Wood Grades

Wood Grades: Hardwood flooring grades that define the look. You define the rest.

No two planks are the same—and that’s the beauty of wood. At Alexandra, our grading system is about style, texture, and visual attitude. Whether you gravitate toward Select or Character, each grade offers a unique aesthetic palette. Ready to discover what makes each grade special? Let’s walk you through it.

	Design Versatility Choose from subtle to striking character marks to match your aesthetic vision.
	Authentic Personality Knots, mineral streaks, and natural variation aren’t flaws—they’re features!
	Intentional Simplicity Our grading system is straightforward, so you can focus on what matters: the look you love.

 

GRADE ‘A’ STYLE: WHAT IS A WOOD GRADE?

So, what’s a wood grade? It’s how we describe the natural look of hardwood, not its quality (that’s a given with Alexandra). Grades help set expectations for color variation, knots, mineral streaks, and other unique quirks, creating a shared language for homeowners, designers, and installers.

A quick tip: wood grade and species aren’t the same. Species determine the overall tone and grain, while grades let you choose how much natural accent or refined calm you want across your floor.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the beautiful characteristics that make every Alexandra hardwood floor a true original.

 

 

 

EVERY FLOOR HAS ITS BEAUTY MARKS: WHAT ARE GRADE CHARACTERISTICS?

Wood, like skin, has natural marks, textures, and tones that tell a story of growth and time. These unique details give hardwood its unmistakable character. Here’s what to watch for as you explore your options.

• COLOR VARIATION

Colors within a single plank can distinctly shift from creamy whites and soft beiges to honey golds, warm caramels, rich chestnuts, and deep browns. Each species varies in how much color variation it naturally shows.

Across the entire floor, color variation comes from the mix of light and dark planks. Skilled installers arrange the boards to create a smooth, balanced look, whether you prefer uniform tones for a cohesive look or contrasting light and dark board for dynamic energy.

 

Possible color variation Wood is a natural material that reacts to light. Some variation is to be expected in all species, but in some the change in color can be more pronounced.

^{Oak Taupe Select Brushed Matte}

 

• KNOTS

 

Knots mark where a tree branch once met the trunk, appearing as dark rings, swirls, or occasional small holes in the grain. They vary in shape, size, color, and pattern, giving every floor its unique, natural personality without affecting durability. You’ll see two types: Closed knots (sound knots) are tight and solid, adding texture without affecting the surface. Open knots (unsound knots) may show small gaps but do not affect board strength, especially in engineered planks.

 

• MINERAL STREAKS

Mineral streaks form when living trees absorbs minerals from the soil, creating streaks, lines, or patches of color running through the grain. Shades range from light gray, tan, and olive green to deep browns, purples, blues, and near-black. These natural marks don’t weaken the wood or sand out.

 

• SURFACE HOLES

Surface holes aren’t true holes but small, shallow pin-sized marks that vary slightly in size and distribution. Typically caused by environmental factors such as temperature shifts or humidity changes, they do not affect the floor’s strength or durability.

 

• OTHER CHARACTER OR MILLING MARKS

 

Since hardwood is a living material, additional marks not previously mentioned may appear on the surface. In addition to the wood’s natural characteristics, subtle marks may also result from cutting processes during manufacturing. These are not considered defects and do not affect the integrity of your floor.

 

OUR WOOD GRADES: ALL-NATURAL CHARACTER OR A SLEEK SELECT LOOK

 

Achieve your perfect style for any space by choosing between the two distinct wood grades.

 

Character Grade – Authentically Bold Embrace the rich, organic beauty of hardwood with the Character grade, an expressive option that reveals wood just as nature intended. Expect pronounced color variation, open and closed knots, mineral streaks, and other distinctive marks that tell the story of the tree’s growth. The nature of Character grade floors explains the appearance of certain characteristics, such as cracks that could develop over time, adding even greater personality to your floor. This grade is perfect for a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with a sense of grounded authenticity. Interior styles that shine with the Character grade include countryside, coastal and eclectic designs, where bold contrasts and natural imperfections deliver a warmth no synthetic flooring can match.		Select Grade – Timelessly Sophisticated Achieve understated elegance with some pronounced and nuanced coloration with the Select grade, designed for those who love a clean, seamless look. It offers refined consistency, with a limited range of color variations, closed knots, and discreet mineral streaks, creating a sleek, even flow across the floor. This grade’s flawless, gallery-quality look pairs beautifully with modern, contemporary, Scandinavian, transitional, and minimalist styles, where clean lines and simplicity shine. Whether grounding a neutral palette or offsetting bold elements, the Select grade hardwood delivers a chic, natural backdrop of subtle luxury and timeless appeal.

 

GRADE EXPECTATIONS: HOW TO REACH YOUR DESIGN ASPIRATIONS

At Alexandra, all our shades are available in both Select and Character grades. Browse our product pages to preview and switch between the swatches.

Ordering free samples is a great way to start your project but bear in mind that small samples can’t capture the full extent of wood characteristics. The true beauty of the wood grade emerges only when viewed across multiple planks on a larger scale.

For the best impression, visit one of our expert retailers. Larger display boards show the full range of color, grain, and grade variation. Wood is a living material, so some variation between samples and installed floors is natural—and part of the charm!

 

Ready to see the full beauty of Alexandra floors in person? Visit a certified showroom near you! Get started: Find a retailer.