THE
GUIDE

From Forest to Foundation



Understanding wood is about understanding character. Whether you seek the pristine calm of Prime or the raw narrative of Character, this guide decodes the industry standards to help you choose the right foundation for your space.

Wood Grades

Prime Grade Wood Floor
Grade AB

Prime

The purest expression of the timber. Prime grade is rigorously selected to be virtually free of knots (typically <10mm) and sapwood.

Look: Clean, uniform, consistent color. Minimal variation.
Best For: Modern, minimalist, and serene interiors.

Select Grade Wood Floor
Grade ABC

Select

A bridge between perfection and nature. Select grade allows for small knots and slight color variations that naturally occur in the timber.

Look: Natural, classic, with subtle character details.
Best For: Timeless elegant spaces that need a hint of warmth.

Character Grade Wood Floor
Grade CD

Character

Unapologetically rustic. Character grade celebrates the tree's history, featuring large knots, heartwood, filled cracks, and rich color diversity.

Look: Textured, diverse, authentic, and rugged.
Best For: Farmhouse, industrial, or spaces seeking deep visual interest.

The Finish: Oil vs. Lacquer

The finish dictates not just the look, but the life of your floor.


Natural Oil

Mechanism: Penetrates deep into the wood fibers.
Aesthetic: Matte, natural, enhances grain texture.
Living: Scratches are less visible. Spot repairs are easy.

Lacquer / Varnish

Mechanism: Sits on top to form a protective seal.
Aesthetic: Can range from matte to gloss. Smooth to the touch.
Living: Superior spill resistance. Extremely durable.

Applying finish to wood floor

Patterns & Shapes

Herringbone
Herringbone
Herringbone

Rectangular blocks meeting at 90° angles.

Double Herringbone
Double Herringbone
Double Herringbone

Using pairs of blocks for a bolder zig-zag.

Chevron
Chevron
Chevron

Planks cut at angles for a continuous V.

Wood Strip
Wood Strip
Wood Strip

Standard parallel narrow linear planks.

Brick Bond
Brick Bond
Brick Bond

Regular staggered joints, like masonry.

Stack Bond
Stack Bond
Stack Bond

Aligned joints in a perfect grid.

Checkerboard
Checkerboard
Checkerboard

Alternating squares of grain direction.

Mosaic
Mosaic
Mosaic

Small fingers of wood in geometric tiles.

Chantilly
Chantilly
Chantilly

Intricate bordered panels.

Basket Weave
Basket Weave
Basket Weave

Interlaced squares resembling woven strands.

Double Basket Weave
Double Basket Weave
Double Basket Weave

Complex woven geometry.

Versailles
Versailles
Versailles

The royal standard. Diagonal weave in a frame.

Still Unsure?

Touch and feel the difference in our showroom.