Choosing the right grade of wood is a crucial step in choosing your new solid wood floor. The grade determines how much naturalness and character the floor will have and how well it will match your interior style. At FEEL WOOD, each plank is carefully graded according to strict rules to bring out the grain and character of the wood. Our experienced staff ensure that each plank meets our high quality standards and offer different grades to suit different interior styles.
What does sorting actually mean?
The grading is based on the appearance of the wood and the number of natural features such as knots, grains and cracks. For example, a plank with many natural features such as large knots and colour variations is more likely to be classified as ‘Rustic’. A plank with an unified surface and few knots is labelled ‘Select’. Grades such as Select, Natur, Markant and Natur/Rustikal give you the opportunity to choose the style of your floor to match your interior.
FEEL WOOD sorting quality
Grading affects the appearance but not the quality or durability of the wood. Wood without knots and with slight colour variations is rare and therefore in a higher price category. However, this does not necessarily mean that the quality of the flooring is better. In fact, floors with more pronounced, natural characteristics may be more resistant to wear and tear, as signs of use are less noticeable. The choice of grade is therefore a matter of personal taste and offers a wide range of design options.
Overview of FEEL WOOD grades and their characteristics
- Select: A particularly even grading with minimal natural features, ideal for a calm, elegant interior design.
- Natur: Combines naturalness and elegance. Slight colour variations and smaller knots give the floor a warm, harmonious look.
- Markant: This grading brings out the vibrancy of the wood, with larger knots and clear colour variations, and is suitable for rustic, inviting interiors.
- Natur/Rustikal: Rustic grading allows for large knots, cracks and vibrant textures. It gives the room an authentic, handcrafted look.
The FEEL WOOD grading characteristics for different types of wood
Grading is carried out by experienced personnel according to strict specifications that vary from species to species. Here are some details of the grading characteristics of different species:
Larch european A/B
- Knots: Permitted in any number up to half the board width at max. 50 % of the quantity; black knots up to 20 mm; black-edged knots up to 35 mm at max. 15% of the total quantity, provided they are firmly intergrown. Broken knots, edge knots and splits are permitted; end grain dowels are unlimited. Large open areas may be partially filled.
- Cracks: Non-continuous cracks provided the overall appearance is not compromised; continuous end cracks up to plank width possible and partially filled.
- Resin galls: A maximum of 5 per board up to a size of 2 cm² and 25% of the number of pieces allowed. Resin leakage is possible.
- Bark ingrowths and core tube: Permitted up to a size of 2 cm² and at 25% of the number of pieces; core tubes at 25% of the total number of pieces.
- Discolouration: Natural discolouration are allowed, but not blue staining.
- Pest infestation: Not permitted.
Larch A/B
- Knots: Permitted in any number up to half the board width at max. 50 % of the quantity; black knots up to 15 mm; black-edged knots up to 25 mm at max. 15% of the total quantity, provided they are firmly intergrown. Broken knots, edge knots and knot cracks are allowed. End-grain dowels are allowed without restriction; large open areas may be partially filled.
- Cracks: Non-continuous cracks permitted as long as the overall impression is maintained; continuous end cracks up to plank width permitted and partially filled.
- Resin galls: Up to 5 per board, up to a size of 2 cm² and 25% of the number of pieces allowed. Resin leakage is possible.
- Bark ingrowths and core tube: Bark ingrowths up to 2 cm² are allowed for 25% of the number of pieces; core tubes are allowed for 25% of the total number of pieces.
- Discolouration: Natural discolouration are allowed, but not blue staining.
- Pest infestation: Not permitted.
Oak natural
- Knots: Healthy knots are allowed in any number up to a maximum diameter of 1/6th of the board width. Dark knots up to 8mm are allowed. Occasional small knots and splits may occur. However, knotholes are not permitted.
- Cracks: Occasional surface cracks are acceptable and will be filled. Hairline cracks are acceptable in isolated cases. Legendary head cracks may be filled.
- Bark ingrowths: Occasionally permitted up to 1 cm².
- Discolouration: Natural discolouration is permissible.
- Rail: Permissible at the edge up to 1/10 of the board width.
- Wood growth: Different grain direction is permissible.
Oak Markant
- Knots: Healthy knots are allowed in any number up to half the width of the board. Dark knots up to 25mm are allowed. Occasional small knots and edge splits are allowed. Cracks will be filled but through knots are not permitted.
- Cracks: Occasional surface cracks are acceptable and will be filled. Hairline cracks are acceptable in isolated cases. Legendary head cracks may be filled.
- Bark ingrowths: Occasionally permitted up to 2 cm².
- Discolouration: Natural discolouration and vivid texture colouring are allowed.
- Rail: Permissible at the edge up to 1/10 of the board width.
- Wood growth: Different grain directions and core boards are allowed.
Oak Natur/Rustikal
- Knots: Healthy knots are permitted in any number up to half the width of the board. Dark knots up to 35 mm in size are permitted. Occasionally, small knots and edge chipping may occur. Cracks are filled, but through knots are not permitted.
- Cracks: Occasional surface cracks are acceptable and will be filled. Hairline cracks are acceptable in isolated cases. Legendary head cracks may be filled.
- Bark ingrowths: Occasionally permitted up to 2 cm².
- Discolouration: Natural discolouration and vivid textures are allowed.
- Rail: Permissible at the edge up to 1/5 of the board width.
- Wood growth: Different grain direction is permissible.
Oak select
- Knots: Solid or dark knotted twigs up to 8 mm in diameter are allowed.
- Cracks: Occasional small surface cracks are acceptable and will be filled. Hairline cracks are acceptable in isolated cases and are also filled.
- Bark ingrowth: Not permitted.
- Discolouration: Natural discolouration is permissible.
- Rail: Not allowed.
- Wood growth: Different grain direction allowed
Ash select/natural
- Knots: Solid growing knots up to 10mm in diameter are allowed.
- Cracks: Occasional surface cracks are acceptable and will be filled. Hairline cracks are acceptable in isolated cases. Legendary head cracks may be filled.
- Bark ingrowth: Not permitted.
- Discolouration: Natural discolouration is permissible.
- Browning: Light-coloured browning is permitted up to 1/4 of the board surface.
- Wood growth: Different grain direction is permissible.
Ash rustic
- Knots: Healthy knots are allowed in any number up to half the width of the board. Dark knots up to 25mm are allowed. Occasional small cracks and edge splits are allowed. Cracks will be filled but through knots are not permitted.
- Cracks: Occasional surface cracks are acceptable and will be filled. Hairline cracks are acceptable in isolated cases. Legendary head cracks may be filled.
- Bark ingrowths: permissible in isolated cases up to a size of 2 cm².
- Discolouration: Natural discolouration is permissible.
- Wood growth: Different grain direction is permissible.
Tips for choosing the right sorting
The way your floor is graded will determine whether it stays in the background or becomes an eye-catcher. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Use hand samples: View samples in your room’s lighting conditions to see how the floor will blend visually.
- Consider the furnishings: Make sure the wood grading matches the style of your furniture and decor.
- Put function before style: In high-traffic areas, more vibrant sorting can help hide signs of wear and make a more lasting impression.
Discover the beauty of natural wood grades
Decorate your home with a floor that has character and has grown naturally. Discover the variety of FEEL WOOD ranges and let your home shine in natural splendour.
If you are not sure which grade is best for your home, our experienced FEEL WOOD partners will be happy to help. Visit one of our local partners for advice and to view samples in advance. Together we can find the perfect grade for your dream floor.
Visit our other blog posts for more tips and inspiration on solid wood flooring.
