When embarking on the journey of selecting timber for your new floor, understanding the grading process is essential. Timber grading ensures you get the desired aesthetic and quality for your space. At NS Timber Flooring, we offer a range of premium timber products and believe that an informed customer is a satisfied customer. Let’s explore the nuances of timber grading to help you make the best choice for your flooring needs.
Why Timber Grading Matters
Timber grading is a method of sorting timber based on the presence and size of natural features like knots, gum veins, and past borer activity. These features contribute to the character and appearance of the timber, but their presence and extent can vary significantly. Grading ensures you receive a consistent quality of timber, tailored to your specific requirements and aesthetic preferences.
In Australia, timber grading follows the Australian Standard AS 2796 – Timber – Hardwood – Sawn and Milled Products. This standard categorizes timber into three primary grades: Select, Standard, and Rustic. Each grade offers a unique look and feel, allowing you to choose the perfect timber for your home.
Select Grade: The Premium Choice
Overview
Select Grade, also known as Premium Grade, represents the cleanest and most refined option available. This grade features timber with minimal natural imperfections, offering a sleek and uniform appearance. The subtle features permitted in this grade, such as short narrow gum veins, are few and far between.
Ideal For
If you desire a sophisticated and polished look for your floor, Select Grade timber is ideal. The minimal natural features mean the timber’s grain and colour take centre stage, creating a seamless and elegant finish. This grade is particularly well-suited for modern and contemporary interiors where a clean, minimalist aesthetic is desired.
Standard Grade: A Balance of Character and Elegance
Overview
Standard Grade, also referred to as Feature Grade, strikes a balance between natural character and refinement. This grade includes timber with more noticeable features than Select Grade, offering a floor with greater visual interest and personality. Expect to see more gum veins, knots, and traces of past borer activity, which contribute to the timber’s unique charm.
Ideal For
If you appreciate the natural beauty of timber and want your floor to tell a story, Standard Grade is an excellent option. The added character elements bring warmth and authenticity to your space, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The extent and type of features can vary depending on the timber species, adding to the appeal of Standard Grade timber.
Rustic Grade: Embracing Natural Beauty
Overview
Rustic Grade, also known as Heavy Feature Grade, is all about embracing the raw, natural beauty of timber. This grade showcases timber with the most pronounced features, including longer and wider gum veins, more frequent borer activity, and other distinctive marks. Rustic grade timber offers a truly unique and organic appearance, perfect for those who love a rugged, natural aesthetic.
Ideal For
Choosing Rustic Grade timber means your floor will have a high level of visual interest and character. The prominent natural features create a dynamic and textured look that can be a focal point in any room. Rustic Grade is particularly popular in rustic, farmhouse, and industrial-style interiors, where the natural imperfections of the timber add to the overall charm and appeal.
Left to right: Select Grade, Standard Grade, Rustic Grade
Making the Right Choice
Aesthetic Preferences
Think about the look you want to achieve in your space. If you prefer a clean, uniform appearance, Select Grade timber is the way to go. For a balance of elegance and character, Standard Grade offers the best of both worlds. If you love the rugged, natural look, Rustic Grade is the perfect choice.
Interior Style
Consider the style of your home’s interior. Modern and minimalist spaces often benefit from the sleek appearance of Select Grade timber. Traditional and transitional interiors can be enhanced with the charm of Standard Grade timber. Rustic and industrial designs thrive with the bold character of Rustic Grade timber.
Practical Considerations
Keep in mind the practical aspects of your flooring choice. Higher-grade timbers like Select Grade may require less maintenance due to their minimal natural features. On the other hand, the more pronounced features in Rustic Grade timber can help hide minor wear and tear, making it a practical option for high-traffic areas.
Seeing is Believing
One of the best ways to understand the differences between timber grades is to see them in person. At NS Timber Flooring, we invite you to visit our Brisbane showroom, where you can explore our extensive range of timber flooring options. Our knowledgeable team is on hand to guide you through the grading process and help you find the perfect timber for your project.
So what’s next
Understanding timber grading is essential when selecting the right timber for your new floor. By familiarising yourself with the different grades – Select, Standard, and Rustic – you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.
At NS Timber Flooring, we pride ourselves on offering the finest quality timber products, backed by professional service and expert advice. Whether you’re after the refined elegance of Select Grade, the balanced character of Standard Grade, or the bold beauty of Rustic Grade, we have the perfect timber to bring your vision to life.
Visit our Brisbane showroom or contact our team today to learn more about our timber flooring options and how we can help you create a stunning and lasting floor for your home.
