Oak Wood Grades

The rules covering oak flooring grades are governed by the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA). The NOFMA grading system is appearance based.

Unfinished

NOFMA divides unfinished strip oak flooring into four grades:
-Clear
-Select
-No. 1 Common
-No. 2 Common

Clear and select grades are further identified by sawing direction:
-Clear Plain
-Clear Quartered
-Select Plain
-Select Quartered

Pre-Finished

NOFMA also maintains separate grading standards for pre-finished oak flooring:
-Prime
-Standard
-Tavern

Learn more about hardwood flooring grades