What Does “Grade” Mean?
The grade of oak flooring is defined by each planks natural features – including defects, grain pattern and overall visual appeal. Grading can be affected by the following:
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Knots (size and frequency)
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Colour variation between boards
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Natural splits, checks and sapwood content
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Overall consistency in grain and tone
Whether you’re choosing solid oak flooring or engineered oak flooring, the grading system remains consistent.
Every Grade, Same High Standards
Regardless of grade, all Peak Oak flooring is crafted to the same exacting standards using sustainably sourced European oak. Each board is precision milled and finished to ensure long-term durability and beauty.
Rustic Grade
Barn grade, or rustic/pub grade is renowned for its high number of knots, burns, colour streaks, shakes, cracks and even holes.
These features give the boards their distinctive character – ideal for use in restoring an old barn or fitting out a rustic pub.
Character Grade
Character is the most commonly found grade of oak flooring, with occasional knots of differing sizes and wide colour variation.
This grade sometimes includes the odd hairline shake too.
Character grade oak flooring is the perfect “Jack of all trades” and looks good in everything from a barn conversion to a modern flat.
Select Grade
Select grade solid oak flooring is essentially a finer version of character grade with fewer knots, shakes and cracks as well as less colour variation.
If you are looking for a “cleaner” look for your floor, select grade offers the best compromise between character grade and prime grade.
Prime Grade
If you are looking for utter perfection from your oak flooring, prime grade is as close as you will come.
Taken from the centre of the oak round (where the growth rings are most tightly packed) prime grade flooring is virtually free from any knots, shakes and burrs. Each tree only produces a small quantity of these boards.
Need Help Choosing?
We encourage you to use this page as a guide to selecting the oak grade that aligns with your personal style, space and vision. If you are unsure, our team is always happy to offer advice or send out samples to help you decide.
Tip: Viewing samples in your own lighting and decor setting is the best way to understand how each grade will look in your space.
Further Reading
How to Choose Between Solid and Engineered Oak Flooring
Making The Grade: UK Hardwood Timber: Auther Forestry Commison
