Understanding Timber Floor Grades: ABC, ABC+, and ABCD Explained
What is Timber Grading?
Timber flooring grades describe the visual character of the wood — the number of knots, colour variations, sapwood inclusions, and grain irregularities present across the boards. They do not reflect structural quality or durability; a lower grade is not a lesser product, simply a different aesthetic.
Understanding grades helps you align your floor selection with the look you're after.
ABC Grade: Clean and Consistent
ABC grade timber is selected for its uniformity. Boards are relatively clear, with minimal knots, consistent colour, and straight, even grain. This is the grade most associated with Scandinavian-style interiors — clean, calm, and contemporary.
If you prefer a sleek, minimal aesthetic with little distraction underfoot, ABC grade is your starting point.
ABC+ Grade: The Balanced Choice
ABC+ introduces a modest amount of natural character — occasional small knots, subtle colour variation, and gentle grain movement — while retaining overall visual harmony. It's the most popular grade in our range for good reason: it offers the warmth of natural timber without the busyness of a fully rustic floor.
Our Amber, Caramel, Pebble, and Sand colourways are all ABC+ grade — versatile enough for contemporary and transitional interiors alike.
ABCD Grade: Full Natural Character
ABCD grade embraces the full spectrum of natural timber variation — prominent knots, bold grain patterns, colour shifts, and sapwood inclusions. This is the grade for those who want a floor with genuine personality and a connection to the material's origins.
Our Fortino, Raw, Saffron, and Silver Gray colourways are ABCD grade — ideal for rustic, industrial, and character-driven interiors.
Which Grade is Right for You?
There is no objectively better grade — only the right grade for your aesthetic. We recommend ordering physical samples before deciding, as the difference between grades is most apparent in person.
"Every knot tells a story. The grade you choose is simply how much of that story you want your floor to tell."
