Wood Flooring Grades Explained: Rustic, Nature & Prime

hello403073
Jun 10
2 min read

When choosing a wood floor, most people focus on colour or finish, but the grade of the timber has just as much impact on the final look.

Grades don’t refer to quality (all our flooring is made to the same high standards). They describe the natural features you’ll see on the surface, like knots, sapwood, and colour variation.

At Natura Wood Floors, we supply three distinct grades: Rustic A/B, Nature Grade, and Prime Grade. Here’s what each one means and how to choose the right fit for your home.

Rustic A/B Grade

Rustic A/B is full of personality. It celebrates the natural features of oak knots, grain patterns, sap, and tonal shifts that make each board unique.

Rustic A/B Grade Sample

Grading Rules:

Knots: Unlimited healthy knots. Filled cracked knots up to 60mm, filled dead knots up to 30mm (with replacement knots if larger). No limit on total knots.
Other Features: Limited bark pockets, splits up to 3mm (max 20% of board). No worm holes allowed.
Sap Content: Edge sap allowed up to 30% of board width; core sap up to 15%.
Colour: Natural variation allowed; small amounts of dark heartwood permitted.

Best for: Period homes, barn conversions, relaxed interiors, anyone who wants a floor with character.

Nature Grade

Nature Grade is a good middle ground. It offers some character, like a few knots and tonal shifts, but with more consistency than Rustic.

Nature Grade Sample

Grading Rules:

Knots: Healthy knots up to 30mm; filled cracked/dead knots up to 30mm/20mm. Max 5 knots per board.
Other Features: No bark pockets, splits, or worm holes.
Sap Content: No edge sap; core sap up to 5%.
Colour: Natural variation allowed; no dark heartwood.