Hardwood planks are natural products—they’re essentially planks of real wood. However, certain features like color variation, knots and patterns can give it different looks.
Depending on the type of wood you choose, it’s going to be graded based on its final look. There are four grades of wood:
- Select
- #1 Common
- #2 Common
- #3 Common/Rustic
Today’s blog is dedicated to Character Grade wood—a mix of #1 and #2. This type of hardwood flooring is very close to its natural appearance and shows plenty of knots and sap that add to its appeal.
Character grade floors available in two main types: engineered and solid versions.
Should I choose solid or engineered character grade wood flooring?
This depends on the kind of room you’re designing. If you’re installing character grade hardwood flooring in areas that are prone to humidity such as kitchens or bathroom then engineered wood is your best bet. That’s because engineered flooring comes with a veneered surface that’s designed to withstand moisture and temperature changes.
On the other hand, if you’re installing character grade flooring in bedrooms and lounges that don’t come with any kind of under-floor heating, then solid planks will work well for you. At Oak and Broad, we’ve got a wide variety of both, solid and engineered wood flooring, that you can customize to your taste and needs.
What color of character grade flooring looks best?
You should be able to find a wide array of colors in both solid and engineered character grade flooring. At Oak and Broad, we offer everything from soft white to rich black walnut varieties. You’re free to choose a color and finish of your choice, although if you need professional help in designing your new home, our team of experts is always available for an in-depth consultation session on which color to pick.
We usually recommend picking lighter colors to brighten up a room with dark furniture. Darker shades work better with pale furniture. If you’re looking for a more classic, chic effect, then it’s best to stick with the natural color of your wood.
What species of character grade wood should I pick?
The two most common types of character grade wood are white oak and black walnut. White oak has open grain and can range from light gray to warm brown shades. Meanwhile, black walnut planks have a deep, brown shade that makes for extremely attractive home flooring. Both,white oak and black walnut hardwood planks, have their own distinct characteristics but they’re equally beautiful.
If you’d like a detailed discussion on the perfect character grade wood for your home, please get in touch with us here. Just let us know what your dream home should look like and we’ll take care of the rest!