Hardwood Flooring Grades Explained:
Select, #1 Common, #2 Common & More
Hardwood flooring grades confuse almost every homeowner. Here's the plain-English explanation — and which grade is right for your Michigan home.
Hardwood Flooring Grades — From Cleanest to Most Character
Clear / Select & Better
Grade 1 of 5QHM Expert Insight
Select & Better is the premium grade — clean, consistent, and expensive. It's what most people picture when they think of "perfect" hardwood. We carry it in red oak, white oak, and maple.
#1 Common
Grade 2 of 5QHM Expert Insight
#1 Common is our best-selling grade. It has enough character to look natural and warm, but not so much that it looks rustic. It's the sweet spot for most Michigan homes.
#2 Common
Grade 3 of 5QHM Expert Insight
#2 Common is the rustic choice. The knots, color variation, and sapwood give it a natural, organic look that works beautifully in the right home. It's also the most affordable solid hardwood grade.
Character / Rustic
Grade 4 of 5QHM Expert Insight
Character grade is the most natural-looking option. Each board is unique. We see growing demand for character grade white oak in Michigan — the organic look pairs perfectly with the natural interior trend.
Rift & Quartersawn Select
Grade 5 of 5QHM Expert Insight
Rift and quartersawn select is the premium choice for modern Michigan homes. The tight, consistent grain is stunning but commands a significant price premium over flat-sawn select.
See Every Grade in Person
We carry all grades in red oak, white oak, maple, and more. Come to our Rochester Hills showroom and see the difference side by side.