Prime grade
Prime graded timber is characterised by having few, if any very small knots, typically less then 5 millimiters in diameter. The amount of sapwood and filling agents are also down to minimum. A relatively small amount of colour variation will be present in prime graded timber.
Select grade
With the select graded timber we need to expect variations in tone from sapwood to heartwood as well as some knots of small size typically less than 10 millimetres in diameter. There will be some filling agents covering small checks (cracks across the growth ring).
Classic grade
Classic grade represents timber with fewer knots that is mixed with timber containing larger knots. Classic grade floors will show the natural variation of timber without containing the typicalities found in the rustic graded floors. Cracked knots will be in contrast to the surrounding timber and are filled with filling agents enhancing the character of classic grade. Variation in tone of timber is also present.
Character Grade
Character grade allows a wider range of colour variation and comprises of sapwoodand heartwood. Bigger knots that are filled with filling agents intended to complement the surrounding timber will be present and can vary from batch to batch.
Rustic Grade
Rustic grade timber is also know as Natural grade timber. It permits numerous knots that can be of various sizes. All cracks and knots will be filled with a filling agent that will complement the natural structure of the wood. Knots will be in contrast with the surrounding timber. There will be colour variation, fillers, sapwood and heartwood and sometimes cracks across the growth ring.