Grades and species of harwood flooring
There are as many different types of hardwood flooring as there are trees. Well, there are almost as many, and it can be overwhelming when trying to select a grade or species. Some people choose based upon the strength or hardness of the wood. That would be its natural ability to resist nicks and scratches. All hardwood floors on the market will stand up to basic everyday use. So, most people choose based upon what look they want in a particular room or house.
Most of the grades available will be clear, select, common #1, or common #2. These are determined based on what types of wood are used and from where in the tree these woods come. Also, the amount of imperfections or the intended use will be used to classify what grade a particular wood will fall into. These grades are determined by the National Oak Flooring Manufacturer’s Association (NOFMA).
The most common species available are maple, birch, ash, oak, bamboo, walnut, cherry, and fir. It is interesting to note that although bamboo is not actually wood (it’s grass), it’s common usage in the hardwood flooring industry makes it necessary to incude it here in this list.
Even though hardness should not be a deciding factor in the choice of your hardwood floors, keep in mind the differences of species when considering wood flooring. Though many species of american cherry are not as hard as oak, a notable exception is braziallian cherry. It is one of the hardest floors on the market.
http://www.woodfloorsonline.com/techtalk/woodctgrd.html
http://www.hardwoodinstaller.com/hardwoodinstaller/hardness.htm
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