grade | Appearance | Allowed Features | Average Board Length | Best For |
| Clear | Very uniform, rich color | Minimal marks or knots | ~36″ | Modern or formal interiors |
| Select | Slight color variation | Small tight knots, light streaks | ~33″ | Balanced, natural look |
| #1 Common | Visible color and grain variation | Knots, worm holes, streaks | ~28″ | Warm, rustic feel |
| #2 Common | Highly varied and rustic | Large knots, open marks | ~24″ | Farmhouse or cabin style |
Let’s look at each grade more closely.
1. Clear Grade – The Most Uniform Look
Clear grade is the highest visual grade available. These boards are mostly heartwood—the dense, richly colored part of the tree—with minimal sapwood or imperfections.
You might spot a tiny pin knot or a faint streak here and there, but overall, Clear grade looks smooth, elegant, and consistent. It’s the kind of floor you’d expect to see in a formal dining room or luxury condo.
Clear-grade boards are longer on average (around 3 feet) and have tight, even grain patterns. Because they’re the most uniform—and the hardest to source—they’re also the most expensive.
TL;DR:
If you want a sleek, high-end floor with almost no variation, Clear grade is your top choice. It’s the “cream of the crop” of hardwood flooring.
2. Select Grade – Naturally Beautiful with Subtle Character
Select grade strikes a balance between perfect and natural. It includes both heartwood and sapwood, giving it soft color variation and a touch of personality.
You might see the occasional small knot, light mineral streak, or short grain swirl, but nothing that stands out dramatically. It still looks clean and refined, just with a bit more natural interest than Clear.
Select grade is often sold as “Select & Better”, which means it includes some Clear-grade boards mixed in. This gives you a slightly elevated appearance without the Clear-grade price tag.
It’s one of the most popular grades among homeowners because it looks beautiful, wears well, and feels natural—without going full rustic.
TL;DR:
Select grade = polished but not perfect. Ideal for anyone who wants a high-quality hardwood floor that still shows a little of nature’s charm.
3. #1 Common – Warm and Full of Character
If you prefer a floor that looks like real wood, you’ll love #1 Common (also called “Character Grade”).
This grade has more visible natural features:
- Knots (some tight, some filled)
- Mineral streaks and color variations
- Occasional worm holes or small cracks
#1 Common floors have a warm, rustic feel that makes any space cozy and inviting. The boards are shorter (around 28 inches on average), so the floor will have more seams and variation between planks.
Homeowners often choose #1 Common for farmhouse, craftsman, or traditional homes, where a bit of character enhances the overall aesthetic.
TL;DR:
#1 Common offers authentic personality—a little imperfect and much more affordable than Select or Clear.
4. #2 Common – Rustic, Bold, and Budget-Friendly
#2 Common is the most natural and rustic grade. These boards include almost everything that’s sound and usable from the tree—larger knots, filled holes, wide color swings, and occasional rough spots.
Don’t worry: the wood is still structurally solid. It just looks more rugged and lived-in. Many homeowners call it “Rustic Grade” or “Cabin Grade.”
#2 Common floors work perfectly in farmhouses, cabins, or industrial lofts where that imperfect, weathered look feels right at home. It’s also the most budget-friendly option—just expect more color contrast and shorter boards (averaging 24 inches).
TL;DR:
#2 Common = maximum character and lowest cost. It’s not for perfectionists—but it’s perfect for rustic or laid-back spaces.
Combined Grades: “& Better” and “& Common” Explained
You’ll often see flooring labeled with combined grades like “Select & Better” or “#1 Common & Better.”
Here’s what that means:
- “& Better” = The grade listed plus any higher grades.
- Select & Better includes Select and Clear boards.
- #1 Common & Better includes #1 Common, Select, and Clear.
- Select & Better includes Select and Clear boards.
- “& Common” = The grade listed plus lower ones.
- #2 Common & Better includes mostly #2 Common, with some #1 mixed in.
- #2 Common & Better includes mostly #2 Common, with some #1 mixed in.
These combinations help mills use all parts of the wood efficiently and let customers choose broader price and appearance options.
If you’re comparing products, “Select & Better” is cleaner, while “#1 Common & Better” is more rustic.
