When specifying American oak engineered flooring, grade is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It determines the floor’s visual consistency, knot allowance, and overall aesthetic.
At Finefloor, we use a streamlined, project-oriented grading system: AB, ABC, and ABCD—all tailored to meet the quality demands of B2B clients like developers, designers, and distributors.
What Does “Grade” Mean in Flooring?
Flooring grade refers to the visual appearance of the wood’s surface—based on natural features such as:
- Knots (size and frequency)
- Grain consistency
- Color variation
- Sapwood presence
- Surface repairs (if any)
It does not affect the structural integrity of engineered flooring—all our products share the same reliable core construction.
1. AB Grade – Prime Select
Visual Profile:
- Very clean appearance
- Minimal to no knots (tiny, sound knots only)
- Uniform grain and color tone
- Almost no sapwood or filler repairs
Ideal For:
- High-end residential or commercial interiors
- Minimalist, luxury, or Scandinavian design
- Projects where refined consistency is essential
Finefloor Example: Prime AB is our top-tier grade, often used in boutique hotels, showrooms, or premium homes.
2. ABC Grade – Natural Select
Visual Profile:
- Natural variation in tone and grain
- Small, healthy knots allowed
- Occasional sapwood or minor filler use
- Balanced look between clean and character
Ideal For:
- Custom homes, upscale apartments, and designer renovations
- Warm, authentic interiors with some movement
- Projects balancing style and cost
Finefloor Example: ABC is our most popular grade, offering an elegant, natural oak look without sacrificing refinement.
3. ABCD Grade – Rustic Natural
Visual Profile:
- Larger knots, more contrast in tone
- Frequent grain movement and occasional surface repairs
- Natural features preserved for rustic charm
Ideal For:
- Farmhouse, industrial, or vintage-inspired designs
- Commercial spaces that celebrate character (cafés, studios, retail)
- Cost-sensitive projects where personality matters
Finefloor Example: ABCD is often used in our shrunk face and reactive stain series for clients who love visual texture.
Grade Comparison Overview
| Grade | Appearance | Knot Size | Color Variation | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | Ultra clean | Minimal | Very consistent | Luxury projects, showrooms |
| ABC | Natural | Small | Light variation | High-end homes, renovations |
| ABCD | Rustic | Larger | Bold variation | Rustic/industrial designs |
Choosing the Right Grade for Your Project
- Need a clean, premium aesthetic? → Choose AB
- Want natural warmth with elegance? → Choose ABC
- Looking for rustic character and value? → Choose ABCD
“In most of our custom home projects, ABC strikes the perfect balance—it feels upscale but still real.” — Interior Designer, Boston
Why Finefloor Offers All Three
Different projects call for different visuals—and budgets. That’s why we provide:
- Consistent grading across our American oak collections
- Reliable stock with fast lead times
- Sample kits featuring all three grades
- Matching trims, stair treads, and accessories