Proprietary Grades: “Character,” “Cabin,” and “Rustic”
Some flooring brands use their own names instead of official NOFMA terms. For example:
- Character Grade ≈ #1 Common
- Rustic Grade ≈ #2 Common
- Cabin Grade ≈ Below #2 Common (often sold as-is)
These proprietary names describe the same visual range but may vary slightly between manufacturers. Always ask how their grades compare to NOFMA standards—that’s the gold standard for consistency.
How Grade Affects Price
The cleaner and more uniform the wood, the higher the cost.
That’s because mills get fewer Clear or Select boards from each tree. The rest naturally fall into Common grades with more variation.
Here’s a general idea of pricing for unfinished solid red oak (prices vary by market):
| Grade | Average Price (per sq.ft.) | Typical Use |
| Clear | $8–$10 | Luxury spaces |
| Select | $6–$8 | Premium residential |
| #1 Common | $4–$6 | Mid-range homes |
| #2 Common | $3–$5 | Rustic or budget projects |
While Clear and Select offer refined looks, #1 and #2 Common deliver excellent value. The difference isn’t in performance—it’s purely visual.
If you love a natural, varied floor, choosing a Common grade can save thousands without sacrificing quality.
Why Lower Grades Aren’t “Lesser” Quality
It’s worth repeating: grade affects appearance, not durability.
All NOFMA-certified flooring is milled to the same precise tolerances and kiln-dried to the same moisture content (typically 6–9%). Whether you buy Clear or #2 Common, you’re getting the same structural quality wood—just with different visual features.
In fact, many homeowners prefer Common grades because:
- Minor dents or scratches blend in naturally.
- Each floor looks unique—no two boards are alike.
- It’s easier on the budget.
The only extra consideration is installation: lower grades may require a bit more sorting and trimming to achieve your desired layout. A skilled installer (like Kimminau Floors’ NWFA-certified team) will make sure every board looks intentional.
Quick Visual Comparison
| Grade | Color Variation | Knots & Marks | Overall Look |
| Clear | Very low | Minimal | Elegant & refined |
| Select | Low | Few small marks | Clean & natural |
| #1 Common | Moderate | Noticeable knots | Warm & character-rich |
| #2 Common | High | Large & frequent | Rustic & bold |
Choosing the Right Grade for Your Home
Here’s how to decide what’s best for your project:
- Go Clear or Select if you want a uniform, upscale look that highlights grain and stain evenly. Ideal for modern or minimalist homes.
- Choose #1 Common if you love the character of real wood and want something timeless, warm, and inviting.
- Opt for #2 Common for a farmhouse, cabin, or industrial vibe—it’s affordable, authentic, and full of charm.
Also, think about:
- Lighting: Bright spaces show contrast more clearly.
- Room size: More variation (like in #2 Common) makes large spaces feel cozier but can overwhelm small rooms.
- Stain plans: Lighter finishes highlight variation; darker stains unify it.
The Kansas City Standard: Kimminau Floors’ Expert Touch
At Kimminau Floors, we’ve worked with every grade of wood under NWFA standards—and we help Kansas City homeowners choose wisely. Whether you want high-end Select white oak or a rustic #2 Common red oak with tons of personality, our team ensures your wood meets or exceeds NOFMA grading requirements.
We also help homeowners compare species—like how hickory tends to show more contrast than oak, or how maple appears more uniform even in lower grades.
No matter the grade, a professional installation makes all the difference. Every board is hand-sorted and installed for a beautiful, seamless result.
It’s Ultimately a Style Choice
Wood floor grades are all about appearance, not performance.
The NOFMA system—Clear, Select, #1 Common, #2 Common—gives homeowners a reliable way to compare quality and style across manufacturers.
- Clear: Pristine and polished.
- Select: Balanced and natural.
- #1 Common: Character with warmth.
- #2 Common: Rustic and expressive.
All are equally strong, equally serviceable, and equally timeless—just with different personalities.
Before you buy, decide what story you want your floor to tell. Whether that’s clean and contemporary or full of natural charm – If you’re in KC, Kimminau Floors will help you find the perfect grade, species, and finish for your home. Reach out!
